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Program

The Joint Degree Molecular Biosciences is geared to industry needs, both in the Netherlands and the UK. Naturally, working in an international environment is key in this program. You get the skills employers are looking for: Lab skills. Research skills. Communication skills. Entrepreneurial skills.

Full program of the English-taught Molecular Biosciences Bachelor at HAN University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands

Molecular Biosciences: program in brief

A BSc with Honours in Molecular Biosciences at HAN and University of Dundee (UoD) guides you through current research topics in life sciences. You explore a range of chemistry and biology topics. Like molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry and biotechnology.  

At HAN (years 1 and 2), you get loads of practice in a life science oriented lab. There you work on group projects. Delve into the latest issues in the field. Boost your problem-solving skills. Become a better communicator. 

At UoD (years 3 and 4), you will dive deeper into the theory of drug development, gene regulation and immunology (to name a few). You will also develop entrepreneurial skills and you cap it off with a valuable professional experience in an internship.

In year 2 of the program, lecturers from University of Dundee will give classes, and you will see lecturers from HAN in your 3rd year. So lecturers from both universities will be involved during the whole program.

In short, this program opens doors to a rewarding international career.  

Study molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry and biotechnology at HAN University of Applied Sciences

Solid foundation

Your 1st year gives you a solid foundation in the fundamental theories and techniques for the life science lab.

1st-year courses

You learn about the relevant topics in biology, chemistry and mathematics. You also work on group projects in the lab. For example, projects on cancer research, diagnosis of diseases and alternative energy sources. And you work in a professional life science lab during your mini internship. 

Academic calendar

The academic year runs from September to August. In that time you have 42 weeks of education. The rest of the time you have holidays.

STUDY COACHING   

PERSONALIZED GUIDANCE

At HAN you have a study coach. That's a lecturer who helps you with all your questions related to the study. In the 1st year you'll have weekly classes with your study coach. Since we believe in personalized guidance, multiple personal talks are scheduled throughout the year to keep track of your progress.

Credits

HAN uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). This system is part of the bachelor-master structure. ECTS credits are a measure of the workload of a degree program.  

TO THE 2ND YEAR? CHECK YOUR STUDY ADVICE! 

At the end of 1st year, you receive study advice. The credits you’ve earned are an important factor in this. Positive advice means you can move on to the 2nd year. Negative advice means you have to stop. That way you don’t waste time on a program that doesn't really suit you. 

Growing independence

In your 2nd year you enter the main phase of the degree program. By now you’re confident using test tubes, microscopes and Petri dishes. Ready to get to know the profession in-depth? And use your knowledge in real research projects?

2nd year themes and topics

In the 2nd year you focus on 2 main themes. You'll dive into the theory and practical side of all the related topics.

Theme 1: Molecular and biochemical research

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular biology
  • Cell biology
  • Bio-informatics

Theme 2: Interaction between human, plant and micro-organisms

  • Microbiology 
  • Plant biology
  • Immunology
  • Human biology
  • Histology
  • Cytology

Lab facilities

HAN has all the basic lab facilities and more. Take the specialized microbiological, plant and biochemical labs. Here you can research DNA, RNA and protein in different organisms. How do you make the cells visible? Using light microscopy, fluorescent microscopy and electron microscopy. You can also do research on cancer. With real-time PCR apparatus, a high-performance plate reader and a flow cytometer. And use our fermentation lab. Ferment bacteria, fungi and yeasts and create your own biological products!

Projects with impact

Research from the Radboud UMC

Work on a project from the Radboud UMC in 2nd year: about genes that are important in the energy metabolism of brain tumors.

Year 3: Dundee

Things get even more exciting in year 3. You'll move to the UK. And now that you have a solid foundation, it's time to pick modules that interest you.

Subjects in 3rd year

 

In year 3 you'll learn the ins and outs of:

  • Intro module: soft landing into the UK
  • Genome Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Research Skills
  • Professional Skills / Entrepreneurship
  • Modern Drug Discovery Fundamentals
  • Infection Biology
  • Bioenterprise
  • Laboratory Refresher

4th year

This is the 4th and final year of your BSc with Honours in Molecular Biosciences. This is a year where you apply and deepen your knowledge. You will embark on your graduation internship, and in the final semester you will deepen your knowledge on topics such as advanced immunology, molecular microbiology and machine learning in biology.

Graduation internship

An important part of year 4 is your graduation internship. That is where you show all the knowledge you gained during your studies. Where you’ll do your internship? At a company, research institute or hospital. In Scotland, UK, The Netherlands or anywhere you'd like!

Bachelor of Science with Honours

After 4 years of study you have earned your Bachelor of Science with Honours in Molecular Biosciences. Congratulations! The program you've completed is issued by both HAN University of Applied Sciences and the University of Dundee. That means you now have an internationally recognised degree. Ready to join an international company? Or continue your studies with a master or PhD? With a BSc with Honours it’s a smooth transition into HAN’s Master in Molecular Life Sciences. Or you could easily continue with a master or even start a PhD in the UK. Up to you!

 

Bachelor of Science with Honours

Lab work and specializations

Een shot uit de video van de opleiding Life Sciences van Academie Toegepaste Biowetenschappen en Chemie uit april 2022
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Careers

Find out about job opportunities, experiences of alumni and options for further studies in Molecular Biosciences.