The Master of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology is an international, interdisciplinary study programme. This programme focuses on the phenomena related to the interaction and communication between living cells and their molecular constituents, drawing on research methods used within the fields of molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry and physics.

About the programme:

The Master of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology provides in-depth training in multidisciplinary fields, with particular emphasis on subfields in which KU Leuven's research expertise is internationally recognised: 

• the determination of molecular structures

• molecular and supramolecular modelling

• the spectroscopy of biomolecules, biofunctional surfaces, and interfaces

• the nano-biophysics, physical modelling of complex systems, and study of these models

• transport through ion channels in membranes

• the study of molecular interactions and physical principles in vitro, in complex biological machineries, and in the living cell

In this two year master programme you select one of two profiles, either Biophysics or Biochemistry and Biotechnology. 

This study programme will prepare and equip you to enter the workplace with all the necessary skills, expertise and experience to solve many of the greatest challenges facing the fields of biophysics, biochemistry and biotechnology.

Student profile:

Is this the right programme for me?

• You want to understand how diseases develop and help curing them.

• You look forward to experiment with or design advanced technologies for probing biophysical and biochemical processes.

• You are interested in developing biotechnologies and you are open to work across disciplines.

• You are expected to have a working knowledge of the fundamentals of physics, calculus, biochemistry and biology. If necessary, you may be required to take a number of introductory courses to remedy shortcomings in previous studies.

• You should have a strong interest in the structure-function relation of biomolecules, understanding of the behaviour of molecules in living systems, and possess the skills to conduct laboratory work, perform statistical data analysis and work independently in a project-oriented way.

Career perspectives:

A range of career options are available in the pharmaceutical and bioscience industries, where structure determination, modelling and the direct study of molecular interactions in the living cell play a major role. Graduates may also pursue a career in medical sciences research or academic research. A considerable number of graduates go on to undertake a PhD at one of our associated research laboratories or abroad.