Biology

The MSc in Biology is a specialised yet flexible programme that emphasises problem-solving, independent thinking and communication. You'll be trained in the theory and techniques of fundamental and applied research in one of two tracks: Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology or Molecular Biology and Physiology.

Common Core

• Advanced Biological Data Analysis
• Computational Biology
• Biology and Society
• Master's Thesis

Advanced Biology

Choose one of the two Tracks.
Follow 4 of the 5 courses (24 ECTS) of the chosen Track preferentially during the first stage.
Further incorporate courses from the other Track, the remaining course in the chosen Track, or courses from the below categories to obtain a total of at least 54 credits in Advanced Biology Courses. Compile your course list for the second master year in agreement with your thesis promotor!

Track: Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology

• Evolutionary Ecology and Eco-Evolutionary Dynamics
• Advanced Ecology
• Biogeography and Macro-ecology
• Ecological and Evolutionary Genomics
• Global Change, Ecosystems and Sustainability

Track: Molecular Biology and Physiology

• Plant Development and Metabolic Regulation
• Mechanisms of Signal Transduction and Cell Regulation
• Model Organisms in Biological Research
• Adaptive and Stress Physiology
• Molecular and Developmental Animal Physiology

Animal Physiology and Neurobiology

• Comparative Endocrinology
• Immunological Biotechnology
• Neurobiology
• Advanced and Applied Insect Physiology
• Critical Discussions in Molecular Biology and Physiology

Biodiversity

• Diversity of the Chordata
• Diversiteit van de invertebraten: Arthropoda
• Comparative and Functional Anatomy of the Chordata
• Diversity of the Vascular Plants
• Inleiding in de osteo-archeologie

Cell Biology and Genetics

• Advanced Topics in Molecular Genetics
• Molecular Cell Biology

Ecology, Evolution and Conservation

• Stress Ecology and Ecotoxicology
• Terrestrial Ecology
• Behavioural Ecology
• Freshwater and Marine Ecology

Molecular Microbiology and Plant Biology

• Molecular Interactions between Fungi and their Hosts
• Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology of Yeast
• Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
• Critical Discussions in Molecular Biology and Physiology

Methodological Courses

• Geographic Information Systems
• Laboratory Animal Science
• Evolutionary and Quantitative Genetics
• Theoretical Modelling in Biology
• Advanced Fluorescence and Fluorescence Microscopy. From Single Molecules to Biological Systems
• Bio-informatics
• Livestock Genetics
• Behavioural and Advanced Ecology: Field Course
• Genome, Proteome and Metabolome Analysis
• Biosafety and Radioprotection

Elective Courses

• Entrepreneurship and New Business Development
• Dutch Language and Cultures
• Individual Practical Exercises
• Statistical Software
• Plant Physiology
• Univariate Data and Modelling
• Science Communication & Outreach
• Science and Sustainability

Requirements

• Bachelor of Biology
• Bachelor of Biochemistry
• Bachelor of Biotechnology
• Applicants with a Belgian diploma: these applicants do not have to take an English proficiency test.
• Applicants with a university degree earned in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom or the USA: the certified diploma and transcripts suffice, provided they confirm that the entire university study was completed in English. Absolutely no other diplomas will be accepted as evidence even if the applicant has followed an exclusively English-taught programme.
• Other applicants should submit a satisfactory score on an internationally recognized test of English language proficiency: TOEFL (minimum score 94 internet-based with at least 19 for reading, 18 for Listening, 19 for speaking and 21 for writing) or IELTS (minimum score 7 overall, whilst at least 6,5 for reading, 6 for listening, 6 for speaking and 6 for writing).
• Certified copies of transcripts and diplomas are required for all applicants. These documents also suffice for applicants from
  * universities that have an exchange agreement with the Faculty of Science of KU Leuven
  * universities that are in the global top 200 in the most recent Times Higher Education or QS rankings
• A complete list of course titles for which you have obtained a credit should be part of this. Indicate the course size (in ECTS-credits) and the result you obtained, preferably according to the ECTS-scale; if a different scale is used, please provide an summary explanation on the meaning of the scores.
• For the courses that you deem most relevant as a preparation for the master that you are considering, provide a short (about one half to one page) description according to the standard guidelines for an ECTS-study guide.

Scholarships

• Master Mind Scholarships