Life Science and Technology - Life Science Research and Development Specialisation Leiden University

Overview

In this specialisation you will learn to find solutions for complex societal problems as encountered in personalized medicine, chemical biology and sustainable use of biological sources.
In recent decades, life science research has enabled enormous breakthroughs in our understanding of fundamental molecular and cellular processes and mechanisms of life. Knowledge about genomic organisation, studies of protein-protein interactions and the characterisation of molecular structures have become central in modern life science research. Knowledge of chemical biology forms the basis of the molecular understanding of health and disease. It finds important applications in innovative health care, in the pharmaceutical industry and in so-called 'red' biotechnology, and is the focus of the Leiden programme.

If you want to understand the outcomes of molecular and structural chemistry in-depth and gain insight in basic processes underlying various diseases our master's programme is the right choice. More in general, this research specialisation is the best choice for you if you aim for a career in life science research or if you have the aspiration to pursue a PhD degree..

What you will learn

After completion of the MSc LST programme students will have developed:

• Knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts of Life Sciences from textbooks and primary literature pertaining to the research area
• The ability to plan chemical research, perform experiments within an appropriate time frame, collect and store data in a logical way, such that colleagues can easily find and access the data (data management)
• The ability to make an independent analysis of scientific problems, analysis of relevant specialist literature, and formulate verifiable hypotheses
• An appropriate critical scientific attitude, i.e. the ability to analyse results and critically evaluate their validity and accuracy
• The skill to communicate Life Sciences research progress and results to colleagues, supervisors and experts
• The ability to write independently a structured and accurate report on performed research in Life Sciences
• The ability to perform with an academic attitude and the skills for autonomous self-development, taking into account the ethical and social aspects of the natural sciences.

Career prospects

The master's degree is a stepping stone for those graduates with the aspiration to pursue a PhD degree. Students with a desire to apply their knowledge of the life sciences outside the university, have good job possibilities in R&D departments in industry, business, public utility companies, teaching, consultancy and government bodies. Many students eventually attain higher management positions.

Accreditation

Accredited by NVAO, the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders.