Testimonials
Veer Shah, student
"Biology has been a key interest of mine ever since a young age. Over time, I developed new interests combining different aspects of chemistry, physics, pharmaceutics and a lot more. I am fascinated by understanding what is going on, both in and around us. Studying Molecular and Biophysical Life Sciences (MBLS) allows me to learn about all of those things on a molecular scale and really get to understand the key processes taking place in life around us. For example, genetics and inheritance are topics that I’m fascinated by. Through a high number of contact hours, a mixture of large and small group work in addition to interesting course content, MBLS has allowed me to deepen my knowledge in these subjects and discuss topics with equally enthusiastic peers and teachers.
The topics we cover in MBLS are in-depth and don’t just ‘scratch the surface’ of what’s out there and by following one of the study paths, you can follow courses and study topics in even more detail by tailoring your bachelor program to your interests and passions. Through electives and free electives, you get even more opportunities to study what interests you even if it isn’t specifically related to MBLS. Through all of this, it results in the bachelor program being full of exciting courses and information and it really lets you pick what you enjoy studying.
In the future, I aim to move to the business side of biotech and pharmaceuticals and be able to apply my in-depth knowledge that I will have gained through completing my MBLS bachelor in a different environment compared to research and academia."
Rachel Oei, exchange student
Moving to Australia has been a dream come true, coming from someone who has always aspired to live abroad. I am currently in my last year of MBLS, enjoying a full semester abroad at Monash University, and I am excited to tell you all about it!
To start off, as a way to fully dive into the university experience, I am writing my Bachelor’s thesis here. Writing a thesis abroad is quite an unconventional route, but it shows just how flexible our study is, and what some of the possibilities are. Right from the start, when I had the idea, up to the final execution, my study coordinators at Utrecht University were very excited about this opportunity and were eager to help me through it all.
I was able to find a project in the pharmacology department, where I studied the effect of microplastics on the lungs, using a special model called Precision Cut Lung Slices under the supervision of Prof. Jane Bourke. It was an amazing experience to say the least, especially being able to work with mice, and even perform surgeries myself!
Outside of the lab hours, I was able to enjoy all that Melbourne has to offer. Apart from going on adventurous camping trips and diving into nature, I would highly recommend anyone who is studying abroad to mingle with the locals (and contribute to the community as much as possible!). Think about working, or even volunteering. I personally worked at the Australian Formula 1, where I made loads of Australian friends. And recently, I joined the Friends of Karkarook Park, replanting indigenous plants like “kangaroo grass” and “wallaby grass” (not kidding with this one..). It will definitely help you settle into a foreign country very quickly, while having a blast!
Our study offers students a very wide range of destinations all over the whole World, so whether it will be Australia or any other country, I am sure that you will have a great time, and that you will learn a lot!
Giselle Verdonschot, alumna
"After high school, I was really excited to dive into molecular life sciences. I’ve always been fascinated by chemistry, biology, and physics, and after exploring several programmes in the Netherlands, Molecular and Biophysical Life Sciences (MBLS) at Utrecht University really stood out. What I loved about the programme is that it’s so unique — it’s super broad, but topics also get explained on a very deep level. Plus, the solid first year and the freedom to shape the later years around my own interests really appealed to me — this way nobody really studies exactly the same thing. Since all courses at UU come in 7.5 ECTS blocks, it’s easy to mix and match subjects from different disciplines and bachelor programmes.
The programme opened up so many opportunities. In my second and third years, I joined the MBLS and faculty-wide Honours Programme, which let me explore topics outside the standard curriculum, work on interdisciplinary projects, and improve my communication and teamwork skills. The community I found through MBLS and honours — which is very international — was amazing; I met so many like-minded people who became good friends.
After graduating, I was fortunate to be offered a research assistant position at UMC Utrecht, where I work on nanobody-based immunotherapy for medulloblastoma, a pediatric brain tumour. I’m really grateful for this chance to build my research skills and get ready for what’s next.
Soon, I’ll start a new adventure: the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Innovative Medicine. It’s a selective programme across several European universities — I’ll begin in Heidelberg and then hope to move on to ETH Zurich and Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. I’m excited to explore the development of biological therapeutics, from fundamental science to biotech innovation and patient impact. After that, I hope to pursue a PhD. MBLS gave me a great foundation for this path, and I can’t wait to see where it leads."
Zeno Diepstraten, honours student
"After the first semester of my bachelor’s program, I was eager to delve deeper into what I had learned during my courses. Additionally, what remained after years of diverse high school education was an interest in fields of science beyond that of my own. For these reasons, I jumped at the opportunity of joining the honours program.
Being that the honours program includes both a disciplinary, deepening component and a Faculty of Science-wide, broadening component, the program is perfect for those interested in extending their horizons. The disciplinary component of the program comprises self-organized meetings about a broad range of topics associated with MBLS. For example, guest lectures about zombie ants and advanced microscopy techniques, a visit to a forensic science lab, but also social get-togethers like pub quizzes. Additionally, as part of the interdisciplinary Science Honours Academy, I attended symposia on topics ranging from AI and robotics to nutrition and food science organized by fellow honours students from diverse scientific backgrounds. The honours program even extends beyond borders with an annual international trip. During my visit to Paris, I not only had the opportunity to visit Sorbonne University but also got to explore the city with a bunch of new friends.
For me, the honours program was a welcomed change of pace from my bachelor program and has taught me a lot. I have made amazing new friends and learned to be more independent and confident in my ideas as a student. Moreover, I am glad I got to nurture some of my interests beyond my bachelor program and learn about topics I would have never encountered otherwise. All in all, joining the honours program has been a wonderful experience!"