Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences

Medical knowledge in recent decades has evolved exponentially, resulting in a new division of labour: while doctors mainly concern themselves with patient diagnosis and treatment, other medical researchers investigate what causes diseases. In the programme, knowledge of the basic sciences is mainly provided by cell biologists, biochemists, biotechnologists and physiologists. The applied knowledge is supplied by medical engineers responsible for improved medical imaging (such as CT and MRI scanners), diagnostic equipment, etc... Biomedical scientists are a liaison between clinical practice and fundamental or applied medical research. Whereas doctors focus on understanding syndromes from a diagnostics and treatment point of view, biomedical scientists explore the disease itself. Biomedicial scientists have a thorough knowledge of current biology, and of the possible factors and mechanisms that influence a disease process. Biomedical scientists do not see or treat patients directly. They do, however, come into contact with laboratory specialists and researchers from various disciplines, and they are trained to conduct, lead and coordinate research.

• Bachelor

The first year largely consists of course units dealing with the basic sciences (i.e. physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics). From the beginning, the contents of these basic course units, however, is specifically oriented towards applications leading to a better insight into the analysis and functioning of the human body. This is an important element of our study programme. These course units provide a solid scientific basis, which is further built upon throughout the entire study programme. The first year also includes basic elements of cell biology and general physiology. Additionally, it introduces academic biomedical research and its related methodologies via the course unit Biomedical Information and Information Processing. In the second and third year, the basic disciplines are developed further while fundamental medical subjects become more prominent. Throughout the programme, we pursue a clearly integrated trinity of basic science course units, medical course units and methodological course units. The entire Bachelor’s curriculum consists of three learning pathways: insight into (dys)functions of the human body, methodology, and the use of data sources.

• Master

The Master’s programme is taught in English. The programme includes general course units, the choice of one major, a number of elective course units, a research work placement and a Master’s dissertation. In addition, you will attend and report on academic lectures and meetings (i.e. ‘medical seminars’). Experimental work is part of the Master’s dissertation as well as of the preparatory research work placement. Taken together, the general course units, majors, elective course units, the research work placement and the Master’s dissertation make up two learning pathways in the Master’s curriculum, namely the student’s evolution into an independent researcher, and into being able to perform an important bridging function between various medical disciplines.

A Master in Biomedical Sciences find employment in a wide variety of sectors, primarily in university research laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry and in the biotechnology and biomedical industry. Other options are hospital laboratories or government and health sector laboratories. Food inspection, epidemiology and ecology are also part of the biomedical scientist’s field of activity. Two other important fields of practice are academic research and education.