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The MSc Biology programme builds on the unique combination of biological institutes in Leiden joining forces: the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL), the Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), and the Naturalis Biodiversity Center (Naturalis). The choice of courses and research projects is further increased by the embedding in the Faculty of Science and the connections with the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) and with bioscience-based companies that are located at the Leiden Bioscience Park.
The duration of the programme is two years (120 EC). Students who complete the programme receive the degree Master of Science in Biology (MSc in Biology) with specification of the specialisation. Below you can find a description of the Biology research specialisations
In addition to the E-Prospectus, the aim and content of the MSc Biology programme is described in the Appendices to the Course and Examination Regulations
Programme research specialisations (120 EC)
The MSc Biology research specialisations consists of:
A theoretical part (30-60 EC)
o Consisting of the compulsory courses and the compulsory courses of choice + electives courses (if applicable)
One or more research projects (60-90 EC).
The elective part of the programme (30-0 EC)
o Can consist of either additional courses, and/or an extension of the duration of a research project.
The programme includes some compulsory components and can be expanded with a wide choice of elective elements. The mandatory components in the 1st semester aim to provide students with the theoretical and practical background needed for an efficient start of the Research Project at the end of this semester. The Research Projects are the actual core of the MSc programme. Students will be member of a research group of their choice and work full time on a specific project. Each project will be finished with a MSc thesis written in the form of a manuscript for an international scientific journal. At least one Research Project is part of the study programme.
The Specialisation Research Project has to be done within the theme of the specialization. Prior to the start of the Research Project, the internship coordinator has to approve the Research Project agreement.
Compulsory components
Theoretical part
Each MSc-programme consists for at least 30 EC of theoretical components, consisting of the compulsory courses and the compulsory courses of choice + electives courses (if applicable to the specialization, see Prospectus)
Research project
The Research project(s) contribute at least 60 EC. Students are allowed to do two research projects. At least one project must be within the research specialization for at least 36 EC. A second project may be within or outside the chosen specialization, for at least 30 EC. A single research project cannot exceed 60 EC.
Students can carry out their Research Project(s) at one of the institutes participating in the Leiden University Biology education programme: IBL, CML, Hortus, or Naturalis. Also allowed are: research groups within other institutes at the Faculty of Science which focus on life science-related research, the LUMC, the NIOO, academic institutions other than Leiden University, companies, government institutions, and other institutions with scientific activities.
The course Fish species in animal experimentation (3 EC) or Bird species in animal experimentation (3 EC) is obligatory in case of a research project that involves handling or experimental use of fish species or birds species.
Elective elements
The elective part of the programme can consist of either additional courses, or an extension of the duration of a research project. A list of approved elective courses is available on the Prospectus. All MSc Biology specialisation courses (except orientation courses) can be followed as electives in all other master specialisations. For courses outside the Leiden University Biology programme, prior approval of the Board of Examiners is required.
Note: The scope for electives in the Master’s programme may not comprise more than 15 EC of courses that do not contain any biological component.
Approval of programme
All students have to submit their individual study plan consisting of choices of courses and one or two research projects to the Study Advisor. Through the submission of this study plan, The Study Advisor determines whether the student’s individual study plan meets the requirements of the MSc Biology programme and can be approved. Prior to the start of the Research Project, the study advisor has to approve the individual study plan of the student and the internship coordinator has to approve the Research Project agreement.
Career Preparation
Career preparation at Leiden University
In addition to offering you a solid university education, Leiden University aims to prepare you as well as possible for the labour market, and in doing so contribute to the development of your employability. In this way, it will become easier for you to make the transition to the labour market, to remain employable in a dynamic labour market, in a (career) job that suits your own personal values, preferences and development.
'Employability' consists of the following aspects that you will develop within your study programme, among others:
1. Discipline-specific knowledge and skills
Knowledge and skills specific to your study programme.
2. Transferable skills
These are skills that are relevant to every student and that you can use in all kinds of jobs irrespective of your study programme, for example: researching, analysing, project-based working, generating solutions, digital skills, collaborating, oral communication, written communication, presenting, societal awareness, independent learning, resilience.
3. Self-reflection
This concerns self-reflection in the context of your (study) career, including reflecting on the choices you make as a student during your studies, what can you do with your knowledge and skills on the labour market?
In addition, reflecting on your own profile and your personal and professional development. Who are you, what can you do well, what do you find interesting, what suits you, what do you find important, what do you want to do?
4. Practical experience
Gaining practical experience through internships, work placements, projects, practical (social) assignments, which are integrated into an elective, minor or graduation assignment.
5. Labour market orientation
Gaining insight into the labour market, fields of work, jobs and career paths through, for example, guest speakers and alumni experiences from the work field, career events within the study programme, the use of the alumni mentor network, interviewing people from the work field, and shadowing/visiting companies in the context of a particular subject.
Employability in the curriculum of Biology
You will also find these employability elements in your study programme. Examples of subjects that pay attention to this are:
1. Discipline-specific knowledge and skills
Knowledge and skills specific to your study programme.
Examples of subject-specific skills are: using a microscope, cell cultures, sampling, experimental design, executing fieldwork, morphological analysis, laboratory skills, in situ conservation, bio-modeling, bioinformatics, molecular biology techniques such as genome sequencing, microarrays , et-cetera.
2. Transferable skills
These include cognitive skills, such as researching, analysing, project-based working, generating solutions and digital skills; intrapersonal skills, such as reflecting, independent learning, resilience, and metacognition; and interpersonal skills, such as oral and written communication, collaboration, presenting and societal awareness. In short, they are skills that all professionals need in order to perform well.
3. Self-reflection
This concerns self-reflection in the context of your (study) career, including reflecting on the choices you make as a student during your studies: what can you do with your knowledge and skills on the labour market? In addition, reflecting on your own profile and your personal and professional development: who are you, what can you do well, what do you find interesting, what suits you, what do you find important, what do you want to do?
4. Practical experience
Gaining practical experience through research projects/internships, laboratory training, fieldwork, practical assignments et cetera, which are integrated into courses and research projects.
5. Labour market orientation
Gaining insight into the labour market, fields of work, jobs and career paths through, for example, guest speakers and alumni experiences from the work field, career events within the study programme, the use of the alumni mentor network, interviewing people from the work field, and shadowing/visiting companies in the context of a particular subject.
Activities to prepare for the labour market co-curricular or outside the curriculum
Every year, various activities take place, within, alongside and outside of your study programme, which contribute to your preparation for the labour market, especially where it concerns orientation towards the work field/the labour market, (career) skills and self-reflection. These may be information meetings on decision moments within your programme, but also career workshops and events organised by your own programme, the faculty Career Service or your study association.
Science Skills Platform with a Personal and Professional development domain
(Study) career meetings
Guest lectures
Alumni lectures
Company visits and company dinners
Lunch & Learn lectures by companies
IBL, Naturalis and CML symposia & lecture series.
Introductory meeting with the study advisor
Introductory meeting Science Career Service
(International) Leiden Leadership Programme
Mentorship and tutoring
Workshops en Career Colleges (Science Career Service)
Biology Career Event
Other career events such as BCF Career Event, Bio Science Park excursion, Science Career Event/Beta Banenmarkt
Events organized by the Study Association ‘Leidse Biologen Club’, such as a Meet & Greet with PhD candidates
Regular information sessions with the study advisor
Research Project Market
Research skills as part of the master research project
Career Service, LU Career Zone and career workshops calendar
Faculty Career Service
The Career Service of your faculty offers information and advice on study (re)orientation and master's choice, (study) career planning, orientation on the labour market and job applications.
Leiden University Career Zone
Leiden University Career Zone is the website for students and alumni of Leiden University to support their (study) career. You can find advice, information, (career) tests and tools in the area of (study) career planning, career possibilities with your study, job market orientation, job applications, the Alumni Mentor network, job portal, workshops and events and career services.
Workshops and events
On the course calendar you will find an overview of career and application workshops, organised by the Career services.
