Research 

Practical training forms the core (75%) of the Green Life Sciences programme. You will carry out one or two longer, individual research project(s) and a literature review, at the UvA or at another, national or international, lab. You can also opt for a second research internship in an industry setting. Alternatively you can choose to combine your scientific background with making societal impact through the minor Collective Futures or decide on one of the major variants for your second year. 

You can focus your profile on research aiming at a career in academia, or benefit from the professional network of your teachers and the presence of Amsterdam Green Campus (AGC) to find an internship aimed at a career outside academia. AGC carries out project research in the field of sustainability and circular economy, working together with knowledge institutions, authorities (provinces, municipalities) and entrepreneurs. 

Courses & electives

Advanced courses in biomolecular, ecological, genetic and physiological topics, will familiarize you with current hot topics in plant biology. You will help design, carry out, and present your own research and discuss it with the scientists that teach in your Master’s programme. 

Detailed course information

For detailed information on the curriculum and courses check the UvA Course Catalogue or download the study schedule: 

Majors or Minor: if you want more than research

You can select 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 academia:

• The major Teaching
  Train to become a qualified biology teacher for secondary schools and Higher Vocational Education (Dutch: HBO). This major is offered by the Interfacultaire Lerarenopleidingen (ILO).
• The major Science Communication
  Prepare for roles in bridging science and society, offered by the Athena Institute of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU).
• The major Science in Society
  Develop skills in policy advisory writing, management, and leadership, focusing on societal issues and entrepreneurship. This major is also offered by the Athena Institute of VU.
• Minor Collective FuturesTackle real-world business or societal challenges in interdisciplinary teams 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 the core courses of the curriculum, a literature review and a Master’s thesis on the independent research project. This translates into a total of 120 ECTS credits and grants the title Master of Science (MSc).

Accreditation

Green Life Sciences is a track of the Master’s program,e Biological Sciences. Biological Sciences has been accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO).  

Bring your own device

All students enrolled in Biological Sciences must have their own laptop, due to the programme’s technical requirements. Find out more about system requirements here. 

Ready to make an impact? 

Join the Green Life Sciences track and contribute to solutions for global challenges in food security, sustainability, and biotechnology.