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Systems biology has been recognized as a powerful approach to solve biological questions at various levels and to come to quantitative descriptions of biological behaviour, structure and evolution.
In medical sciences, drug design and biotechnology, systems biology is seen as an avenue to increase our understanding and to improve on applications with regard to production, stability, efficiency and control. The Master's programme in Systems Biology reflects the broad research area of this field, processed in courses that integrate the following disciplines: chemistry and biochemistry, including bioanalytical tools; genetics, molecular biology and cellular biology; biophysics; mathematics; programming and computational modeling; data analysis and bioinformatics The programme is organised to teach the students aspects of these different disciplines but above all to have them integrate these disciplines as the ultimate intellectual challenge. Students can choose to complete their programme with either a theoretical focus or a more experimental training relevant to systems biology. The programme welcomes students with a bachelor background in chemistry, biology, informatics, mathematics or physics. Applications will be reviewed by the exam committee for students with backgrounds that are not considered evidently suitable.
The programme comprises eigth key courses. Each student should complete four of these courses are compulsory, and has to choose two of the other four courses depending on their field of interest.
Compulsory courses
- Introduction to Systems Biology
- Systems Biology in Practice
- Biosystems data analysis
- Systems Biology Grant application & Academic Skills
Optional courses (two out of four)
- Basic models of biological networks OR Molecular Microbial Physiology
- Advanced modelling in Systems Biology OR Molecular Structure in Biology
In addition, a large number of specific advanced courses are offered by the participating institutes of the University of Amsterdam and the VU University Amsterdam. The second year of the programme is devoted to individual research training.
Students can choose to complete their programme either with a more theoretical focus on the computational aspects of systems biology and on bioinformatics, or with a more experimental training relevant to systems biology. However, all students will be provided with a programme that guarantees cross-over to such an extent that the succesful student can communicate with his colleagues irrespective of his focus on experimental or computational disciplines.
Research training
The second year is primarily devoted to individual research training. Research takes the form of a major research project conducted within one of the participating research groups, resulting in a Master's thesis, and a smaller research project conducted in a second, different research group. A literature study concludes the programme.
Usually the research project(s) will be carried out at one of the participating institutes of departments of either the VU University Amsterdam or the University of Amsterdam. Research topics include:
- plant, human and microbial physiology;
- epigenetics;
- human disease research (oncology, immunology, metabolic disorders);
- biotechnology;
- microscopy and structure biology;
- analytical chemistry;
- network analysis;
- mathematical modeling
Professional specialization within the Masters programme
In general, Masters students are trained to become independent researchers. But at the UvA Faculty of Science you can also choose to complete your Masters programme with a professional specialization, that focuses on other skills than doing research. In that case you will follow the programme of your chosen scientific discipline during the first year of your Masters, and the programme of the specialization during the second year.
You will graduate as a Master of Science.
There are three professional specializations available:
- Science Communication
- Teaching
- Management, Policy Analysis & Entrepreneurship.
A note to readers who dont speak Dutch: Only the specialization Management, Policy Analysis & Entrepreneurship is described in English, because the other two specializations are only taught in Dutch.
Degree requirements
A Master of Science in Life Sciences is awarded upon successful completion of all the core courses in the curriculum and a written Master's thesis based on an independent research project. This translates into a total of 120 ECTS credits.
Track
This programme is a track of the Master's programme in Life Sciences.
Scholarships / Grants:
The University of Amsterdam:
The University of Amsterdam provides a limited number of full and partial scholarships for excellent students from outside the European Economic Area. The Amsterdam Merit Scholarships have specifically been designed to offer talented, ambitious and dedicated students the opportunity to pursue a Mast
For additional information: Website
:
Students from Columbia can apply for this scholarship through their website.
For additional information: Website
Accreditation
Accredited by: NVAO in: The Netherlands
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