Study programme

The Master's track Green Life Sciences highlights molecular biology in all aspects of plants and how the interact with their environment. Lectures, practicals and tutorials are taught by scientist with expertise in the field. In masterclasses you are exposed to scientific discussion and get the opportunity to interact with (international) guest scientists. You will have access to the Green Life-Sciences Hub, contacts with plant breeding and biotechnology industry and network via the Amsterdam Green Campus.

Research

Practical training forms the core (75%) of the Green Life Sciences programme. You are required to complete at least one research project and a literature review, at the UvA or at a national or international lab.

At the UvA you can benefit from Amsterdam Green Campus (AGC), offering internships that focus on a career outside the academic world. AGC carries out project research in the field of sustainability and circular economy in North West Netherlands. They work together with knowledge institutions, authorities (provinces, municipalities) and entrepreneurs.

Courses & electives

Advanced courses on biomolecular, ecological, genetic and physiological topics, allow you to become familiar with contemporary issues in plant biology. Students present the results of their research and literature study and receive feedback from the scientists participating in the Master's programme.

Detailed course information

For detailed information regarding the curriculum and courses check the UvA Course Catalogue or download the study schedule.

UvA course catalogue - Green Life Sciences Download the study schedule

Majors or Minor: if you want more than research

Students of the Master's programme Biological Sciences have further the option to choose one of three professional majors (60 EC) or minor (30 EC), each designed to train a specific set of skills needed as a secondary school teacher, in policy and communication or elsewhere outside the academia:

The major Teaching
Prepares students to become a teacher in Biology at secondary schools and Higher Vocational Education (Dutch: HBO). This major is offered by the Interfacultaire Lerarenopleidingen (ILO).
The major Science Communication
Prepares students for a role in communication between science and other societal sectors. This major is offered by the Athena Institute of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU).
The major Science in Society
Trains skills such as reading and writing policy advisory reports, management and leadership, and organisation, and is meant for students with a broad interest in current affairs, social issues, policy, management and entrepreneurship. This major is offered by the Athena Institute of the VU.
Minor Collective Futures
Trains skills needed in interdisciplinary environments by tackling real business or societal cases with external partners. This minor Collective Futures has recently been developed by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies at the Faculty of Science.

Accreditation and academic title

Degree requirements

A Master of Science in Biological Sciences is awarded upon successful completion of all the core courses in the curriculum and a written Master's thesis, based on an independent research project. This translates into a total of 120 ECTS credits.

Accreditation

Green Life Sciences is a track of the Master's programme in Biological Sciences. Biological Sciences has been accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). Upon successful completion of the programme, students will receive a Master's degree in Biological Sciences and the title of Master of Science (MSc).

Bring your own device

All students enrolled in Biological Sciences are requested to bring their own laptop, due to the nature of the programme. More information on specific system requirements can be found here.