Biology

"Why study Biology in Nijmegen?

The programme lays the foundation in Biology and Medical Biology but also offers a lot of flexibility. First, you’ll develop an understanding of the entire field of biology by following courses from all learning trajectories. Later on, you will choose the learning trajectory of your interest in Biology or Medical Biology.

You will make use of excellent research facilities. For example, brand new green houses, the Phytotron (root laboratory), and scanners for measuring brain activity.

You will do an internship with one of the Radboud University research groups. During this three-month internship you’ll develop research skills and be involved in the leading research conducted at our university. Perhaps you will even get the chance to choose your own research project!
Students receive excellent guidance. Student advisors and tutors answer all your questions. Teachers and students have regular, informal contact during lectures and tutorials.

Study association BeeVee takes care of the necessary relaxation during your time as a student. BeeVee helps you with your studying and career, but also organises activities that allow you to meet your fellow students, alumni, and teachers. 
Our students rate this study with an 8,0 (source: NSE)." 

Overview

Do you want to know how climate change affects biodiversity? Or how to improve diagnosis and treatment of human diseases? Are you fascinated by evolution, the human brain, genetics and ecology? If that is the case, Biology at Radboud University is what you are looking for. The programme offers a challenging and broad curriculum with seven learning trajectories ranging from Ecology, Microbiology to Neurobiology. As a graduate from our Bachelor's programme in Biology, there will be opportunities in various fields such as universities, NGOs or pharmaceutical companies. 

Student testimonials
Name
Marijntje Jansen
Title
Marijntje Jansen
Testimonial
The biggest difference between high school and university is the work and information load. Of course, I expected this big change
Paid course type
Course details

"Biology is an English-taught Bachelor's programme. In the first part of the programme, you will get a broad introduction to the field of biology and medical biology. In the second part, you choose your own learning trajectory to deepen your knowledge.

First part:
The seven learning trajectories are connected to the specialisations offered in the Biology and Medical Biology Master's programmes. In the first year, you will acquire considerable knowledge of the field by following courses from all learning trajectories. 

Second part:
In the second part of the Bachelor’s, the courses are increasingly specialised. You can deepen your knowledge and attune it according to your interests. You will also get familiar with the philosophical and ethical sides of your field. In this phase of the programme, you have freedom of choice: you’ll choose a learning trajectory and add courses from other trajectories. This way, you are able to create a programme that fits your personal interests. 

Learning trajectories:
You choose one of the seven learning trajectories. You can choose a trajectory within the subjects of biology or medical biology. Upon finishing the programme you will receive a diploma and the title of Bachelor of Science (BSc).

Structure of the Bachelor's programme:
Every year is divided into four periods of ten weeks which consists of eight weeks of courses, followed by two weeks of examinations. Every course equals a certain amount of study points, or European Credits (EC). The Biology programme is challenging and requires discipline in order to stay on top of your studies. We expect you to spend 40 hours per week studying and attending lectures, labs and field excursions. A biology student attends, on average, two hours of lectures and three hours of lab courses per day. We expect that you will spend three hours a day on independent studies as well.

Facilities:
The modern Huygens building will be your home away from home when you study Biology at Radboud University. The Huygens building is host to lecture rooms and lab facilities, but also the library and study rooms. You can find a quiet place to study, alone or in groups, in the evenings as well. State-of-the-art research labs and advanced facilities are also present, like the Phytotron root laboratory and the greenhouses, where you could study the underground life of plants. You can also find MRI’s to explore brain activity, advanced microscopes to study alive material, and aquariums for research into (zebra) fish in the Huygens Building." 
 

Entry requirements

"Before you can enrol in Biology, you must meet the admission requirements. You need to have received sufficient previous education in the Netherlands or abroad, proven by a diploma. You also need to be proficient in English, in some cases proven by a certificate.

If you have a non-Dutch Secondary School degree, your previous education will be assessed by the Admissions Officer of the Faculty of Science to determine whether it is of sufficient level. If the level is sufficient, then you could be directly admissible or additional conditions may apply (e.g. taking an English or Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry or Physics test). For accepted English tests, have a look at the language requirements. For Biology, Mathematics (A or B), Chemistry or Physics tests: we accept the vwo tests in these subjects from the CCVX and Boswell-Bèta.

You should have sufficient proficiency in English. You will be required a certificate from one of the accepted English language exams below before the enrolment deadline: IELTS Academic, overall-score ≥ 6.5, sub-scores ≥ 6.0; or TOEFL iBT, overall-score ≥ 90, sub-scores ≥ 20; or Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE), scores ≥ C." 
 

Career outcomes

"Do you want to work as a researcher, prefer to consult in business, or want to teach in secondary school? The field of Biology is wide and gives you lots of options on the job market. You could, for example, work as a researcher, teacher, consultant, or a policy maker.
People who graduated from this programme work in jobs such as Researcher for universities, hospitals, research institutes, or companies; Teacher in secondary school or higher education; Consultant for a consultancy company; Consultant for companies in agriculture and pharmaceutical industry; Policy maker for a non-profit organization, environment federation, or government.
The majority of students apply for a Master's programme after obtaining their Bachelor's degree. Your working prospects and future salary depend on the specialisation you choose."
 

Qualification
B. Sc.
Duration
36
Duration period
Months
Study mode
Study level
Attendance
Start Dates
City
Nijmegen
THE Subjects
THE Country
THE Institution
Institution Address
Radboud University
Houtlaan 4
6525 XZ Nijmegen
The Netherlands
Institution Phone Number
+31 24 361 61 61
Institution Email
study-information@ru.nl
Display priority within Suggested Courses
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External?
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