Master of Bioscience Engineering: Cellular and Genetic Engineering (Leuven)

StructureThe Master is a two year Master’s programme of 120 credits. It consists of a main specialisation package of at least 60 credits, the "Major". This major is composed of a compulsory major package and a variable package, where you have the possibility to choose the application domains in which you want to specialise. There is a choice of a subsidiary specialisation of maximum 20 credits, the "Minor". The programme further allows a limited number of electives. In particular a professional internship of 5 weeks is an opportunity to explore the broader work field. Finally, the programme culminates in the master thesis (30 credits). During the master thesis students are embedded in a research group and engage in original and relevant scientific research.
StrengthsYou will acquire a broad knowledge base in both fundamental molecular and cellular biology and biotechnological techniques. In the course series "Applications of Biotechnology" fundamental scientific knowledge and techniques come together in a discussion of biotechnological applications.The Master is multidisciplinary, addressing the physiology of different organisms, technical advances, and computational analysis tools. The programme is driven by researchers active in several parts of a very socially relevant area of the applied sciences, namely where living organisms and technology meet.You will be thoroughly trained in molecular and cellular biology laboratory skills during both an extensive cross-disciplinary practical course as well as the master thesis.During this programme you will be coached in further developing your personal skills and attitudes thereby focusing on the following educational objectives: critical self-reflection, thinking and acting sustainably and ethically, intercultural communication and responsible leadership.

Annex: Learning outcomes1. Advanced knowledge and understanding of, and skills, both quantitative and qualitative, with respect to genetic, cellular, biochemical and molecular-biological processes in microorganisms, plants, animals and humans. Understanding the interactions between organisms and between organisms and their environment.2. Advanced systems- and application-oriented understanding in cell, gene, genome and bioinformatics-based technologies to steer the functioning of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and organisms, and, if needed, to generate novel concepts.3. Independently integrate and deepen principles of structure and regulation of biological macromolecules at different scale levels, aimed at industrial, pharmaceutical, food technological, agronomical, environmental-technical and medical applications.4. Knowing and understanding high-throughput techniques and apply these results to analyze and interpret biological information.5. Formulate and analyze complex problems within the specialization in a solution-driven manner, and, if needed, reduce them to manageable sub-problems, design solutions for the specific case with attention for possible applications and for the broader conceptual implications.6. Independently conceive, plan and execute an engineering project at the level of a starting investigating professional. Conduct and critically interpret a literature search according to scientific standards, with attention for the conceptual context and the application potential.7. Use intradisciplinary and interdisciplinary insights to select, adapt or eventually develop advanced research, design and solution methods, and adequately apply these and scientifically process the obtained results; motivate the choices made based on the foundations of the discipline and the requirements of the application and business context.8. Act from a research attitude: creativity, accuracy, critical reflection, motivation of choices on scientific grounds.9. Groundbreaking, innovative and application-oriented development of systems, products, services and processes; extrapolation with attention for the business context. Extract new research questions from design problems.10. Control system complexity using quantitative methods. Have sufficient knowledge, insight and experience in scientific research to critically evaluate the results.11. Act from an engineering attitude within a generic and discipline-specific context: resultoriented attitude, attention for planning and technical, economical and societal boundary conditions like sustainability, risk and feasibility assessment of the proposed approach or solution, focus on results and achievement of effective solutions, innovative and interdisciplinary thinking.12. Work using a project-based approach from a generic and disciplinary context: formulate goals, keep focus on specific objectives and development route, operate as a member of a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary team, develop leadership, operate in an international or multicultural environment, report effectively.13. Have the economic and business insight to place the contribution to a process or the solution of a problem in a wider context.14. Weigh specifications and boundary conditions and transform them into a high quality system, product or process. Extract useful information from incomplete, conflicting or redundant data.15. Communicate written and verbally about the own field in the language of instruction and in the languages that are relevant for the specialism.16. Communicate and present about the discipline in fluent language and graphically to colleagues and laypersons.17. Being able to situate societal, ethical and philosophical impact of biotechnology, with attention to technical, economical, moral and durability arguments.

Application deadline for 2021-20221 March 2021 (for non-EEA citizens)
1 June 2021 (for EEA citizens)