Program
The Master in Molecular Life Sciences consists of 6 modules. These modules enrich your knowledge of molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, biotechnology and data analysis, to name a few. Also, you learn to plan and execute life sciences projects in various phases of applied research and product development. Parts of the curriculum are carried out at the internship placement.
Molecular Life Sciences in a nutshell
Molecular Life Sciences is a challenging 2-year program in full-time. It consists of 6 modules and includes an extensive internship.
Modules 1-3 cover all the different aspects of applied research and product development in the biotechnology sector. Modules 4-6 focus on research and managing projects. These form part of your internship. During this internship, you learn to take scientific and project management responsibilities of your own project. To achieve this level of independence, you need to have good practical skills and experience in research from the beginning.
In the first 1.5 years you work as an intern for 3 days a week. Next to that you attend classes 1 day a week (Mondays during working hours) and study 1 day a week by yourself. In the final half year, your internship increases to 5 days a week.
Internship
How do you find an internship? In general, prospective students find their internship with support by the education program.
Examples of organisations where master students had their internship are: MSD, Future Diagnostics, Miltenyi Biotec (Germany), Janssen Pharmaceutica (Belgium), Bio base Europe Pilot Plant (Belgium), Byondis, Keygene, Glycostem, Enzyre, Radboudumc or the Dutch Cancer Institute.
Internship positions in combination with iGEM competition available
HAN offers three internship positions for very ambitious students interested in synthetic biology from the academic year of 2025 until 2027. These internships at HAN BioCentre are combined with participations in the international renown iGEM competition. Would you like to know more details? Contact us via e-mail at master.mls@han.nl.
Meet lecturers & students
Get an inside view of the Molecular Life Sciences program at HAN. Become a student for a day, join a sample lecture or meet 1:1 with a lecturer or student online. We are currently offering the following activities:
Research
Research is a key feature of the Molecular Life Sciences program. In fact, one of your modules is entirely devoted to research and R&D skills. Skills that come in handy in your final module, the graduation project. That’s where you plan and execute your very own product development project. The program is also connected to HAN BioCentre. This center provides applied research within the whole biobased innovation chain. From discovery through analysis, to production and application of (new) biomolecules.
Project management
Your research skills are complemented by skills in managing projects. You learn to systematically design and plan your project, analyse the risks and get the tools to control the execution of your project. This way, your R&D projects are effective and efficient!
Fine-tune your knowledge
The 1st year of Molecular Life Sciences starts with the fundamentals. You learn about technologies. So, you fine-tune your knowledge of subjects like biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology. You also develop your skills in data analysis. You’ll be challenged to develop experimental strategies so that you know how to apply theory to practice. At the same time, you work as an intern in an organization of your choice. This working environment allows you to develop your skills in research and managing projects.
Modules in the 1st year
In your 1st year, you complete modules 1 and 2. And you start on modules 4 and 5.
A good match?
Want to discover whether Molecular Life Sciences at HAN is a good match for you? Come and meet us at a HAN Open Day or Open Evening. Not possible? Let's discuss your options during a meeting. We can meet online if that's more convenient for you.
Master your development
The second year
In your 2nd year, you continue your internship and focus on mastering your research and project management skills. Your research and area of expertise are narrowed down to a specific area within life sciences: your specialization. At the same time, you work out a complete R&D project strategy and complement this with a business strategy related to your specialization. You gain in-depth knowledge and learn how to work out scientifically and economically sound strategies. How? From experts in the field, scientific literature, classes and workshops.
Master of Science
After 2 years of hard work and study you have your Master of Science in Molecular Life Sciences. An internationally recognized degree as this program is accredited by the NVAO (Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders). Ready to start your career as a linking pin between science and management?
Master of Science
Academic calendar, grading and credits
Careers
Find out about job opportunities for graduates in molecular life sciences. And what do alumni say about this degree and finding work?
