Science is a journey. Discover your career at VU LSC!
PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
Programme type |
Master's |
Field of study |
Genetics |
Study area |
Life Sciences |
Degree |
Master of Life Sciences |
Duration |
2 years |
Workload |
120 ECTS credits, 770 contact hours, 2200 self-study hours |
Language of instruction |
English |
Location |
Life Sciences Center |
Starting date |
September 1st |
Tuition fee EU*/Non-EU students |
€5,266 / €6,500 per year |
*EU citizens are entitled to apply for state-funded places |
- The objective
To develop experience of the experimental work in genetics which can be realised by original experimental work in various fields of genetics: molecular, plant, human genetics or genetics of microorganisms, gene engineering, cytogenetics, genotoxicology. The programme provides modern knowledge and practical skills in genetics necessary for independent scientific and professional career in rapidly developing areas of genetic technologies, biomedicine and biotechnologies.
- Career opportunities
A graduate is able to work in the field of biotechnological and biomedical industry, at research institutions of biomedical profile as well as at educational institutions.
- Access to further studies
Analytical knowledge could be improved in doctoral studies in the fields of biology (genetics), molecular biology or biochemistry.
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
A holder of a Master's degree in Genetics has good working knowledge in molecular, human and plant genetics, cytogenetics, genotoxicology, gene informatics and is competent to carry out original investigations in the field of theoretical and applied genetics, molecular biology, genotoxicology. He/she has also acquired IT, teamwork, critical and analytical thinking skills, has abilities of extending his knowledge without guidance and is ready to hold personal responsibility for his/her professional development.
VU LSC students of MSc Genetics can participate in Coimbra Group Cancer Biology Project. The purpose of the project is for students to extend the knowledge and concentrate their studies and research project in Cancer Biology field.
COURSE INFORMATION
The programme has the following structure:
Course Type |
1st Semester (30 ECTS credits) |
2nd Semester (30 ECTS credits) |
3rd Semester (30 ECTS credits) |
4th Semester (30 ECTS credits) |
Compulsory Courses |
Methods in Molecular Genetics (10) Bioinformatic Analysis of Big Data (10)
|
Genotoxicology (5) Applied Plant Genetics and Genomics (5) Term Research Project (5) |
Term Research Project (15) |
Master Thesis (30) |
Elective Courses |
Epigenetics (5) Genome Evolution (5) Data Analysis with R (5) Laboratory Animal Science (5)* Oncogenetics (5) Eukaryotic chromosome structure (5)
Human Genome Analysis (5) Synthetic Biology (5) |
Behaviour Genetics (5) Recombinogenesis and DNA Repair (5) Molecular and Genomic Medicine (5) Molecular mechanisms of aging and rejuvenation technologies (5) Molecular Virology (5)* Cell Technologies (5)
|
All the same as in the 1st Semester |
*international students are taught individually
EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS
The main form of assessment is an examination. Every course unit is ompletes with either a written or written-oral examination or pass/fail assessment. Student's knowledge and general performance during the examination are assessed by using the grading scale from 1 (very poor) to 10 (excellent).
APPLICATION AND SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree or its equivalent in Life Sciences
- The following subjects or their close equivalents should be studied during Bachelor studies (no less than 30 ECTS credits totally): Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Cell Biology, Genetics, Bachelor Thesis (Project)
- English language proficiency – the level required - not lower than B2 (according to Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or TOEFL score 75/IELTS score 6). For each of these subjects, the grades must be at least 60% of the maximum possible grade. Candidates with at least 70% of the bachelor highest possible CGPA (cumulative grade point average) are eligible.
- Applicants must submit a motivational letter for the study programme and at least one recommendation from his/her former supervisor or professor.
- Applicants that meet the entry requirements will be invited to a motivational interview. The interview will be held remotely and will take place on 22-26 April or 11-21 June 2024. During the interview each applicant will be evaluated in 10-point scale on the following criteria: motivation for the programme, a short presentation of the Bachelor’s thesis or research experience, English language skills. Interviewed applicants will be ranked, those with the highest score (but not less than 20) are admitted.