Masters Degrees in Biological Sciences, Belgium

This Master is an Interuniversity Programme on Molecular Biology (IPMB), jointly organized by the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and the Universiteit Antwerpen, and selected and supported by the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR-UOS) as one of its international course programmes. Although originally designed to meet the needs of students from developing countries, the programme offers an exquisite opportunity for those who seek re-orientation to enter the fascinating world of molecular biology. Also Erasmus exchange students who visit the organizing universities for one or two semesters are most welcome to attend classes and acquire laboratory skills.

The programme aims at strengthening and updating the theoretical and practical skills of young scientists from developing countries who are already involved in either human or animal health care, or agricultural research. The goal of the programme is not just to transfer technology but rather to train participants to acquire the ability to cope with a wide range of scientific problems and challenges and to provide them with the intellectual tools needed to develop a molecular biological approach to tackle the problems their country is facing.

1st year: in-depth courses in bioscience

In view of the diversity of the background of the students, the first year consists of in depth courses that cover the most important topics in molecular biology and bring the students to the level of knowledge required to successfully follow the advanced and specialization courses of the second year. During intensive laboratory training, students are well prepared to embark for the preparation of their dissertation in the second year.

2nd year: specialization courses

In the second year, all students take four advanced courses followed by three specialization courses in either the field of human health, animal production or plant production. Also much time is devoted to the preparation and writing of the dissertation, which is an original research work made under the supervision of a promoter and defended in public.

Career opportunities

Masters of Molecular Biology find employment in universities, hospitals, private and governmental research laboratories, patenting bureaus, as lecturers, consultants, advisors to policy-makers, etc. Many graduates proceed to PhD-programmes in Belgium or abroad. Students from developing countries can apply for a sandwich PhD-scholarship. Flemish students can apply for a PhD scholarship of VLIR-UOS to make a PhD on developmental relevant topics.

Scholarships

The programme is one of the International Course Programmes supported by the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR-UOS). A limited number of scholarships is available for students coming from certain developing countries.

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Technology for Intergrated Water Management at Ghent:
-Advanced master programme.
-Interuniversity education offering combined expertise in water-related research and development.
-Multidisciplinary perspective: ecosystem approach / bioscience engineering / civil engineering.
-Providing R&D-based technological answers for integrated water policy & management.

Integrated water management is the challenge of the 21st century. Worldwide, there is a need to train specialists in water technology who have knowledge of and insight in integrated water management and policy, trends and developments in the water sector, worldwide water problems and new techniques for water treatment and water purification. Since 2010, this advanced
master is organized jointly by Ghent University (Centre Environmental Science & Technology) and the University of Antwerp (IMDO), together with the Antwerp Maritime Academy.

Structure

Semester 1 (Sept-Jan)
-Preceded by introduction courses.
-Introduction: compulsory.
-Integration in Water Technology and Water Management: compulsory.
-Specialization in Water Technology: elective courses.
Semester 2 (Feb-June)
-Integration in Water Technology and Water Management: master dissertation.
-Specialization in Water Technology: elective courses.

Learning outcomes

Our programme will prepare you to become professionals in water quality with the appropriate skills for integrated water management, who end up in research institutes, global businesses, consultancies and governmental institutions, trained in state-of-the-art water technology and integrated water management.

Other admission requirements

The following language requirements apply to candidates with a non-Flemish master’s degree only. Candidates with a master’s degree from a Flemish university are nonetheless strongly advised to take a language test to assure they possess the necessary language skills to successfully complete the programme. Applicants can prove their proficiency in English either by submitting proof you have studied at least one academic year (or 60 ECTS credits) in an English-language master programme, or by submitting one of the following language certificates with a test validity of maximum 2 years:
-TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): paper-based TOEFL level of minimum 550 or an internet-based TOEFL level of minimum 80.
-IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 6,5 overall score with a minimum of 6 for each sub-part.
-OR Knowledge level B2 of the Common European Framework.

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The programme includes the following profiles:

Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology

This profile introduces students into the study of animal and plant development, microbiology, cell signaling pathways, cytoskeleton dynamics, cancer biology, virology and immunology. Courses of this profile span multiple levels of biological organization, from whole organisms down to the molecular level. Students choosing this profile not only receive up-to-date knowledge on these topics but also acquire the laboratory skills required to engage in cutting-edge research.

Environment, Biodiversity and Ecosystems

This profile allows students to gain experience in the research methods used to study the evolution and ecology of organisms found in terrestrial, freshwater and coastal ecosystems. A staff of experts teaches up-to-date knowledge on individual organisms, populations, species communities and ecosystems, backed up by their active research experience in taxonomy and phylogeny, vertebrate and invertebrate ecology, evolutionary ecology, biogeography, plant ecology, plant-animal interactions, and nature management. In addition, students are introduced into ecological research by means of practical field training and excursions in Belgium and abroad.

Herpetology

This unique profile addresses biology students with a passion for amphibians and reptiles. An international team of visiting scientists organizes lectures on diversity, ecology, physiology, behavior, evolution and conservation biology and prepares students for a professional career in herpetology. Ecological and herpetological field courses in European and tropical countries form an important part of this programme. As a student, you will be in a stimulating environment, with fellow students and top-experts sharing your passion. For more information, have a look at http://www.herpetology.be.

Human Ecology

This profile focuses on the interaction between humans and their natural environment. The increasing impact of the human population on ecosystems worldwide stresses the urgent need for researchers with a multidisciplinary background, that engage in developmental plans for a durable use and management of natural resources. The profile Human Ecology addresses an international audience of students and offers a course programme that, besides scientific topics, also addresses technological, socio-economical and political aspects. For more information, have a look at http://www.humanecology.be.

EMMC Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems

The world faces a crisis risking extinction of species through global warming. Due to impact of e.g., changes in land use and destruction of habitats, tropical rain forests, mangrove forests and coral reefs are disappearing and with them ecosystem functions, goods and services on which human populations are dependent. In order to conserve nature, to manage or even to restore tropical biodiversity and ecosystems, we must understand patterns of tropical biodiversity, study how organisms interact with their environment and how they respond to perturbations and change. Next to research, this is dealt with in this unique masters programme. http://www.tropimundo.eu

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Developing a state of mind

The Master is conceived as a multidisciplinary and research-oriented programme. The programme also aims to develop the state of mind to perform and manage research in a multidisciplinary and international context. Therefore, our students will also be trained in different aspects of research communication and research management.

Discovery-based laboratory

The two-year programme has a strong emphasis on performing research. Its concept will require full-time attendance and will involve active participation in lectures and discovery-based laboratory work to develop the state of mind that drives the progress of science.
The program of the first year is composed of 4 modules, all of which have to be followed. The courses within each module are at advanced level and consist of 26 class hours and 6 days of practical training. The practical trainings link up with the advanced courses and will take place in the research labs under the guidance of experienced postdocs.
Protein structure and function (3x5 ECTS)
Applied Immunology (3x5 ECTS)
Advanced Molecular Biology (4x5 ECTS)
Bioinformatics (2x5 ECTS)
The program of the second year pays much attention to the acquisition of research competences. The program consists of three modules:
Elective courses (4x5 ECTS)
Master Proof (30 ECTS)
Research Communication and Management (10 ECTS)

Master Proof/Thesis

To obtain a Master degree, a student must carry out, under the direction and supervision of a promoter, an independent research project and prepare a dissertation, that is, a written account of the research and its results.

Research Communication and Management

This part of the program includes the writing of the results of the dissertation in a publication format, seminars on intellectual property rights, scientific writing, project development and the writing of a research proposal.
The latter can be a proposal for a continuation of the topic of the Master Proof, a proposal for a PhD project, or a proposal for another research project in Biomolecular Sciences, and is intended to help the students to continue their career in biomolecular research.

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Bodies of water, including oceans, large lakes, seas and estuaries, make up the largest part of the earth's surface. Well above 70% of the earth´s surface consists of water, which is essential for all life. Humans extract both directly and indirectly a major part of their food from the seas, photosynthesis in the oceans is responsible for approximately half of the global oxygen production, the oceans continue to yield unknown life forms at an astonishing rate. In spite of the importance of the water bodies of this earth, much of them remains unknown.

If you are interested in gaining more in-depth knowledge of this world, of the ecosystems associated with water, in a scientific manner, the Master of Science in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management offers you what you need. This combination of disciplines makes the programme unique, not only in Flanders, but also in Europe. Students with most scientifically oriented bachelor diplomas can start the programme directly.

Career opportunities

This multidisciplinary Master´s diploma is your admission ticket to a fascinating professional world and can be the start of an international career. As a scientist with a broad education, you are the right person for functions that require an integrated approach. The integration of knowledge from across various disciplines is valuable, and you can contribute significantly in various jobs that are concerned with marine and lacustrine domains, wherever they are in the world. The programme is broad and deep and can complement a wide range of scientific professions.

Contents

This 2-year master programme addresses students with a background in sciences. It provides you with strong fundamental and applied knowledge and prepares you for an active role in the scientific research and management of marine ecosystems. The programme adopts a multidisciplinary approach integrating physical, chemical geological, ecological and societal aspects and including nature conservation and sustainable development.

This programma trains students in:
1. playing a key role in high quality scientific marine research
2. providing advice in marine management based on sound scientific knowledge
3. becoming critically minded, problem-solving and communicative scientists

You can major in one of four specialisations:
• Biodiversity and Ecology
• Conservation Biology and Ecosystem Management
• Environmental Impact and Remediation
• Earth System Sciences

The programme is one of the International Course Programmes supported by the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR-UOS). A limited number of scholarships is available for students coming from certain developing countries.

The diversity of professional, disciplinary and cultural backgrounds of both students and lecturers ensures that the programme has a truly unique international character.

Visit the Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management (Oceans & Lakes) page on the Vrije Universiteit Brussel website for more details!

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The Master in Chemistry is a two-year (120 ECTS) advanced study in chemistry organised by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, a Flemish university located in Brussels, Belgium. This MSc programme combines the expertise in the different research domains of both the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University (UGent).

About the programme

Apart from a mandatory set of core competences, the programme offers a wide variety of classes within four current trends in Chemistry (clusters composed of a course package of 30 ECTS credits):

• Molecular and Macromolecular Design offers a thorough education in the design and synthesis of organic molecules and polymers, in which medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry and structural analysis feature prominently.
• Materials Chemistry focuses on the properties of materials, such as polymers, for example surface analysis, X-rays and laser spectroscopy and computational chemistry.
• Analysis and Characterisation covers a whole range of analytical techniques, including new electrochemical methods, advanced chromatography and elemental and isotope analyses.
• Environmental Chemistry studies natural and disturbed processes in water, soil and atmosphere. A variety of analytical techniques are used here, and new sampling and measuring techniques are designed, refined and optimised.

Additionally three main orientations exist, allowing you to select a profile composed of an additional course package of 30 ECTS in Research, Industry or Education (the profile ‘Education’ is taught in Dutch).

Approach

Practicals in small groups:
Chemistry is a real experimental science. Consequently, a lot of attention is given to practical experience and laboratory training. Practical sessions are designed to precisely perform experiments in small groups, and to handle chemicals in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. Writing lab reports and oral presentation skills are emphasised, as they constitute an integral part of the preparation for your future career. During these practical sessions, you are exposed to the different research areas and you become familiar with both theoretical and practical aspects of the different branches of chemistry. You will be introduced to the world of nucleic acids, proteins, biochemical processes and their applications, the design and synthesis of new molecules, molecular properties and reactivity studies, as well as the detection of organic pollutants, or the precise measurements of very low metal concentrations in the environment (water, soil, air).

Everyday applications:
Chemistry gives insight into a broad range of phenomena with everyday applications, and teaches you the theoretical basis of molecular properties. You also learn how you can elucidate the structure of complex organic molecules, and how you can build these molecules in the lab. The air you breathe or the water you drink must comply with international quality standards. You will be taught how to monitor that quality. The focus is clearly towards a discipline-based education, with a lot of time for experimental work.

International opportunities

During your master years, you have the opportunity to do an internship and gain experience in a professional environment, such as an international company or research lab. Or you can decide to study abroad for a semester.
Within this programme you can go on exchange to:

Denmark:
- University of Copenhagen
France:
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon I
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie
- Université Montpellier I
Portugal:
- Universidade de Lisboa
Spain:
- Universitat de Girona

Student profile:

Do you want to discover new molecules or develop advanced materials with specific properties, at a university, a public or industrial research lab?
Do you want to work on energy-efficient and environmentally friendly materials and processes?
Do you want to specialise in molecular and macromolecular design, with applications in various field such as medicine, materials, etc.?
Do you want to study the impact of chemical products on the environment?
Do you want to share your knowledge and are you considering a career in education?
Do you already have a professional Bachelor’s degree and are you looking to pursue your education and increase your opportunities on the job market?

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Content

The increasing demand for raw materials, their price volatility, the production concentration and the market distortions imposed by some countries, confront Europe and other world regions with a number of challenges along the entire value chain. To tackle this supply risk challenge and to deal with environmental problems arising from too large emissions of waste (such as CO2), technological innovation is required with respect to exploration of new resources and sustainable primary mining, sustainable use of resources in specific products and production processes (e.g. substitution of critical metals in materials), prevention of waste generation, valorisation of secondary (alternative) resources and recovery/recycling of resources from end-of-life products.

The International Master of Science in Sustainable and Innovative Natural Resource Management (SINReM) aims at educating a new range of professionals with a holistic overview on resource management and up-to-date processing technologies, who are familiar with sustainability concepts and possess an innovative mind-set to boost the economic importance of this sector.

Students will be acquainted with the different (technological) options for optimizing flows of natural resources in the different parts of the chain, ranging from resource exploration over sustainable materials use and use of resources in production processes to recovery/recycling of resources from end-of-life products. The focus is on developing ground-breaking technologies, engineering and re-inventing the value chain to make it more sustainable. Students will get a broad view on the entire value chain in its different aspects.

Networking and exchange of knowledge and experience between different nationalities, between academic and non-academic partners and between scholars and students will be promoted.

SINReM is offered by a consortium consisting of 3 Institutes of Higher Education:

Universiteit Gent / Ghent University (UGent, Gent, Belgium);
Uppsala University (UU, Uppsala, Sweden);
TU Bergakademie Freiberg (TUFreiberg, Freiberg, Germany).

The SINReM programme is (co)financed by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology within the EIT Raw Materials programme and aims at achieving an EIT label. EIT-labelled educational programmes foster students to become more creative, innovative and entrepreneurs.

Career Perspectives

Graduates are qualified for a professional career in the private (supporting companies in making processes, products and services more sustainable), research (applied research at universities, research institutes or companies) or public sector (consulting in local, regional and (inter)national administrations, defining and implementing sustainable development policies).
Graduates have an entrepreneurial mindset, a multidisciplinary view and creative innovative problem-based technology development skills

Structure

This 2-year programme contains 120 ECTS credit units and leads to the joint diploma of International Master of Science in Sustainable and Innovative Natural Resource Management.

In order to expose all students to different institutional settings, student mobility within Europe is an integral part of the programme.

General Entrance Module - Semester I 30 ECTS - Ghent University
Advanced Module - Semester II 30 ECTS - Uppsala University
Field trip - Summer School - University of Freiburg
Advanced Module II - Semester III 60 ECTS - choose a one of the following majors containing (elective) courses in combination with master dissertation research:
geo-resource exploration (Uppsala)
sustainable processes (Freiberg)
sustainable materials and resource recovery (Ghent)

All students will be moving as a cohort to Gent, Freiberg and Uppsala in the first year, which approach has significant networking and social cohesion advantages.

During this first year, students are introduced to the value chain, management of natural resources, the circular economy, its economic, policy and legal aspects, inventory techniques, the clean technology concept and life cycle assessment tools to assess sustainability of products, services and processes. Moreover, students are exposed to a basic training in the different technological tools that can be used to intervene in different parts of the value chain (geo-resource exploration, sustainable (chemical) extraction processes, sustainable materials and resource recovery technology).

In the second year students have the option to further specialize by selecting a major and conducting thesis research. They interact with the professional sector through cooperation in thesis research, internships, lectures and seminars.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted, candidates must have at least a bachelor degree (minimum 180 ECTS credits) in engineering or science (physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, earth science, materials science) including 15 ECTS in mathematics and/or physics and 10 ECTS pure or applied chemistry or an equivalent level from a recognised university or Engineering College.

In terms of language requirements the following is currently applied in or acceptable by the partner institutes. Changes to these requirements are however admissible (upon approval by the MB).

Nationals of Australia, Botswana, Canada, Eritrea, Gambia, Ghana, Guyana, India, Ireland, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, UK, USA, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, need to send proof of at least one year - 60 ECTS (finished successfully) - of comprehensive English-based instruction at a HEI do not need to present a language certificate but a mode of instruction.

Candidates from any other nationality need to present test results of one of the following tests (validity of 5 years; TOEFL/IELTS predictive tests and TOEIC will not be accepted):

TOEFL IBT 86
TOEFL PBT 570
ACADEMIC IELTS 6,5 overall score with a min. of 6 for writing

Candidates apply online through a standard online application form. All candidates fulfilling the above-mentioned minimum admission requirements receive and an official letter of admission signed by the legal representative of Ghent University (the Rector), in name of the consortium. Any applicant will need to be granted academic admission by Ghent University, advised by the SINReM Management Board, before starting the program. To this aim, candidates have to prove through their application file that they meet the admission requirements.

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Aquaculture is defined as the production of aquatic plants and animals for human consumption. Under the pressure of the increasing world population on the one side and the stagnating or even declining fishery landings on the other side, aquaculture is considered as the only option to respond to the growing demand for healthy and sustainable seafood. Commercial aquaculture is a relatively young, diverse and dynamic bio-industry with growth figures exceeding any other traditional primary production sector.

Modern aquaculture is a strongly research-driven bio-industry requiring constant innovation and highly skilled entrepreneurs. On the other hand, it is also a very diverse discipline with a wide range of involved species (plants, molluscs, crustaceans, fish), climates, environments (freshwater, brackishwater, marine), and exploitation modes (developing versus developed economies; subsistence versus business aquaculture).

The MSc in Aquaculture, established at Ghent University in 1991, offers a constantly actualised programme that balances a broad multidisciplinary approach and an in-depth research-based training. It prepares its students for fulfilling leading roles in scientific research, as well as in policy-making as aquaculture businesses.

Structure

The programme is conceived along a gradient of increasingly specialized and research-driven courses across the four semesters of the two years’ programme. In the first semester basic knowledge related to topics such as biology, microbiology, aquatic ecology, statistics is consolidated, broadened and deepened, in order to come to a homogeneous profile of the students.

The following semesters focus on specialized aquaculture-related topics underpinned by the expertise of the ARC (especially in terms of live food production and applications and larviculture microbiology). The programme is concluded with the fourth semester, which is available for thesis work. Thesis work is generally integrated within ongoing research projects, thus providing the student with a broader context of current research and applications.

Students advance their presentation techniques, communication skills and other generic skills through a variety of for teaching forms other than classical classroom teaching (e.g. practical exercises; case-study approaches, group work, lab work reporting).

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the programme, the graduated student:
-Possesses a broad knowledge at an advanced level in a number of basic disciplines (biology, ecology, pathology, genetics, zootechnology, nutrition, management, economics and statistics) relevant to aquaculture.
-Understands the processes ongoing in different forms and systems of aquatic production.
-Has acquired a broad knowledge on the production of aquatic organisms.
-Can identify and analyze the interactions between aquatic biological production systems and their environmental context, and can implement potential mitigating interventions.
-Can identify and analyze the interactions between aquatic biological production systems and their socio-economic context, and is familiar with the practicalities and organization of commercial ventures.
-Understands the ethical issues of animal production and experimentation.
-Can design and implement strategies for future development in aquaculture.
-Has acquired a scientific approach to formulate and test hypotheses to design research protocols, and to collect and analyze data.
-Is able to interact with peers, with various stakeholders in the aquaculture sector, and with a general public concerning personal research, thoughts, ideas, and research proposals, both written and orally.

Other admission requirements

The applicant must be proficient in the language of the course or training programme, i.e. English. The English language proficiency can be met by providing a certificate (validity of 5 years) of one of the following tests: (TOEFL/IELTS predictive tests and TOEIC will not be accepted):
-TOEFL IBT 80
-TOEFL PBT 550
-ACADEMIC IELTS 6,5 overall score with a min. of 6 for writing
-CEFR B2 Issued by a European university language centre
-ESOL CAMBRIDGE English CAE (Advanced)

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Environmental Technology and Engineering at Ghent:
-Learn to design and apply state-of-the-art environmental technology and engineering solutions.
-Study in three leading European universities and gain a multi-cultural experience.
-Be part of an international network of students, researchers and professionals of different nationalities.
-Possibility of Erasmus Mundus and other scholarships.

In the IMETE Erasmus Mundus programme you will become part of a new generation of environmental scientists. As a graduate, you will be able to design and apply state-of-the-art environmental technology and engineering solutions to tackle today’s global environmental problems. IMETE intensively promotes international networking and exchange of knowledge and experience between students, researchers and professionals of different nationalities.

You will study two years at three leading European universities: Ghent University in Belgium, the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands and the University of Chemistry and Technology (Prague) in the Czech Republic.

Structure

Semester 1 (Sept-Jan)
-UNESCO-IHE, Netherlands.
-General scientific courses and development of transferable skills.
Semester 2 (Febr-June)
-UCT Prague, Czech Republic.
-Advanced and specialization courses in environmental technology and engineering (e.g. solid waste and water treatment, atmosphere protection, soil remediation).
Semester 3 (Sept-Jan)
-Ghent University, Belgium.
-Specialized courses in environmental technology and engineering (e.g. clean technology, reuse technology, process and control engineering) and elective courses.
Semester 4 (Febr-June)
-Master dissertation at one of the European universities or at numerous research partners in Europe, America, Africa or Asia.

Learning outcomes

Our programme will prepare you to become:
-A creative researcher who develops innovative technologies to protect our environment and safeguard our natural resources.
-A professional in an international company or (non-)governmental organisation, who reduces the environmental impact of human activities by designing environmental technology solutions throughout the entire world.
-A leading policy maker, who is involved in innovative decision-making to guide a sustainable society in safeguarding the environment.

Other admission requirements

The English language proficiency can be met by providing a certificate (validity of 5 years) of one of the following tests:
-TOEFL IBT 86
-TOEFL PBT 570
- ACADEMIC IELTS 6,5 overall score
Language of instruction is not accepted anymore, except applicants who are nationals from or have obtained a bachelor and/or master degree in a higher education institute with English as mode of instruction in USA, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland or Canada, and in the latter case a certificate that the mode of instruction was English has to be submitted.

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In the first academic year of the MSc program, the students of the 3 main subjects have several courses in common, aiming in giving them all an in-depth knowledge and know-how related to nutrition and rural development related topics, creating a common academic level between all program students of diverse backgrounds. The common part of the programme consists on the one hand of basic knowledge, insights and skills in the areas of production, transformation, preservation, marketing and consumption of food products. On the other hand, it contains a practically oriented component that enables the alumni to identify problems by means of quantitative and qualitative research methods and analytical techniques, to assess and rank causes, and to plan, to execute and to evaluate appropriate interventions.

The other part of courses given during the first year are main subject specific courses. The academic second year provides a more in depth understanding of the specific problems and their solutions for the main subject and major chosen and consists of main subject and major specific courses, elective (optional) courses and Master Dissertation research (30 ECTS).

The specific expertise the students receive depends on the main subject , major and optional courses chosen.

Human nutrition

Transfers specific and profound knowledge, insights and skills related to the food and public health nutrition security problems and possible solutions at population level. Therefore, this subject focuses on themes such as food chemistry, food and nutrition science, nutritional requirements, food and nutrition policy, nutrition surveillance, nutrition disorders, nutrition research, food and nutrition interventions, food safety, nutrition epidemiology, consumer behaviour, rural development and agriculture, development economics, project management, and project planning.

Structure

Semester 1 (Sept-Jan)
-Preceded by introduction courses.
-Common and main subject specific basic courses.
-Fundamental, in depth and high level knowledge.
Semester 2 (Febr-June)
-Main subject specific courses with special attention to ‘in field’ applications.
-Possibility to do internships in summer holidays.
Semester 3 (Sept-Jan) and Semester 4 (Febr-June)
-Specialised courses (fine-tuned individual programme).
-Master dissertation (at Ghent University, other Belgian institutes/organizations/multinationals or one of our partners in the South or Europe).

Learning outcomes

Have thorough knowledge and comprehension (theory and practice) l in the interdisciplinary domains: food and feed production, socio-economic, (public health) nutrition and management concepts, theories and skills, and in the main subject specific domains and the chosen major domains. The program additionally focuses on international collaboration.
-Major: Public Health Nutrition : Have profound insights in public health nutrition realities and compare public health nutrition issues, approaches and policies within the international context.
-Major Nutrition Security and Management: Have profound insights in different food/nutrition security realities and compare nutrition security issues, approaches and (nutrition) policies within an international context.
-Major Plant Production: Have profound insights in plant production realities and compare plant production issues, and approaches within the international context.
-Major Animal Production: Have profound insights in animal production realities and compare animal production issues, and approaches within the international context.

Apply theories and methodological approaches to characterize and analyse specific problems: food, nutrition and agricultural chains, food sovereignty /safety and security, natural resource management, sustainable production, economic and social problems of rural areas, national and international agriculture.

Design and implement adequate instruments, methods, models and innovative tools to analyse, evaluate and solve interdisciplinary related problems in the context of sustainable development.

Apply the interdisciplinary tools to design, implement, monitor and evaluate national and international agro-nutrition policies and programs. More specifically:
-For Human Nutrition: construct innovative tools and instruments for the development of a better nutritional health status of a country/region/area and its inhabitants/households.
-For Tropical agriculture: a more efficient and economic feasible agricultural balanced, food production guaranteeing a better food security situation per country respecting local environment.

Assess the importance and magnitude of a problem, define strategies for intervention and/or identify knowledge gaps. Develop a research protocol based on the analysis of existing evidence and set up a research plan, analyse and interpret the data and present the findings.

Identify, select and apply appropriate research methods and techniques to collect, analyses and critically interpret data.

Critically reflect on program specific issues, and on ethical and value driven aspects of research and intervention strategies.

Take up a trans-disciplinary role in an interdisciplinary ((inter)national) team dealing with global challenges, and develop a global perspective.

Dialogue and professionally interact with different actors and stakeholders from peers to a general public to convincingly communicate evidence based research findings and project results.

To effectively use appropriate communication and behavioural skills in different language and cultural environments.

Learn to continuously critically reflect (individually and in discussion with others) upon personal knowledge, skills, attitudes, functioning, and develop an attitude of lifelong learning. This includes:
-Design and plan own learning processes.
-Self-Directed Learning: work independently, take initiative, and manage a project through to completion.

Other admission details

The applicant must be proficient in the language of the course or training programme, i.e. English. The English language proficiency can be met by providing a certificate (validity of 5 years) of one of the following tests: (TOEFL/IELTS predictive tests and TOEIC will not be accepted):
-TOEFL IBT 80.
-TOEFL PBT 550.
-ACADEMIC IELTS 6,5 overall score with a min. of 6 for writing.
-CEFR B2 Issued by a European university language centre.
-ESOL CAMBRIDGE English CAE (Advanced).

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A country's physical land resources are a fundamental pillar of support for human life and welfare. Worldwide, population pressures and severe degradation, pollution and desertification problems are threatening this - for several countries relatively scarce - natural resource, and cause competition between agricultural or industrial purposes, urban planning and nature conservation. To guarantee a proper use and management of this for a nation basic commodity, well trained specialists with a thorough knowledge of the properties and characteristics of this natural resource, and a solid insight in factors and measures that may alter its actual state and value are warranted and call for a high standard scientific and practical education.

The main subject in Land Resources Engineering offers training in non-agricultural use and application of soil, and includes geotechnical aspects (use of soil as a building material or for foundations, slope stability and stability of excavations), the role of soil- and groundwater for water management and supply, soil management in relation to environment and land use (erosion, sediment transport, coastal development and protection).

Structure

The Master of Science degree programme in Physical Land Resources is a two year, full time course. The first year provides a fundamental basis in physical land resources, with a main subject in either Soil Science or Land Resources Engineering. The second year offers specialised courses in one of the two main subjects. The students have to prepare a master dissertation in the second year. Successful completion of the programme leads to the award of an Master of Science degree in Physical Land Resources. The course curriculum of the first year, and of the main subject in soil science of the second year is organised at the Ghent University, whereas all courses of the main subject in Land Resources Engineering of the second year are lectured at "Vrije Universiteit Brussel".

The academic year starts the last week of September. However students are advised to arrive in Ghent in the first week of September to follow the preparatory summer course.

Teaching methods
A wide variety of teaching methods are used in the PLR programme. All course units, except for “Internship” and “Master Dissertation” include lectures. Lectures are fundamental to provide students with the necessary basic knowledge in order to acquire the requested competences. Besides lectures the following teaching methods are very frequently used: practical classes, PC-room classes and coached exercises. Teaching methods like guided self-study, group work and microteaching are occasionally used. Field work and excursions are naturally an important component of the Physical Land Resources programme, especially in the first year.

Learning outcomes

The Master of Science in Physical Land Resources is organized at both UGent and VUB and aims to contribute to an increased knowledge in Physical Land Resources both in terms of quantity (more experts with a broad knowledge) and of quality (knowledge and its use at an advanced scientific level). The incoming students have diverse backgrounds in geology-related sciences, civil engineering or agronomy and the large majority of students originate from developing countries.
-Possesses a broad knowledge at an advanced level in basic disciplines (soil physics, soil chemistry, soil mineralogy, meteorology and climatology) that provide a polyvalent scientific understandinga. needed to evaluate land potential for agricultural and environmental applications, understand the evolution of soils under natural and human-impacted conditions, and contribute to sustainable land use planning and integrated management of land and water (Soil Science); or in non-agricultural applications of land, such as geotechnical aspects, the role of soil and groundwater in water resources management and water supplies, and of land management in relation to other environmental and land use aspects (Land Resources Engineering).
-Possesses the basics to conduct field work (soil survey, soil profile description, soil sampling), interpret analytical data, classify the soil, and manage and interpret existing cartographic and remote sensing data using modern equipment, informatics and computer technology.
-Characterize soil physico-chemically and mineralogically with advanced techniques to understand soil processes, translate this to soil quality and assess the influences by and on natural and anthropogenic factors.
-Recognize interaction with other relevant science domains and identify the need to integrate them within the context of more advanced ideas and practical applications and problem solving.
-Demonstrate critical consideration of and reflection on known and new theories, models or interpretation within the specialty.
-Plan and execute target orientated experiments or simulations independently and critically evaluate the collected data.
-Develop and execute original scientific research and/or apply innovative ideas within research units.
-Formulate hypotheses, use or design experiments to test these hypotheses, report on the results, both written and orally, and communicate findings to experts and the general public.

Other admission requirements

The applicant must be proficient in the language of the course or training programme, i.e. English. The English language proficiency can be met by providing a certificate (validity of 5 years) of one of the following tests: (TOEFL/IELTS predictive tests and TOEIC will not be accepted)
-TOEFL IBT 80.
-TOEFL PBT 550.
-ACADEMIC IELTS 6,5 overall score with a min. of 6 for writing.
-CEFR B2 Issued by a European university language centre.
-ESOL CAMBRIDGE English CAE (Advanced).

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