Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences
| Duration | 2 years |
|---|---|
| EC | 120 |
As a student in the Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences (MCLS) programme, you are engaged in research-oriented, multidisciplinary training that explores molecular mechanisms related to health and disease in cells and organisms. Your work can span fundamental research — such as protein folding and cellular dynamics — or applied topics like crop improvement and enzyme development for industrial use.
Year 1
Begin your journey with the Life Sciences Academy (1.5 EC) by participating in the Introducing Life Sciences (ILS) week. After this week, you devote ten weeks to compulsory Courses (15 EC). You start with a six-week soft landing combining the Concepts in Science for Life course and your general track course (see MCLS tracks tab below for your courses). In Concepts in Science for Life, you will explore research topics, attend networking lunches, and join an internship market to connect with potential supervisors.
At the same time, your general track course introduces core topics in your field and gives you time to arrange your Major Research Project (51 EC). Together, these courses help you ease into the programme and start shaping your research path.
You can further expand your knowledge, broaden your profile, or complete a mini-project by selecting from the Elective Component (12 EC).
Compulsory courses
Year 2
You will complete your Major Research Project (51 EC), in which you gained extensive research experience. Additionaly, you will follow one of the Profiles (33 EC) to broaden your expertise and explore new areas of interest. Conclude your programme with a Writing Assignment (7.5 EC) that refines your scientific writing and critical analysis skills.
Compulsory components
Connection to research
Your Major Research Project is typically carried out in one of the MCLS-affiliated research groups. You can find detailed information about possible spots for your research project in the Teams environment of the Master's programme. During this time, you will join a research team that aligns with your track, and gain hands-on experience — from designing and conducting experiments to analysing data and writing your thesis.