Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences

Transcription

1 Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Medicine

2 Good health is our greatest treasure. Understanding the human body, healthy and diseased, is the stepping stone to finding tools to improving both longevity and quality of life. Do the workings of the human body fascinate you? Do you seek a career in biomedical research? Do you dream of working on the frontline of the on-going battle for better prevention and treatment options? Then KU Leuven s Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences is for you. The programme provides exceptional preparation for researchers, but also for those seeking an optimal scientific biomedical background in order to work or teach in the area of human disease and health, including healthcare policy. A large variety of biomedical research areas are introduced and elaborated and the individually tailored curriculum allows you to focus on areas you want to explore in greater depth. You will be taught by biomedical and clinical researchers in the field, keeping you closely involved and up-to-date with the latest research developments. Biomedical sciences has undergone a spectacular evolution in the past decades. New diseases such as bird flu have appeared, and other diseases such as AIDS and diabetes have expanded. At the same time, scientific researchers are discovering new ways to fight these diseases. The human genome has been decoded, gene technology is booming and the first steps in the direction of stem cell therapy have been made. The laboratories at KU Leuven and the University Hospital Gasthuisberg deliver cutting edge work in the field of disease and development of new therapies stretching from bench to bedside. The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences at KU Leuven allows students to live this journey themselves, hands on. The two-year programme will immerse you in the scientific biomedical research. You will carry out research in a domestic or foreign laboratory, gain in-depth knowledge of the field, strengthen your scientific skills and learn the newest methodologies. In the Master s Thesis the programme s capstone all of these elements converge. Admission requirements To qualify for admission to the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences at KU Leuven, you must: Have a relevant Bachelor s degree (for example, in Biomedical Sciences, Bio-Pharma - ceutical Sciences or Life Sciences). This implies a Bachelor s degree obtained at a high-level university with sufficient background in the following subjects: Molecular Cellular Biology, Genetics, Immu - nology, Anatomy, Pathology, Physiology, Microbiology, Neurosciences, Epidemiology and Statistics. Practical training is also required. Insufficient education in a number of the aforementioned subjects may be compensated by sufficient previous education in other subjects relevant for a Biomedical Science education (e.g. Biochemistry, Pharmacology). Be proficient in English. Pass the administrative screening by the KU Leuven International Office.

3 SELECTION CRITERIA All applicants will be evaluated by the admission committee according to the following criteria: Credentials regarding prior education In order to gauge whether the expected entry level matches your curriculum, we require that you submit a complete transcript of your academic records. Certified copies of transcripts and diplomas are required for all applicants. A complete list of course titles for which you have obtained credit should be part of this. Indicate the course size as well (if possible in ECTS). Also indicate the results you obtained, preferably according to the ECTS scale. If a different scale is used, please provide a summary explaining the meaning of the scores. For the courses that you deem most relevant as preparation for the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, provide a short (one half-page to one full page) description according to the standard guidelines for an ECTS study guide. Proficiency in English All applicants must provide proof of proficiency in English. To do so, you are required to take one of the following English language tests: IELTS, Academic module. (Minimum score pt.) TOEFL, Minimum score: (computer-based test 233 pt., Internet-based test 90 pt., paper-based test 575 pt.) A letter of motivation In the letter, explain why you have the right profile for the programme and how you will benefit from it. Two references Additional information (by mail or phone conference) may be requested by the committee before reaching a decision. APPLICATION DEADLINES March 1st for applications from non-eea citizens June 1st for applications from EEA citizens June 1st for applications from non-eea citizens living in Belgium with a residence permit More information about the admission procedure can be found at

4 Programme MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES 120 ECTS COURSE ECTS 1st Stage 40 Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics 7 Human Diseases 6 Toxicology 4 Bioinformatics and Systems Biology: Sequence, Structure and Evolution 5 Applied Biostatistics 5 Pharmaceutical Medicine 5 Lab Rotations 5 Intellectual Property and Biomedical Sciences 3 2nd Stage 40 Bioinformatics and Systems Biology: Expression, Regulation and Networks 4 Master s Thesis 30 Frontiers of Science 3 Ethics and Law in Biomedical Research 3 1st Stage: the student follows 2 Research Tracks nd Stage: the student follows 2 Research Tracks Cardiovascular Biology 10 Metabolism and Human Disease 10 Biology of the Cell/Neuron 10 Molecular Cell Biology 10 Neurobiology of Disease 10 Hormonology 10 Microscopy 10 Molecular and Cellular Medicine 10 Developmental Biology 10 Genetics 10 Immunology 10 Medical Imaging 10 or 15 Microbiology 10 System and Cognitive Neurosciences 10 Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders 10 Oncology I & II 10 Human Nutrition 10 For detailed descriptions of this programme s courses and for the course timetable, please consult

5 Career prospects The world is our backyard! Internationalisation has become an integral part of the profile of researchers in biomedical sciences. Inter national exchange is the key to opening mindsets to global solutions in health and disease. Graduates can expect to embark on inter - national-level careers in very diverse areas touching on human health. In the first place, biomedical scientists are prepared for a personal career full of exciting scientific research in academic or pharma - ceutical laboratories dedicated to improving knowledge in human health and finding prevention strategies and cures for diseases. Beyond this, there are many different directions open to you. Many graduates go on to careers in consultancy, policy, sales and marketing, communication and management in areas related to human health, such as the pharmaceutical industry, scientific writing agencies, regulatory agencies and government administration. Graduates find rewarding work in a wide variety of sectors: the pharmaceutical industry, the academic or educational world, the govern ment and healthcare sector, the environmental sector and food inspection, among others. Holders of a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences from KU Leuven are in high demand in the pharmaceutical and medical industry. As a biomedical scientist, for example, you provide thoroughly prepared research, which is a crucial phase in the development of new drugs and other medical products. It is also possible to cooperate with the set-up and follow-up of preclinical trials in the pharmaceutical industry. The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences at KU Leuven gives you the perfect profile for clinical trial design, as well as the monitoring and conducting of these trials, on either side of the process, both company and clinic. You can also work for service companies, which deliver products or equipment to or develop products or equipment for the medical sector. Positions in government are also open to you, especially in the area of public health. Some biomedical scientists choose to specialise in the legislation around patents and the protection of biomedical discoveries, and others start teaching courses in school such as biology, chemistry or biotechnology. Additionally, there is a current need for experts who can clearly communicate scientific information and research results to non-specialists and the general public. Increasingly, biomedical research generates a debate and it is essential that non-scientists understand how biomedical research works.

6 COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE Oude Markt 13 box LEUVEN, Belgium tel fax onderwijscommunicatie@kuleuven.be Learn more General information International programmes: International Office: Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Anouk Desmet O&N2, Herestraat 49 Bus LEUVEN, Belgium tel fax Anouk.desmet@med.kuleuven.be This brochure provides the most complete and accurate information available concerning Master s programmes offered at KU Leuven. However, amendments to the composition of the programmes may be approved at any time. Consequently, KU Leuven is in no way legally bound by the information provided in this brochure. The most recent information on all our academic programmes may be consulted on Last updated: December 2012 Copyright: D/2012/1082/101