Faculty of Applied Sciences Bachelor s degree programme Nanobiology Integrating Physics with Biomedicine
We have just begun to explore life on this level Nanobiology uses the language of maths in the context of physics to understand the complexity of biology. Nanobiology is a relatively new area of research that crosses the boundaries of physics, nanophysics, biology and medical research. This asks for a whole new type of scientist and engineer, which also means it is a challenging course particularly suited to inquisitive students. The programme is a partnership between TU Delft and the Erasmus MC and combines the expertise and strengths of both institutions. The Nanobiology curriculum The three-year Nanobiology programme is fundamentally interdisciplinary. The thorough grounding in physics and mathematics that is included in the course focuses on biomedical science and nanoscience. Courses feature lectures, workgroups and combinations of these. The programme also includes laboratory-based lessons, which provide an opportunity to work with advanced research equipment. You get to study in small groups at both the Erasmus MC in Rotterdam and the faculty of Applied Sciences in Delft. Courses that are taught in parallel will often include references to each other, using similar examples or other forms of integration. This helps you to place your knowledge in a wider framework. In addition, the curriculum focuses on two aspects: Nanoscience and nanophysics as applied to biological systems. A quantitative understanding of biology as it relates to human health and disease. To prepare for the international working environment that you are likely to enter as a result of the study, all courses are taught in English. Year one Introduction to the field The first year of Nanobiology will give you a strong foundation in theoretical knowledge,
Intake figures first-year students (ref.2014) 89 TU Delft - Faculty of Applied Sciences Language English Average first-year study load (hrs/week) 40 Lectures 10-15 Project hours + laboratory hours 10 Self study 15-20 as well as a mastery of basic research skills, laboratory techniques and the scientific approach. In the first period you will follow the course Introduction to studying Nanobiology in which you will develop study and group research skills, while deepening your existing knowledge of biology. During the course of Nanobiology is a relatively new area of research that crosses the boundaries of physics, nanophysics, biology and medical research the year students take modules in advanced mathematics (calculus and linear algebra), physics and biophysics, genetics and biochemistry as well as an introduction to computer programming for the simulation of biological systems. The programme content places an emphasis on the quantitative approach. Where relevant, course material also focuses on the relationship with the principles of health and disease. Year two In-depth study of the field In the second year you apply the fundamentals of mathematics and biology acquired in the first year in advanced mathematics, physics and biology. The advanced courses in biology focus on physical
biology of the cell and evolutionary and developmental biology. In mathematics and physics students continue to study general physics, thermodynamics and transport, signals and systems and statistical physics. The strong fundamental knowledge acquired in the first year is an important step towards the bridge courses in the second half of the second year. These courses concentrate on the relationship between physics and biology. Examples of bridge courses are optics and microscopy, image analysis, bioinformatics and nanotechnology. Second-year practical courses include electronic instrumentation, microscopy/nanoscopy practice and computational science. Year three Elective space and graduation In your third year of studying Nanobiology, you focus on doing research under laboratory conditions, while applying all the knowledge and skills acquired in the first two years of study. As part of your studies you will follow a minor - a short study project in a scientific field of your choice. In the second half of the third year you follow a selection of elective courses and you get to work on your bachelor research project. This takes 20 weeks of working in a research group, conducting research that you shape and define together under direct guidance from an experienced researcher. The conclusion to your research project forms the basis for your bachelor thesis, a scientific report of your research findings. The field of Nanobiology is developing fast, bringing changes that will soon have an impact on our society, in the medical field and beyond. Do you have what it takes to be a Nanobiology student? As a Nanobiology student you have an inquiring, inquisitive mindset and a strong Curriculum study year 2015-2016 (indicative) 1st period 2nd period 3rd period 4th period 1st year Introduction to studying Nanobiology Genetics Physics 1a Physics 1b Chemistry 1 Chemistry 2 Analysis 1 Analysis 2 Biomolecular Dynamics Biomolecular Dynamics Biophysics Labcourse Nanobiology 1 Journal Club Biomolecular Programming Physical Biology of the Cell Labcourse Nanobiology 2 Linear Algebra Analysis 3 Physical Biology of the Cell Differential Equations Signals and Systems Statistics Optics and Microscopy Statistical Physics Image Analysis 2nd year Physics 2 Thermodynamics and Transport Evolutionary & Developmental Biology Philosophy and Ethics Evolution Bioinformatics Journal Club Electronic Instrumentation Microscopy/ Nanoscopy practice Computational Science Nanotechnology Computational Science 3rd year Minor Bachelor thesis project Elective courses Mathematics Biology Chemistry Physics Nanobiology Bridge For further information on all subjects: www.studiegids.tudelft.nl
Education Centre Erasmus University Rotterdam interest in maths, physics and biology. You want to make a contribution to ground breaking research in the near future and you are willing to work hard to reach that goal. If the following characteristics apply to you, then the Bachelor s in Nanobiology is the programme for you! You have a high aptitude for mathematics, physics and biology. You are a team player. You have a good grasp of the English language. You enjoy exploring a new area where biology, mathematics, physics and technology meet. You like to work in small groups. You want to make a difference to the future of biomedicine. You are not afraid of a challenge. You appreciate teaching staff with an international background. You value a good job perspective. Going for a master s in Nanobiology? After having completed your Bachelor s degree, the TU Delft (Applied Sciences) and the Erasmus University Rotterdam (Erasmus MC) offer you the opportunity to take a joint Master s programme in Nanobiology. This two-year Master s programme features exciting research and advanced studies and prepares you for a PhD or a job as scientific researcher in Nanobiology and related fields. A Bachelor s degree in Nanobiology also qualifies you for admission to the research Master s programmes in Molecular Medicine, Neuroscience and Infection and Immunity in Rotterdam. When combined with a number of supplementary required courses, a Bachelor s degree in Nanobiology can also qualify you for admission to the TU Delft Master s programmes in Applied Physics and Life Science Technology.
Career prospects You have learned how to analyse complex problems such as those that occur in biological systems and have the quantitative tools to address these problems. You have learned skills that you can apply in Nanobiology research including biomedicine, synthetic biology, optics, biotechnology, etc. either in academia, a medical institution or within industry. As well as research, you could also find a position at an industrial company, a scientific institution, or a government agency where you use your scientific knowledge to draft and evaluate research proposals and policy plans from national and international research groups. With your ability to shift between domains of science and technology, you also have a great foundation for a career as a teacher, science journalist or advisor. Your excellent problem solving skills will offer you great job opportunities! In academia: Molecular Medicine, Biophysics on topics such as stem cell, cancer research, synthetic biology and nanoscience. In business: Scientist /project manager in Research and Development at companies such as DSM and Philips. Commerce & Technology: Developer or product specialist imaging / nanotech instruments. Software specialist imaging /data analysis. Government & Society: Science communication/education Science funding and policy organisations Editor in scientific and academic publishing. State-of-the-art research propositions Katja Slangewal 2nd year student Nanobiology Nanobiology is one of the newest studies, which combines many different fields. You learn everything about DNA, proteins and other cell components, but also how to program and solve mathematic problems. The diversity and importance in new research is why I chose to study Nanobiology. For this reason I can definitely say I am very happy with my choice. Nanobiology is taught in both Delft and Rotterdam, which I think is a major asset of the study. While learning the mathematical and physical background in Delft, we apply our knowledge on biological topics in Rotterdam. These lectures contain state-of-theart research propositions; the new-fangled contraption of these research topics makes the study very interesting. At the moment we re also having a few practical courses to apply our theoretical knowledge. This gives a little insight in the life of a scientist, which I hope to be one day. Nanobiology is a tough study and I have to spend a lot more time in studying than I used to in high school, but can definitely say it is worth it.
Come and meet us Come to one of our events to get in-depth information about the programmes that interest you at TU Delft or Erasmus MC. Open Days - visit the programmes on campus to find out more. www.opendagen.tudelft.nl Student for a Day (Meeloopdagen) - be a student for a day and experience what it is like to study in Delft. www.eur.nl/bachelor/studievoorlichting/ meeloopdagen/nanobiology/ Last Question Day are you in grade 6 of pre-university education (vwo)? Ask your final questions at the Last Question Day. www.tudelft.nl/lqd Binding recommendation on continuation of studies (BSA) If you have obtained fewer than 45 ECTS credits (of the total of 60 available) by the end of the first year of study, you will be issued with what is known as a negative binding recommendation on continuation of studies. This means that you will not be able to enrol for this study programme at TU Delft for the following four years. www.bsa.tudelft.nl Matching If you enrol before 1 May, you can participate in our matching activity. This activity will help you to get a deeper understanding of the programme to asses if it is a good match for you and to better prepare you for the start of your studies. Trial Studying Nanobiology Online Trial Studying enables pupils to experience what it is like to study Nanobiology. www.proefstuderen.tudelft.nl Admission requirements The Bachelor s programme in Nanobiology welcomes applicants with Dutch vwo diplomas with the following subject clusters: N&G profile with Physics & Mathematics B N&T profile with Biology Any other diploma including the vwo subjects Physics, Mathematics B, Biology and Chemistry For information about equivalent international diplomas see: www.admissions.tudelft.nl twitter.com/tudelft Honours Programme Delft The Delft Honours Programme is for students who would like an additional challenge and are capable of achieving more than the standard teaching programme. This is in addition to the regular study programme. It gives you the opportunity to acquire additional knowledge in or outside your field of specialisation, to work on your personal development and to collaborate with students from other programmes. www.honours.tudelft.nl Digital brochures View other brochures online at: www.brochures.tudelft.nl Virtual campus Curious about our campus? Take a look at: www.campus.tudelft.nl facebook.com/delft.rotterdam.nb instagram.com/tudelft
Erasmus University Rotterdam Erasmus MC Wytemaweg 80 3015 CN Rotterdam The Netherlands www.eur.nl/bachelor/opleidingen/ nanobiology Delft University of Technology Faculty of Applied Sciences Lorentzweg 1 2628 CJ Delft The Netherlands info-bsc-nb@tudelft.nl www.nb.bsc.tudelft.nl September 2015