Molecular and Cellular Biophysics

The Master's

The Master of Molecular and Cellular Biophysics is an international interdisciplinary study programme offered by the Faculties of Science and Medicine in collaboration with the Departments of Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry, Biology, the Medical Imaging Centre, and the Physiology Research Group.

This two-year Master’s programme (120 ECTS credits) focuses on the phenomena related to the interaction and communication between living cells and their molecular constituents, drawing on research methods used within the fields of molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry and physics. The programme provides in-depth training in the multidisciplinary field of biophysics, with particular emphasis on subfields in which K.U.Leuven’s research expertise is internationally recognized: the determination of molecular structures, molecular and supramolecular modelling, the spectroscopy of biomolecules, the physical modelling of complex systems and the study of these models, the transport through ion channels in membranes, and the study of molecular interactions and physical principles in vitro, in complex biological machineries and in the living cell.

Students may select one of two tracks...

• Biophysics
• Biochemistry and Biotechnology

and one of three orientations:

• Physiological
• Molecular
• Cellular

Alternatively, students who are not considering a research career can opt for Applied Biophysics.

My profile

Applicants are expected to have a working knowledge of fundamentals of physics, biochemistry, and biology. If necessary, a number of basic courses will be offered. Eventually students are required to take a number of introductory courses, either a set of courses in biochemistry and cellular biology aimed at students with a Bachelor’s degree in physics, or a set of physics courses aimed at students with a Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry or biology. In addition, the programme offers three main specialisations: Physiological Biophysics, Molecular Biophysics, and Cellular Biophysics. Alternatively, students who are not considering a research career can opt for Applied Biophysics.

On completion of this Master’s programme, you will have gained

• excellent knowledge of the fundamental principles and application possibilities of biophysics and biochemistry
• a thorough understanding of biophysical phenomena;
• a thorough understanding of the properties of biomolecules, their functions and interactions with other molecules at the cellular and higher levels, and particularly of their structure-function relationship;
• an insight into recent developments such as bio-informatics, modelling and genome and proteome analysis;
• the ability to develop an understanding of various subject areas of biophysics quickly.

Assets

We encourage students to complete part of their Master’s training at another European university, preferably during the second year, when they can work on their Master’s thesis or take specific subjects at one of the universities in our Erasmus exchange programme.

Study programme

Applicants are expected to have a working knowledge of physics, biochemistry, and biology. If necessary, a number of foundation courses will be offered. On completion of this Master’s programme, you will have gained

• excellent knowlegde of the fundamental principles and application possibilities of biophyisics and biochemistry
• a thorough understanding of biophysical phenomena;
• a thorough understanding of the properties of biomolecules, their functions and interactions with other molecules at the cellular and higher levels, and particularly of their structure-function relationship;
• an insight into recent developments such as bio-informatics, modelling, and genome and proteome analysis;
• the ability to quickly develop an understanding of various subject areas of biophysics.

All students are required to take a number of foundation courses, either a set of courses in biochemistry and cellular biology aimed at students with a Bachelor’s degree in physics, or a set of physics courses aimed at students with a Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry or biology. In addition, the programme offers three main specialisations: Theoretical Bio physics, Molecular Biophysics, and Cellular Biophysics. Alternatively, students who are not considering a research career can opt for Applied Biophysics.

Career prospects

A range of career options are available in the pharmaceutical and bioscience industries, where structure determination, modelling and the direct study of molecular interactions in the living cell play a major role. Because of the growing importance of the bioscience industry in today’s society and the increasing need for sophisticated high-tech instruments and research methods, the demand for biophysicists is even expected to exceed supply in the near future.

Graduates may also pursue a career in medical sciences research or academic research. A considerable number of graduates, particularly those taking a research route, go on to undertake a PhD at one of the associated research laboratories.

Application and Admissions

Detailed information on application procedures and admission requirements depends on your preceding qualifications, etc.

• You will find more information on application matters here.

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