Study choice

‘Because I completed my Bachelor’s programme Biomedical Sciences at the University of Amsterdam, the Master’s programme Biomedical Sciences: Biochemistry and Metabolic Diseases was a logical follow-up. They complement each other really well. The programme gives me the possibility to combine biology with other disciplines like chemistry. Also, I am more drawn to fundamental research with an interest in various research fields. Therefore, this track suits me really well.’

Study programme

‘What I like about the Master’s programme is that it mainly focussed on research. Starting the programme, the first months constitute of lectures focussed on certain research fields. This provides insight into the research and techniques used in that field. Two large internships during the Master’s programme provide a broad and solid base for a career in research. As the most fundamentally oriented track, Biochemistry and Metabolic Diseases particularly gives a broad view on multiple research fields. What I like most is that the programme gives you a lot of freedom to set up your own education plan. Also, going abroad gets stimulated. This means you can steer your own programme into the things you want to do and which prepare you for your future career.’

‘During the programme, I especially improved my critical thinking and writing. This has been very useful during my research internship. The course I liked the most was Molecular Biology of the Cell, because it recaps all theoretical from the Bachelor’s programme with an expansion in epigenetics. I also really liked the course Systems Biology, particularly because it looks with a bird-eye view at signalling pathways and interactions between molecules. It helps in understanding certain mechanism, besides the nitty gritty details.’

‘Currently, I am doing an internship at Leiden University at the Department of Medical Biochemistry. I look into the way lysosomal stress influence macrophages by characterizing certain lysosomal stressors. I like the fact I learn many different techniques and do a lot of different things in the lab. Also, I really enjoy my time with all my nice colleagues. After my Master I would like to continue in research and pursue a PhD at a university or academic hospital.’