Master of Biology (Leuven)

The objective of this programme is to train students as biologists capable of working in a research environment in fundamental biological sciences at an international level.

Knowledge and insight
A 'Master of Biology':
- possesses a general knowledge and insight in biological phenomena, as well as a more profound understanding of a specialized area of Biology;
- has a well-funded insight in living matter, as well as in the relationship between living and non-living matter;
- has a wide fundamental knowledge in Biology and related sciences which he can integrate to efficiently and independently acquire new insights and practical skills.

Applying knowledge and insight
A 'Master of Biology':
- can integrate his/her knowledge of biological processes at different levels of organisation and with other areas of study;
- is capable of independently processing and implementing information from the international scientific literature and can employ this information to detect problems within the scientific context;
- can produce a relevant answer to a scientific question or produce a problem-solving strategy for scientific experiments and observations;
- can efficiently assimilate information and evaluate it in a scientifically correct manner with the necessary criticism;
- has the expertise to plan within the context of a research team an original research project, to autonomously and accurately execute this study and to analyse and interpret the data;
- is capable of performing and implementing a risk analysis for the experiments to be conducted, regarding the possible implications for biological safety and for the environment;
- has acquired the knowledge, skills and attitudes that are necessary to function in his/her scientific community and is capable of performing scientific research according to the required (academic) standards.

Communication
A 'Master of Biology':
- has good communicative skills in English;
- can summarize and critically interpret his own findings at different levels and communicate towards various target groups;
- can clearly report on scientific research regarding his/her field of specialty, and on more general biological information, both orally and in written form before a specialised public;
- can collaborate in international team and contribute to a constructive atmosphere of mutual respect and trust in a professional context;
- is capable of performing a responsible role within a group and can show responsibility for its final result.

Generation of judgement
A 'Master of Biology':
- possesses the attitude and has developed problem-solving capabilities that are sufficient to function as a scientifically professional and ethically responsible biologist;
- is aware of the legal, social and ethical context, as well as of the safety aspects associated with scientific research and acts accordingly;
- has acquired a sociological sense of responsibility and an ethical and critical attitude. This enables him/her to autonomously make a critical analysis and to defend a well-founded point-of-view regarding problems in our society that have a link with biology.

Learning skills
A 'Master of Biology':
- can co-operate with international fellow-students and researchers, including those from other (sub)disciplines, and has acquired the necessary attitudes, as well as the sense of responsibility, to participate in the team, in a professional context;
- possesses a sufficiently critical attitude allowing him/her to autonomously obtain knowledge, perform research activities and work on scientific problems, with a sense of originality and creativity;
- has acquired the necessary practical skills to stay informed of recent international developments in his/her field of expertise, as well as Biology and Science in general, and understands that it is therefore necessary to permanently update his/her knowledge and know-how.