Molecular and Cellular Biosciences

Specialisation of: Biology
Degree: Master of Science in Biology
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 2 years
Start date: Flexible, for international students preferably September or February
Language of instruction: English
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 60200
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The Master’s specialisation in Molecular and Cellular Biosciences is an excellent opportunity for students who are interested in Life Sciences. There are a number of different possibilities for research subjects: not only revealing molecular mechanisms that form the basis of diverse organisms and how they function in ecosystems, but also the application of this knowledge in biotechnology.

Research questions are tackled from a multidisciplinary approach, combining disciplines such as molecular genetics, genomics, microbiology, cell biology, developmental biology, biochemistry, microscopy and cell physiology including electrophysiology. Research approaches exploit recent advances in gene and genomics technology and confocal laser scanning microscopy which enables the study of molecules in living cells and multicellular organisms in unprecedented detail. Micro-organisms studied include the eukaryotic model baker’s yeast as well as filamentous fungi, which are important for industrial and bio-energy production in the life sciences industry. Plant species studied include the international model Arabidopsis thaliana and the medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus, producing anti-cancer alkaloids. Zebra fish are studied as a model for human development and diseases such as cancer and bacterial infection.

Reasons to Choose Biology in Leiden

  1. No less than five biological research institutes collaborate in the MSc programme in Leiden, giving it a very broad and diverse scope.
  2. The multi-disciplinary character of the programme is further increased through collaborations between our research groups and other biological and medical research institutions.
  3. All MSc specialisations combine a solid educational programme with the focus on hands-on research, providing a balanced training.
  4. Biology in Leiden offers an international academic environment and world-class research.
  5. In Leiden, you can combine training in biological research with training in communication, education and science-based business.
Molecular and Cellular Biosciences

Prof.dr. Carel ten Cate

“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!”