Master of Science in Bioscience Engineering: Cell and Gene Biotechnology

Our programme's objective is to train scientists to become responsible and professional bioengineers, at once able to work in multidisciplinary teams and equipped with creative concept problem-solving skills, a solid basis for an engineering mindset in cell- and gene biotechnology and knowledge of tools and methods in molecular biology, bioinformatics and biotechnology of humans, animals, plants and micro-organisms and their applications. The emphasis is on the exploitation of the living cell, industrial applications of genetic modification and molecular diagnostics. Bioengineers specialised in cell and gene biotechnology are capable of directing biological processes at DNA, protein, organism or ecosystem level and of using their engineering mindset to put that knowledge into practice for industry and society. The professional field is very broad and includes the production, analysis and application of enhanced biological processes, organisms, or systems to manufacture products intended to improve the quality of human life.

The foundation of the curriculum is an in-depth fundamental and practical knowledge regarding the biological, biochemical and molecular aspects of humans, animals, plants and microorganisms, including its applications to solve complex problems. This is further complemented by technological, process and engineering-oriented course units, which enable the (industrial) upscaling (e.g. through cell and tissue cultures, bioreactors or mass cultivation) and subsequent harvesting, purification and formulation into economically viable products, taking into account ecological and ethical aspects. To this end, the curriculum also contains management skills. A quantitative approach to the fundamental and technological aspects based on biological data sciences takes centre stage. Our solid and multidisciplinary training makes for Cell and Gene Biotechnology graduates who are proficient in the biotechnology and bioscience engineering of animals, plants, the human body and micro-organisms to solve scientific and societal challenges in multidisciplinary teams.

The explosive growth of biotechnology has on the one hand resulted in a high variety of employment possibilities in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, agricultural, and food and feed sectors, and to an increasing demand for specialised academics on the other. Our study programme addresses this need by giving future bioengineers with a specialisation in cell and gene biotechnology a broad basic training (general courses), complemented with a specialisation by means of an elective major. Each major consists of a fixed set of electives in a specific discipline:

• Biomedical Biotechnology
• Plant Biotechnology
• Industrial Biotechnology

The Faculty of Bioscience Engineering is highly international. As such it is a hub for encountering students and cultures from all over the world. Additionally, there are several ways to gain experience abroad: students can e.g. participate in an exchange programme during the Master’s programme. A work placement abroad is also one of the possibilities. In addition, students can go abroad for a period of time as part of their Master’s dissertation. For programme-specific information, please visit https://www.ugent.be/bw/nl/voor-studenten/buitenland/studying-abroad.

The Master of Science in Bioscience Engineering: Cell and Gene Biotechnology programme offers a solid preparation for a managerial career in research and product development. Possible application areas are industrial fermentation processes, environmental remediation, food, fine chemicals, human health, plant cultivation and protection, animal husbandry, pharmaceutical and biotechnological industry, which also reflect possible professional profiles. In addition to different sectors of industry, a bioengineer specialised in cell and gene biotechnology also frequently finds employment in the research and/or education sector at universities, research institutes, government institutes and the R&D departments of big companies.

Find out where our graduates work (Dutch only) and take a look at our alumni’s highly diverse profiles.