Agro- and ecosystems offer a wide range of essential goods and services such as food, water, energy and biodiversity. This programme is dedicated to train the next generation of experts in the sustainable management and functioning of natural and agro-ecosystems, not only from a biophysical perspective but also from a wider socio-economic perspective.

What is the programme all about?

You are trained throughout the Master's programme to an advanced level in molecular and cellular biology, as well as biotechnology and its diverse applications.  You are guided to acquire the disciplinary knowledge, skills and attitudes and to integrate them towards efficient and sustainable solutions for socially relevant problems. Opportunities are also offered, both inside and outside the curriculum, to work on your personal development. Finally, together with professional and ethics experts you will reflect on the place of biotechnology in society.

Structure:

The Master is a two year Master’s programme of 120 credits. It consists of a main specialisation package of at least 60 credits, the "Major". This major is composed of a compulsory major package and a variable package, where you have the possibility to choose the application domains in which you want to specialise. There is a choice of a subsidiary specialisation of maximum 20 credits, the "Minor". The programme further allows a limited number of electives. In particular a professional internship of 5 weeks is an opportunity to explore the broader work field. Finally, the programme culminates in the master thesis (30 credits). During the master thesis students are embedded in a research group and engage in original and relevant scientific research.

Strengths:

1. You will acquire a broad knowledge base in both fundamental molecular and cellular biology and biotechnological techniques. In the course series "Applications of Biotechnology" fundamental scientific knowledge and techniques come together in a discussion of biotechnological applications.

2. The Master is multidisciplinary, addressing the physiology of different organisms, technical advances, and computational analysis tools. The programme is driven by researchers active in several parts of a very socially relevant area of the applied sciences, namely where living organisms and technology meet.

3. You will be thoroughly trained in molecular and cellular biology laboratory skills during both an extensive cross-disciplinary practical course as well as the master thesis.

4. During this programme you will be coached in further developing your personal skills and attitudes thereby focusing on the following educational objectives: critical self-reflection, thinking and acting sustainably and ethically, intercultural communication and responsible leadership.

Student profile:

You should have a broad knowledge of and interest in science in general and in particular in a combination of biology, biochemistry, chemistry and engineering techniques. Advanced knowledge is required in the fundamental physical and chemical processes that take place in organisms and the molecular mechanisms that direct the functioning of cells and tissues. With respect to technology, interest in and knowledge of molecular techniques used to study and change the structure and functioning of genomes, genes and proteins in cells for applications in microorganisms, plants or animals are required.

Career opportunities:

A Cellular and Genetic Engineering graduate is a life sciences professional who can apply this knowledge in both an industrial context to control and engineer bioprocesses, and in a research environment for fundamental and applied research.

With this diploma you gain access to a wide range of employment sectors. Partly due to the interest and training in scientific research, you can go on to train for a PhD and flow through to jobs in research and educational institutions (university, higher education, government). You can also move to a managerial or research position in the biotechnology, the pharmaceutical, the chemical or the agro- or food industry. 

In Belgium, graduates of this programme are entitled to use the professional title of 'Bio-ingenieur' ('Bioscience Engineer').