BSc in Life Science and Technology University of Groningen

Can we generate new organs from cells? How do biological molecules such as proteins and DNA work? Do you wonder to what extent it is possible to produce better medicine, enzymes, or food using biotechnology?

In this degree program in Life Science and Technology, you will learn how to find answers to questions like these. This degree program combines elements from a variety of disciplines, including biology, pharmacy, physics, chemistry, and engineering. You will learn how to use this knowledge to create medical applications that make people better or improve their quality of life.

Our students and researchers study the intricate details of living organisms but also try to build life-like systems from molecules that are not alive. If we are able to build such a synthetic cell we will understand the requirements for life much better, and we might be able to use these cells as factories for new bio-molecules. These are just a few examples of the things we explore. By the time you start this program, numerous other new research projects will undoubtedly have started up. You’re bound to find something that arouses your interest.

Why study this program in Groningen?

• Life Science and Technology is a combination of different disciplines, including physics, chemistry and biology, biotechnology, health care, and business
• This Bachelor's degree program starts with a broad-based program, after which you can make your choice for biotechnology, biomolecular sciences, or molecular pharmacology
• Our faculty is the home of the 2016 Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry, Ben Feringa, and the Nobel Prize winner in Physics, Frits Zernike

The first year covers basic topics that are essential to the fields of biology, chemistry, and physics. You will gain a solid foundation in the principles underlying a wide range of state-of-the-art technologies used in the life sciences and their applications.

The program starts with courses such as:

• Optics
• Biochemistry for Life Sciences
• Biophysics
• Pharmaceutical Analysis
• Calculus for Life Sciences
• Mammalian Cell Biology
• and practical courses

In the second year, you continue with courses covering the breadth of the natural sciences, but there will also be courses on more technologically oriented topics, such as Biotechnology and Imaging.

During the third year, the program allows students to choose a specialization in preparation for a Master's degree program. Specializations include Chemistry, Biomolecular Sciences, Nanoscience, Medical Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Biomedical Sciences. You will complete your Bachelor's program with a Bachelor's project in the specialism of your choice.

Outstanding students can deepen and broaden their knowledge with an additional program offered by the University of Groningen Honours College.

A Bachelor's degree consists of 180 ECTS in total. Credits per year: 60 ECTS; most courses are 5 ECTS.

Study abroad

• Study abroad is optional
• Maximum of 30 EC

Job prospects

During the Life Science & Technology program, you will develop a scientific way of thinking that you will use to solve practical problems. This analytical perspective is useful in all kinds of work, so you will have plenty of career options after graduating.

Want to become a researcher?

A lot of graduates become researchers, either for a short while or as a long-term career. The type of research will depend on the discipline you specialize in and the themes that play a role in your work environment. You can ask lecturers to suggest interesting ideas for research during your degree program. They all love what they do and will be happy to help students who are interested in their particular discipline. The research you end up doing will depend on what themes are topical at that moment, and of course what interests you!

Other options

There are many other options in addition to becoming a researcher. You could become a manager or supervisor of a company or project group if you have the talent for it. Your knowledge of a broad range of disciplines will help you to understand the work of a wide range of specialists, such as technicians, physicists, and chemists. You could also find a position as a policy advisor, press officer, teacher, educational consultant, or science journalist.

Job examples

• Researcher
• Biomedical technologist
• Policy advisor
• Product developer
• Health advisor
• Information officer
• Lecturer/teacher