Major in Science

Fields of study: 

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Earth & Environment
• Mathematics
• Medical Science
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Physics

To obtain a degree in Science (Bachelor of Science) your curriculum must satisfy a number of criteria.

You must take at least twelve courses in the Science department. Four of these courses must be at the advanced 3-level (one of which is the research thesis). You must complete tracks in at least two different fields of study within the Science department. A track is a 3-level course and the prerequisite 1- and 2-level courses that lead up to it.

One of these 12 courses is Science Laboratory. The course aims to introduce students to the practical aspects and experimental possibilities of research in the various science disciplines. The goal is to recognize the characteristics of the experimental research process and to develop research capacities by doing experiments. Science laboratory courses are taught at the laboratory facilities of the Utrecht University science faculty.

All Science majors take an introductory mathematics course to satisfy the Mathematics requirement.

The Science major is concluded with a research thesis, to be written in the third year. Such a research project will include designing a research plan based on literature study of the theoretical background of both the subject and the research methods, conducting the proposed research involved, evaluating the results obtained and reporting on them according to the standard scientific practice in the field involved in a presentation and in writing.

The thesis not only serves as a final test of your academic and disciplinary capabilities, but will also allow you to showcase these capabilities when applying for a job or Master’s program.

Pre-med

Students who wish to study medicine or apply for a program in a related field (like biomedical science) after UCU must take certain courses in life science, biomedical science and chemistry. This body of courses is referred to as the pre-med track. Pre-med is not a separate degree or status; rather it can serve as a requirement for a future in medicine.

With a completed pre-med track you may, for example, apply to SUMMA, Utrecht University’s medical master. Although access to this program cannot be guaranteed a large percentage of SUMMA students are UCU graduates.