Biomedical sciences underwent a spectacular evolution during the past decades. New diseases such as bird flu arose, whereas others such as AIDS and diabetes have expanded. At the same time, researchers are discovering new ways to fight these diseases. The human genome has been decoded, gene technology is steadily growing, immunotherapy has been introduced for the treatment of several cancers and the first steps in the direction of stem cell therapy have been made. The laboratories at KU Leuven and University Hospital Gasthuisberg deliver cutting edge work in the field of disease and development of new therapies, stretching from bench to bedside. The Master of Biomedical Sciences at KU Leuven allows students to live this journey themselves, hands on.
Do you dream of working on the frontline of the ongoing battle for a better understanding of human health and diseases? Are dedicated to applying this knowledge to better prevention and treatment options? Then this programme is for you. During the two master's years you will be truly immersed in scientific biomedical research. By doing scientific research in a domestic or foreign laboratory, you will gain thorough know-how, strengthen your scientific skills and learn the newest scientific methods. All of these skills and accumulated knowledge will be applied in the most important part of the master's programme: your master's thesis.
The main goal of the curriculum is to train researchers in biomedical sciences by providing a rigorous scientific training based on the acquisition of knowledge, the collection and interpretation of information and the use of modern research techniques. This is expected to stimulate the critical thinking and independence required to address a specific research question related to (dys)function of the human body and its interaction with the environment. Furthermore, the curriculum provides broad, intellectually rigorous training allowing for a wide array of job opportunities in industry, research centres and society.
The aims of the curriculum follow the educational principles of KU Leuven, important among which is the independence of the student. For the acquisition of knowledge, the university uses its own high-quality interdisciplinary scientific research. KU Leuven aims to be a centre of critical thinking where, in addition to factual knowledge, people are stimulated to identify, define and solve problems.
The quality of the curriculum is guaranteed due to the strong interconnection between education and research in the Biomedical Sciences in the broadest sense. The faculty commits itself to a future-oriented educational project in an academic setting that is at once intellectually stimulating, socially supportive and student friendly.
Internationalisation has become an integral part of the profile of researchers in biomedical sciences. International exchange is the key to opening mindsets to global solutions in health and disease. Graduates can expect to embark on international-level careers in very diverse areas touching on human health.
First and foremost, biomedical scientists are prepared for a personal career full of exciting scientific research in academic or pharmaceutical laboratories dedicated to improving knowledge in human health and finding prevention strategies and cures for diseases. Beyond this, there are many different directions open to you.
Many graduates go on to careers in consultancy, policy, sales and marketing, communication and management in areas related to human health, such as the pharmaceutical industry, scientific writing agencies, regulatory agencies and government administration. Graduates find rewarding work in a wide variety of sectors: the pharmaceutical industry, the academic or educational world, healthcare, the environmental sector and food inspection, among others.
Programme graduates are in high demand in the pharmaceutical and medical industry. As a biomedical scientist, for example, you provide thoroughly prepared research, which is a crucial phase in the development of new drugs and other medical products. It is also possible to cooperate with the set-up and follow-up of preclinical trials in the pharmaceutical industry. The programme gives you the perfect profile for clinical trial design, as well as the monitoring and conducting of these trials, on both the business and clinical sides of the process.
You can also work for service companies that deliver or develop products or equipment to the medical sector. Positions in government are also open to you, especially in the area of public health. Some biomedical scientists choose to specialise in the legislation around patents and the protection of biomedical discoveries, and others begin careers as biology, chemistry or biotechnology teachers. Additionally, there is a current need for experts who can clearly communicate scientific information and research results to non-specialists and the general public.
Medicinal and Biological Chemistry requires a thorough understanding of molecules, their structures, properties and synthesis, but it also demands the chemical understanding of the nature of biological structures, from macromolecules to cells, the design of pharmaceutical materials in the laboratory and their function in clinical settings.
The knowledge and skills acquired in the course will leave graduates well equipped to compete for positions related to 'drug discovery' in chemical, pharmaceutical or biotechnological companies.
The degree consists of advanced lecture courses in:
These are studied concurrently with a predominantly practical based course offering an introduction to research methods.
Students then proceed to a period of full-time research project work, leading to the submission of their Masters dissertation.
Lectures are given by leading researchers in the area of medicinal and biological chemistry.
The lecture courses are supported by tutorial sessions and assessed by examination in May.
The Introduction to Research Methods course includes an exciting problem solving exercise where you learn important skills such as Communicating Science, Innovation, Dealing with Intellectual Property and Grant Application Writing, together with a literature survey and written report, defining the scope of the subsequent individual research project work.
On completion of the course, students should have developed a depth of comprehension and critique in the core elements of their subject area, including:
Additionally they will have enhanced their professional/practical skills through:
Students will also have the opportunity to develop transferable skills such as:
Graduates are well suited to take up roles in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, either in research and development or sales and marketing. You will gain valuable work experience in a real-life research environment.
Alternatively, a Masters degree is a precursor to a PhD degree.
Our courses teach students the valuable skills they need to also move into other areas outside chemistry. Careers in IT, management or finance are possibilities after completing your degree.
You'll receive the highest-quality teaching in the leading Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences in Scotland.
Our course will provide you with a comprehensive three-part postgraduate life sciences training.
Firstly, unlike many MSc courses, we offer you dedicated training in a broad suite of bioinformatics and practical laboratory skills. They will not only be great preparation for future research careers, but also a way to make the most of your summer research project.
Secondly, our taught classes capture the excitement of cutting-edge research fields.
The substantial choice of classes means that you'll get to select a clinical-oriented or basic life science research pathway to suit your future aspirations.
Together, the course provides the perfect springboard to future training at PhD level or gives you a range of experience that will prove attractive to employers from industry or the health-care provision sector.
This course will provide training on fundamental techniques for the four disciplines:
Aligned with the taught component of this course, these disciplines will form the grounding for your summer project.
You'll also learn vital transferable skills in statistics, communication, ethics, science writing and critical analysis of data – the perfect way to prepare for any future career.
The course is taught in the Strathclyde Institute for Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences. It’s located in our new building with state-of-the-art laboratories.
The course is delivered through lectures, tutorials and hands-on practical sessions.
If you successfully complete the required taught classes you may undertake a laboratory project for the MSc.
Assessment of taught classes is through multiple choice tests, computer quizzes, problem solving scenarios, poster and oral presentations, essays, and formal written exams. The laboratory project is assessed through a written thesis.
Biomedical scientists work in healthcare to diagnose disease and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment through the analysis of fluids and tissue samples from patients.
They work at the heart of modern medicine, with 70% of diagnoses based on the pathology results provided by laboratory services.
After graduating you should be ideally qualified for positions in biomedical and pharmaceutical industries as well as hospitals and universities.
You may wish to continue studies for an MPhil or PhD.
This course provides the background training for a career in:
You'll receive the highest-quality teaching in the leading Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences in Scotland by staff dedicated to your personal and scientific development.
This course will provide you with a comprehensive three-part postgraduate life sciences training.
Firstly, unlike many MSc courses, we offer you dedicated training in a broad suite of practical laboratory skills.
Secondly, this is complemented by two unique classes that develop your transferrable skills in statistics, presentations, career development, and ethics, as well as honing your science writing skills and your ability to design experiments and analyse sophisticated datasets.
Thirdly, our taught classes capture the excitement of cutting-edge research fields and you'll be taught by active researchers or practising clinical professionals.
There's a choice of classes that allows you to select a pathway to suit your future aspirations. The MSc Advanced Pharmacology has a special focus on how drugs and other chemicals affect the body in health and disease. You'll explore the development of new and improved medicines and the treatment of disease.
The course provides the perfect springboard to future training at PhD level or gives you a range of skills and experience that will prove attractive to employers from industry or the health-care provision sector.
The course is taught in the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences. It’s located in our new building with state-of-the-art laboratories.
The course is delivered through lectures, tutorials and hands-on practical sessions.
If you successfully complete the required taught classes, you can go on to take a laboratory project for the MSc.
Assessment of taught classes is through the following:
The laboratory project is assessed through a written thesis.
After graduating, you'll be ideally qualified for positions in biomedical and pharmaceutical industries as well as hospitals and universities.
This course provides the background training for a career in:
Alternatively, you may wish to continue studies for an MPhil or PhD.
You'll receive the highest-quality teaching in the leading Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences in Scotland by staff dedicated to your personal and scientific development.
This course will provide you with a comprehensive three-part postgraduate life sciences training.
First, unlike many MSc courses, we offer you dedicated training in a broad suite of practical laboratory skills.
Secondly, this is complemented by two unique classes that develop your transferable skills in statistics, presentations, career development, and ethics, as well as honing your science writing skills and your ability to design experiments and analyse sophisticated datasets.
Thirdly, our taught classes capture the excitement of cutting-edge research fields and you will be taught by active researchers or practising clinical professionals. There is a choice of classes that allows you to select a pathway to suit your future aspirations.
Our MSc Molecular Microbiology focuses on the molecular biology of important microbial pathogens and industrial microorganisms.
Students study the molecular mechanisms by which bacteria cause disease or can be exploited for the synthesis of biotechnologically important products.
The course content and research projects are driven by the expertise in microbial genomics, genetics and biochemistry research that exists within the institute.
State-of-the-art research facilities, such as our own genome sequencer, protein purification facilities, mass spectrometers and fluorescence microscopes means that students obtain first-hand experience in the latest molecular microbiological techniques.
Together, the course provides the perfect springboard to future training at PhD level or gives you a range of skills and experience that will prove attractive to employers from industry or the health-care provision sector.
The course is taught in the Strathclyde Institute for Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences. It’s located in our new building with state-of-the-art laboratories.
The course is delivered through lectures, tutorials and hands-on practical sessions.
If you successfully complete the required taught classes you may undertake a laboratory project for the MSc.
Assessment of taught classes is through multiple choice tests, computer quizzes, problem-solving scenarios, poster and oral presentations, essays, and formal written exams.
The laboratory project is assessed through a written thesis.
After graduating you should be ideally qualified for positions in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries as well as hospitals and universities.
You may wish to continue studies for an MPhil or PhD.
This course provides the background training for a career in:
Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Applied Analytical Science (LCMS) at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
World demand for mass spectrometry and chromatography has grown at an unprecedented rate, with qualified graduates in short supply and highly sought after. Swansea is the only UK institution to offer a range of schemes solely dedicated to these topics, drawing upon expertise in the Institute of Mass Spectrometry (IMS), based at a long established UK centre of excellence. The MSc in Applied Analytical Science (LCMS) includes fundamentals of MS and chromatography with key industrial topics covering ‘-omics’, pharmaceutical, environmental and forensic analysis, data handling, professional management and good laboratory practice (GLP). The unique combination of industry participation and content on the Applied Analytical Science (LCMS) programme provides a vocationally-relevant qualification with invaluable training and experience sought in the UK and worldwide.
We are pleased to announce that the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) has accredited the “MSc in Applied Analytical Science (LCMS)” for satisfying the academic requirements of the award of CHARTERED CHEMIST (CChem) from 2015 and awarded to qualifying students. Accreditation of Postgraduate schemes have only recently been undertaken by the RSC and our scheme is one of the first to achieve accreditation.
Course content for the Applied Analytical Science (LCMS) programme is designed for the needs of industry: Essential topics such as fundamentals of mass spectrometry and separation science, professional management of laboratory practice, data analysis and method development plus industrially-current applications areas.
Extensive training in a research-led Institute: To improve their analytical science skills to professional levels required for the workplace.
Highly practical course and extensive in-house equipment: MSc students can experience more in-depth and ‘hands-on’ learning than most current analytical MSc programmes. Additional sessions including experiment design, health and safety, and laboratory skills are held in preparation of the research project, to ensure students are adequately equipped for project work.
Many taught modules encourage problem solving skills, involving relevant simulated (pre-existing) scenarios: To develop analytical thinking, professional and academic skills through advanced practical and theoretical studies and the submission of a scientifically defensible dissertation.
Participation of expert industrial guest lecturers: Unique opportunities to network with potential employers and enhanced employability prospects in highly skilled and relevant areas such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food and nutrition, homeland security, clinical diagnostics, veterinary and forensic science, environmental analysis, plus marketing and sales, to name a few.
Assessment that encourage transferrable skills essential for employment: Including case studies, presentations, problem sheets, data processing and informatics exercises in addition to the traditional examinations and essay based assignments.
Modules on the Applied Analytical Science (LCMS) programme typically include:
• Mass spectrometry – basics and fundamentals
• Separation science and sample handling
• Data analysis and method development
• Professional management and laboratory practice
• Proteomics
• Pharmaceutical
• Environmental and forensic analysis
• Medical and life sciences
• Metabolomics, lipidomics and bioactive lipids
• Data analysis and method development
• Dissertation: MS experimental project
Cost pressures and aging populations are challenges of today’s globalised society that healthcare professionals need to manage carefully. Executives with knowledge and skills in both healthcare administration and management who know how to face these demanding tasks are in high demand.
This International Healthcare Management MBA programme combines the sought-after expertise in international healthcare management with different perspectives on leadership, organisational behaviour and business administration.
The curriculum is structured into interdisciplinary modules with a focus on leadership skills, subject expertise and methodical knowledge and is designed for professionals from all sectors of the healthcare industry who want to improve their management skills in order to qualify for leadership positions. In addition to management skills, soft skills are incorporated into the programme. Students get the chance to expand their professional network and exchange ideas with healthcare executives, lecturers and guest speakers from different cultures and countries.
In three semesters, our MBA students do not only get to know the relevant methods and trends in healthcare management, but also become experts in their field and get the opportunity to advance their management careers. Our career service and our extended network provide excellent support to students in finding their next career opportunity in healthcare management.
Topics: international healthcare management
Topics: management and economic framework
The healthcare sector is one of the world’s largest industries and growth engines. The combination of management know-how and sector-specific knowledge enables graduates to raise their international profile, becoming sought-after candidates for top-level management positions.
The MBA programme qualifies professionals to work in international healthcare institutions and companies such as hospitals, clinics, special care institutions, providers of pharmaceutical technology, upstream and downstream service providers, startups, public institutions and non-profit associations. You can pursue a number of occupations after completing your MBA degree in International Healthcare Management.
Graduates can work in: