Universiteit Leiden

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Life Science & Technology - Faculty of Science - Leiden University

Life Science & Technology (MSc)

Why Leiden University?

The Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC) offers a unique tailor-made programme in Life Science and Technology. You can customize the programme to your own interests and ambitions with the help of your own personal mentor. Your study will focus on either a biomedical, molecular or biophysical approach of Life Sciences. During the Master's you will be part of one of the multidisciplinary research teams in the LIC, or at Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands Cancer Institute, or Erasmus Medical Center.

A Molecular and Biomedical approach of Life Sciences

Research related to Life Sciences carried out at the Leiden Institute of Chemistry comprises molecular and cellular techniques as well as chemical biology research. In doing so, we are creating unprecedented advances in the understanding of fundamental cellular processes and mechanisms underlying diseases. Knowledge about genomic organisation, studies on protein-protein interactions, synthesis and application of molecular chemical structures and understanding of bio(medical) informatics form a core part of our modern understanding of health and disease. You will learn to understand the molecular and structural chemical and biological aspects of disease-related processes and be able to apply chemical tools in the development of treatment for diseases.

Access to top research facilities

The Leiden Institute of Chemistry has access to a number of key facilities that enable our research groups, and thus students, to carry out their innovative research. LIC researchers have access to a Cell Observatory with various (electron) microscopes, an NMR Facility with seven spectrometers ranging from 300 to 850 MHz and options for paramagnetic or solid-state NMR, a crystallisation facility (Crystal Cave) with instruments to perform high-throughput crystallisation screening in 96-well format, and peptide synthesisers.  Read more about the facilities

Faculty of Science

The Leiden University Faculty of Science is a first-class research faculty with an excellent position in the fundamental disciplines of science. The current research and education programmes cover the entire spectrum of science, including Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science, Computer Science, Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biology, and Environmental Sciences. Our science community is driven by their curiosity and desire to increase basic knowledge for science and to contribute to the great societal challenges of today and tomorrow. Our core values are scientific impact, technological innovation and societal relevance. 

Study at a world-class university

Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and enjoys an excellent worldwide reputation built up over more than four centuries. Since 1575 we’ve provided sound personal education for hundreds of thousands of students. We’ll do our utmost to give you the best possible support. And if you can and want to do more, we’ll challenge you every step of the way. For many years, we’ve been among the leaders in Dutch university rankings and we are currently to be found in a variety of top international rankings too.

More reasons to choose Leiden University

The Life Science and Technology and Education master specialisation gives you the opportunity to combine fundamental LST studies with excellent education in becoming a chemistry or biology teacher.

Leiden University Graduate School of Teaching (ICLON) connects theory and practice of teaching through the application of academic knowledge to issues of classroom practice. Also, issues of practice form the starting point for research in, and development of, secondary education. ICLON has close collaboration with secondary schools within the area where your practical experience is gained. You receive one-on-one guidance but you will also meet with colleagues from different disciplines, each with their own knowledge and experience. This provides you with a broad view on education.

For more information please visit the ICLON website.

The Life Science and Technology and SCS master specialisation gives you the opportunity to combine a fundamental study in Life Sciences with different aspects of science communication.

Within our department we study and teach science communication. Our research programme is aimed at improving science communication with the central themes ‘Authenticity in informal learning’ and ‘Bridging the gap between experts and the general public’. Our master’s specialisation is available to all master students within the Faculty of Science and enables you to bring together your field of science and society. We focus on a strong link between science communication theory and practice, combining lectures, written and hands-on assignments, research projects and practical internships.

For more information please visit the SCS website.

Combine research in Life Science and Technology with different aspects of business studies. Learn to build bridges between science and business.

The Business Studies specialisation is the management track. We offer you small-scale, interactive teaching that is analytically rigorous and connected to management practice.

The Management track is for students who consider employment opportunities in industry, and who are looking to acquire knowledge of business principles and training in managerial skills. The track provides an introduction to general management theory and practice.