Molecular and Biophysical Life Sciences

Study life from different perspectives

Are you fascinated by life at the molecular and cellular level? Do you have a broad interest in the natural sciences? The interdisciplinary Bachelor’s programme Molecular and Biophysical Life Sciences (MBLS) combines biology, chemistry, physics and the pharmaceutical sciences to study life from different perspectives. The MBLS programme will equip you to make meaningful contributions to our understanding of life and to address life science related societal challenges.

I would really like to learn more about how and why molecules in the cell move around and how this drives the processes of life.

MBLS is an international English-taught programme with a strong link to modern life science research. MBLS may just be the right programme for you if you are interested in questions like: 

• How do biomolecules function in health and disease? 

• How can we see molecules at atomic resolution inside cells? 

• How can proteins act as molecular motors? 

• How can we modify plants and microorganisms to solve sustainability issues? 

• How can we make molecules to fight infectious diseases? 

• How can we use computers to model life at the molecular and cellular level? 

A solid foundation 

In the first three semesters (1½ years) of the programme you learn fundamental concepts and research methods of the various disciplines. In the wet lab and during computer practicals you will become familiar with techniques to study biomolecules in isolation or inside cells and even in atomic detail. You will learn the basics of programming and bioinformatics to explore the vast amount of data produced in the modern life sciences. 

Shape your own programme 

After completing your basic training you have substantial freedom to follow your own interests and ambitions by choosing subjects both within and outside this Bachelor’s. To assist you in shaping your own programme MBLS elective courses have been grouped in four different themes: 

• Genes to Organisms 

• Molecules and Cells 

• Molecules and Medicine 

• Biophysics and Modeling 

The crown on your Bachelor’s is a three-month research project in which you put all skills and academic competences you acquired into practice. MBLS provides an excellent basis for a broad range of Master’s programmes in the Netherlands and abroad. 

Community building & support 

• Introductory social activities during the first two weeks of study;  

• Personal guidance by a mentor (student) and tutor (teacher) in the transition from high school to university and in making choices during your study programme;  

• A study association (Amino) which organises the selling of textbooks, social activities, workshops and excursions, and a buddy programme for international students. 

As an MBLS undergraduate student you will study and perhaps live in the Utrecht Science Park, a vibrant environment where academic teaching, research, biotech, and entrepreneurship come together. 

Educational approach 

• Small scale education with active learning, choice and student responsibility. 

• A well-connected curriculum with freedom to shape your own programme. 

• Hands-on research training through lab practicals 

• Collaboration in small groups on real-life projects and problems in the Life Sciences 

• Strong integration of teaching and research 

• Study in an international classroom 

• International collaborations with other universities to study or perform your thesis research project abroad. 

Outstanding University 

Studying at Utrecht University means studying at one of the world's best universities. Utrecht University is the best research university in the Netherlands according to the prestigious, Shanghai Ranking, an annual Academic Ranking of World Universities by the University of Shanghai (ARWU). Utrecht University has been the best ranking Dutch university since the first ARWU ranking was published in 2003. 

Studie in Cijfers

Would you like to compare this programme with the national average? View the results of Studie in Cijfers (in Dutch). Source: Studiekeuze123