Master of Biomedical Sciences

The importance of biomedical sciences

The 21st century started as the century of molecular life sciences. Ever since the 1990s when scientists greatly improved our insights into the molecular basis of life processes, the life sciences have developed at a tremendous rate. Various breakthroughs, including the mapping of the human genome, are leading to the rapid development of inter-relationships between formerly autonomous scientific disciplines such as genetics, medicine, pharmacology, biology, and environmental science. This creates new prospects for the academic and business worlds. Investments are huge: all over the world, universities, research institutes and businesses are launching new research initiatives, teaching programmes and business related activities.

In accordance with its Lisbon Strategy, aimed at a more ambitious reinforcement of Europe’s knowledge-based economy, the EU strongly supports further development of genomics and biotechnology. And these are only two of many future scientific developments in the realm of the life sciences, including proteomics, bioinformatics, bioelectronics and imaging, all of which have numerous applications for human health, wellness and prosperity.

The Master of Biomedical Sciences focuses on state-of-the-art methodology, knowledge, insight and academic skills, enabling graduates to unravel the molecular mechanisms of health and disease as independent researchers. The programme provides students with the knowledge and skills required for the proper design of a scientific research project.

Bioelectronics and Nanotechnology

This unique master degree programme in Belgium focuses on a novel and interdisciplinary scientific domain at the boundaries between physics, chemistry, electronics, and biomedical sciences.

Fifty years ago, shortly after J. Watson and F. Crick successfully solved the structure of DNA using X-ray diffraction, R. Feynman made his visionary statement: “There’s plenty of room at the bottom”, with which he effectively heralded the new era of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Since that time, research into “functional” molecules and nanomaterials has developed into one of the most important scientific disciplines of today. This is triggered by the fact that a broad range of advanced techniques with high precision has become available to study molecules directly at their own length scale and to understand their complex properties. The interdisciplinary master programme offers a strong foundation in all fundamental scientific aspects and covers several applied concepts in materials science. This specialization provides an introduction to various advanced physical and chemical techniques in addition to an in depth introduction into several important application areas. Topics range from integrated detection and characterization techniques for molecules (biosensors) to the nanoscale engineering of implant materials, the working principles of medical devices like neurochips and pacemakers, and the development of nano(bio) materials for diagnosis and therapy (nanomedicine).

The curriculum of this programme was jointly developed by physicists, chemists, clinical and biomedical researchers, and engineers specialized in biomedical fields. The programme ensures therefore a broad overview of the domain of bioelectronics and nanotechnology and enables the graduates to develop their individual skills for a successful career in interdisciplinary research- and development environments.

Environmental Health Sciences

This unique master degree programme focuses on the novel and interdisciplinary scientific domain of toxicology, molecular biology and epidemiology. Central themes are the complex interactions between individual genetics and exogenous factors present in either food, environmental compartments or their lifestyle that may have an impact on the environment and health. The programme focuses on interdisciplinarity to solve complex problems and contributes to the improvement of significant societal problems

The specialization Environmental Health Sciences is organized in collaboration with the Faculty of Sciences, which has a strong tradition of interdisciplinary and collaborative research. The objective of this training program is to educate a new generation of environmental scientists who can use the tools of cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry to study interactions between humans and their environment. Topics that are addressed include system biology/toxicology, biomarker development, gene-environment interactions and environmental policy. Students gain skills and knowledge that are applicable in a multitude of organizations including academia, national or local government, health services, commercial companies and private consultancies.

Molecular mechanisms in Health and Disease

This unique master programme focuses on state-of-the-art methodology, in depth knowledge, insight and academic skills, preparing graduates for a career in science. The central theme of this master programme is to unravel the molecular mechanisms of diseases, and to translate research findings into novel approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases. Students get the possibility to further specialize in one of the core research themes of the faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences at Hasselt University, namely, neuroscience, cardiovascular science and immunology & infection.

• 2 years
• full time study programme
• 120 ECTS
• Teaching periods of 10 weeks (quartiles)
• Strong emphasis on competence-based learning
• Employability skills are very important
• The educational team has an international and multidisciplinary profile
• Professors and senior scientists are complemented by experts in the field
• Recent publications in leading scientific journals are used in lectures, assignments and ‘guided self-study’
• During two internships, you will be individually supervised in experimental work, research skills and writing of a report

Find all information in the study guide.

Possible career paths are

• Applied and fundamental research at universities, hospitals, and research centers in scientific and biomedical disciplines (PhD, research associate...)
• Research and development in companies specialized in pharmaceutics, diagnostics, biotechnology, semiconductor and biomedical devices, and medical engineering (product specialist, process analyst, product engineer, service engineer, scientist, process analyst, patent agent, ...)
• Governmental authorities and centers focusing on public health, environmental conservation, genetics, and information services (project manager, business developer, investment manager...)
• Independent consultant and entrepreneur
• Education (teaching assistant…)

For more information about the admission and enrolment procedure, please follow the link below

1. Direct admission to the master programmes BMS

To the master's programme Bioelectronics and Nanotechnology:

• All applicants who have at least a bachelor's degree (180 ECTS credit points) in biomedical sciences from a Belgian University (or Maastricht University).
• All applicants with at least a bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS credit points) in biology, physics or chemistry from Hasselt University (on condition that a prescribed optional package is included in these bachelor’s programmes).

To the master's programme Environmental Health Sciences and Molecular Mechanisms in Health and Disease:

• All applicants who have at least a bachelor's degree (180 ECTS credit points) in biomedical sciences or medicine from a Belgian University (or Maastricht University).
• All applicants with at least a bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS credit points) in biology or chemistry from Hasselt University (on condition that a prescribed optional package is included in these bachelor’s programmes).

Applicants with a different educational background (obtained at a Belgian University) should contact the programme coordinator for specific regulations. The Examination Board of the programme evaluates each application individually concerning the applicant's academic record.

2. Application for the master programmes BMS

All applicants who have a degree obtained at a university outside Belgium (except for Maastricht University) should proceed through the application procedure.

Admission procedure:

• Online pre-registration is compulsory. The Examination Board will only consider duly completed application files.
• Deadline for submission: 1th of July (EEA students) / 1st of March (non-EEA students)
• For support in the admission procedure: admissionformaster@uhasselt.be
• Applicants will be notified of the Examination Board’s decision as soon as possible. The registration becomes active after payment of the tuition fee, augmented with a premium for health insurance for non-EEA students.
• Please consult our admission webpage for fees, regulations and online pre-registration.

Admission requirements:

• Academic record: All applicants should hold at least a university diploma or degree certificate or a diploma of higher education equivalent to a bachelor degree (180 ECTS credit points), at the start of the master programme. The Examination Board of the programme evaluates each application individually concerning the applicant's academic record.
• Language requirements: Sufficient knowledge of English is required and has to be confirmed by presenting a sufficient score on a language test (TOEFL or IELTS) and by an intake interview at request of the programme coordinator. Native speakers or holders of a degree obtained in the English language are exempt from a language test.
  • A TOEFL score report (internet-based : score 89-90). For more information about the TOEFL, go to www.toefl.org. Students who take the test are required to indicate institution code 9005, so that the results are transmitted to Hasselt University directly.
  • An IELTS certificate (min. overall band score 6.5). For more information, go to www.ielts.org. On the day of the test, Hasselt University can be selected as the institution to which the test result should be sent, with reference to the contact person of the programme for which you wish to apply.

    Note that we only accept academic TOEFL or IELTS test results.

• Test on basic knowledge of biomedical sciences: For the master programmes BMS, a basic knowledge of biomedical sciences is required. Therefore, you will be invited for a mandatory online test. Specific topics including cell biology, genomics, cell physiology, chemistry and biophysics, as well as calculations and techniques will be addressed. Passing this test is a binding condition for admission to the master programme.
  
  
• Practical lab skills: After admission, a practical session on basic lab skills will be organized at the start of the master programme for all incoming students who do not have a bachelor degree in Biomedical sciences/Biology/Chemistry from a Belgian University. Afterwards, you will receive detailed feedback on your results and if needed, a remediation session will be organised.

Information on admission requirements:
International applications can contact the programme's internationalisation coordinator, Mrs. Ilse Broekx for a first check on their admission requirements for the master programmes. Please note that all applicants should complete the whole application procedure to obtain official admission to the master programmes.

Master Mind scholarship:
The Flemish Ministry of Education awards scholarships to outstanding students for master programmes in Flanders. More information about the study programmes offered by Hasselt University can be found on our website (UHasselt - Study Programmes).

3. Bridging programmes

A bridging programme is provided for the following Belgian bachelor degree programmes:

• Professional bachelors 'Agro- en biotechnologie', specialization 'cel- en gentechnologie' (specialization 'omgevingstechnologie': only for the master EHS). This bridging programme comprises, depending on the chosen master's specialization, 73 to 82 ECTS credit points.
• Students from Hogeschool PXL can already take a number of course units from the bridging program during their third year professional bachelor at the PXL. They can complete the remaining part of the bridging programme in one year. They will only be allowed to take the second part of the bridging program after obtaining their bachelor's degree at the PXL.
• You can also start the bridging program after your professional bachelor's degree. In practice, you will need approximately 1.5 years to complete the bridging programme. Provided you have a favorable study progress, you can already combine your final year of your bridging programme with courses from the master programme.
• Professional bachelors 'biomedische laboratoriumtechnologie', specializations 'medische laboratoriumtechnologie' and 'farmaceutische en biologische laboratoriumtechnologie'. This bridging programme comprises, depending on the chosen master's specialization, 66 to 70 ECTS credit points and can in principle be completed in one year.
• For related professional bachelor's degree programmes, the Examination Board of the BMS master programme decides on admission based on the candidate's previous education and an adapted bridging programme can be drawn up. Applications, also for exemptions, can be submitted to the chairman of the examination Board of the BMS master programme via the study coordinator.

The bridging student takes course units from the first, second and third bachelor year together with the other students. The bridging programme is organized only in Dutch, however it gives you the admission requirements to start the English Master of Biomedical Sciences.

Students from all over the world come to Hasselt to study the Master of Biomedical Sciences.

Why study in Hasselt?

Hasselt is known for its hospitality, making international students feel right at home.

• Located in the heart of the EU-region
• Ranked 47th best university under 50 years
• 15% international students from 75 different countries
• 550 PhD students

New to Belgium?

Are you new to Belgium and still finding your way?

The Joint Organization of Statistical Scholars (JOSS) helps international students get around on campus and the city of Hasselt.

+ Link hier ook naar sociale netwerken, groepen waarin buitenlandse studenten samenkomen, etc.