Biology and Science-Based Business

“A characteristic of this Leiden master’s is that we study biology at all levels, but we also look at the interactions between these levels.”

“We are Experts on Evolution and Masters of Molecules.”

“I am very happy with our new MSc programme, which is organised along the same lines as our research. It has a strong focus on what I consider two of the most challenging and fascinating subjects in biology: understanding the processes underlying evolution and biodiversity, and the functioning of the molecular machinery of living cells. The developments in modern biology are, by the way, such that these topics show many crosslinks. We examine these subjects using a range of different model organisms and state-of-the-art techniques. Both require multidisciplinary research and at Leiden we are privileged to be able to do this through a unique collaboration between different research institutes. It is also particularly interesting that fundamental science is often combined with research that seeks, for instance, medical or commercial applications, or addresses problems and issues that are relevant to our society or our changing world.

All this, combined with brand new facilities for research in these fields, enables us to offer students an excellent, broad training in which theoretical courses go hand in hand with individual research projects at the forefront of science. Each programme has enough flexibility to cater for those who want to specialise in a particular area as well as those who want to combine various elements. As a scientist I think that the Leiden constellation has a lot to offer, and I believe it also creates a very attractive environment for many students!”