Tracks
You will have the opportunity to explore one of three tracks, allowing you to gain in-depth knowledge in either Toxicology, Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology or One Health.
A track entails two weeks of advanced coursework. During the remainder of this programme, you can choose to combine these tracks, allowing for a broad and interdisciplinary choice of education. Moreover, contents of research projects can overlap between the different tracks.
Toxicology
The Toxicology track allows you to dive deep into the molecular mechanisms underlying toxic actions of chemicals and physical hazards in humans and animals. During the course, you will learn how exposures, like microplastics and environmental pollutants, specifically interfere with the immune, neuronal and/or endocrine system. Research projects include the entire range of toxicology topics from the cell to whole organism – from humans to animals and from fundamental to applied research.
Exposure science and environmental epidemiology
The Exposure science and environmental epidemiology track will give you insight into the exposome concept and state-of-the art data analysis methods and models used to analyse associations between environmental exposures and health. Research projects include field work, ranging from collecting air, water and soil samples or measuring exposure to pesticides near residential areas. You can also conduct occupational exposure experiments, such as assessing exposure to electromagnetic fields in electric bus drivers. Data-driven students can immerse themselves in analysing epidemiological data from many of our in-house cohort studies under the supervision of our experienced researchers and epidemiologists.
One Health
The One Health track allows you to further explore the integration of different disciplines to study the health and well-being of humans and animals related to their cohabitation, taking into account environmental, social, ecological and economical aspects. During the course, you will learn more about core concepts of microbiology and infectious diseases, including antimicrobial resistance, molecular epidemiology and (re)emerging infectious diseases. Research projects include the entire range of both non-infectious and infectious One Health topics. Both experimental and observational studies lie within possibilities. Collaboration within and between different research projects will be stimulated.