Molecular Biology

Overview

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The Molecular Biology course at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)    content has been developed by several outstanding and multidisciplinary scientific teams. The advanced courses and electives are taught by leading researchers with a proven scientific track record, thus contributing to the research-oriented nature of the programme. The programme is jointly organised by Vrije Universiteit Brussel, KULeuven and Universiteit Antwerpen.

The two-year Master in Molecular Biology requires full-time attendance and active participation in lectures and discovery-based laboratory work to develop the mentality that drives the progress of science.

Ongoing research

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel has a sound reputation in training and in basic and applied research in molecular biology and biotechnology. Since the biotech revolution in the 1970s, interest in applied biotechnology has grown steadily. Some of our major discoveries at VUB include:

• the first development of a genetically modified plant
• identification of a unique class of camel antibodies with far-reaching implications in biotechnology and medicine
• development of pioneering technology for analysis of protein structure
• breakthroughs in the knowledge of the role of macrophages in cancer and parasitic infections
• elucidation of the action mechanism of antihypertensive drugs
• innovative techniques in the culture of microorganisms involved in fermented food products

Career:

After graduation, you will be able to contribute to the improvement of human health or plant production through a molecular biological approach. You will know how to appraise the scientific and social aspects of applied molecular biology. We train our students so they can cope with a wide range of scientific problems as well as the development of preventive strategies, diagnostic techniques and therapies while being aware of the ethical issues related to this field. A critical mind will allow you to consider and reflect on existing and new theories within the study field and will help you to solve global problems or issues that both developing and developed countries are facing.

Accreditation

All degree programmes offered by VUB are accredited by the Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organisation (NVAO), ensuring that they meet the highest predefined quality standards. Alongside this official quality control system, VUB has an internal Quality Control Commission in charge of permanently monitoring the quality of education.