Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences

Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences focuses on understanding molecular-level cellular function and rests at the crossroads of chemical, biological, physical and computational science. The research groups participating in Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences belongs to the Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, the Institute of Biomembranes, or the Institute for Biocomplexity and Biology (see participating organisations).



Designed to communicate this unique field of research to a new generation of students, this MSc programme is research-oriented and takes a multidisciplinary approach. You will learn a wide range of state-of-the-art techniques, including advanced methodologies in developmental genetics, cell biology and structural biology. You will acquire extensive knowledge of molecular recognition and regulation, cell signalling, membrane biogenesis and sorting, chemical approaches to biology and genomics/proteomics.

Powerful modelling systems which have already been established will be even more effective when used in combination. The programme offers expert training in several of the most prominent biological models, including bacteria (E. coli), fungi (Aspergillus niger), plants (Arabidopsis thaliana) and animals (C. elegans, locusts and zebrafish), as well as cultured mammalian and insect cells.

In the past, research has often focused on a single level of observation: molecules, cells, tissues or organisms. The current challenge is to bring all these levels together into a comprehensive understanding of life. Courses and research projects in the programme emphasise crossing former boundaries.

The programme offers you considerable freedom to choose a specific field within the Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences. A tailor-made programme can be developed to suit your personal interests.

''We consider it very important to offer our students a broad-based education."
Gerrit van Meer, Professor of Membrane Enzymology