Minor Research Projects
The minor research project may be completed elsewhere in the Netherlands or abroad. Many students have seized and seize this opportunity to widen their scope. The minor research project may also be replaced by a specific profile. A profile contains theoretical and practical components in the field of Management (M profile), Teaching and Communication (C&E profile) or Drug Regulatory Sciences (DRS profile).
Life sciences skills are combined with 33 credits of courses in management and business economics, which can be completed in lieu of the six-month research project in any of the Life Sciences MSc programmes. The 'Fundamentals of Business and Economics' (FBE) course consists of eight intensive modules and four workshops.
This involves a 33-credit programme, offering a theoretical and practical introduction to science communication and education. This profile prepares students for careers in science journalism or communications, for example, in both commercial and non profit organisations.
'Drug Regulatory Sciences' (DRS) profile
A new profile, 'Drug Regulatory Sciences' started in September 2006. The Life Sciences students of most MSc programmes are eligible for this profile. Many of these students pursue a career in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry – often in research – after obtaining a PhD. Others find work in regulatory affairs, often without completing a PhD, completing internal company training instead. In fact, hundreds of people work full time in regulatory affairs, associated with such organisations as the Medicines Evaluation Agency (MEA – comparable to the FDA) or the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). Here the key issue addressed is whether a molecule or substance will positively (or negatively) contribute to public health. In the DRS profile, which aims to provide basic knowledge in this important new field, the six-month research project is replaced by courses and a traineeship. The courses are taught by MEA staff who are experts in the field of regulatory affairs.