Bioscience Engineering - Cellular and Genetic Engineering

You are trained in fundamental biotechnology that will give you in-depth knowledge in areas as molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, nanobiology, physiologiy and immunology and its diverse applications. You also learn to place biotechnology in a social, economic and industrial context and to lead a social debate on biotechnology and genetic modification and their applications.

KU Leuven organizes regular online info sessions. You can find more information on the KU Leuven website.

About the program

The objective of this program is to provide in-depth knowledge of the molecular and cellular processes that are active in micro-organisms, plants, animals and humans, on both a qualitative and quantitative level. Further, the program trains the associated technologies to measure and influence these processes. The program aims to transmit advanced scientific and solution-oriented knowledge, skills and attitudes towards biotechnological applications with living organisms that are both scientifically innovative and socially relevant. Opportunities are also offered, both inside and outside the curriculum, to work on your personal development. Finally, together with professional and ethics experts, the program reflects on the place of biotechnology in society. Opportunities are also offered, both inside and outside the curriculum, to work on your personal development. Finally, together with professional and ethics experts you will reflect on the place of biotechnology in society.

Strengths

• You will acquire a broad knowledge base in both fundamental molecular and cellular biology and biotechnological techniques. In the course series 'Applications of Biotechnology' fundamental scientific knowledge and techniques come together in a discussion of biotechnological applications.
• The Master is multidisciplinary, addressing the physiology of different organisms, technical advances, and computational analysis tools. The program is driven by researchers active in several parts of a very socially relevant area of the applied sciences, namely where living organisms and technology meet.
• You will be thoroughly trained in molecular and cellular biology laboratory skills during both an extensive cross-disciplinary practical course as well as the master thesis.
• During this program you will be coached in further developing your personal skills and attitudes thereby focusing on the following educational objectives: critical self-reflection, thinking and acting sustainably and ethically, intercultural communication and responsible leadership.

Career opportunities

A Bioscience Engineering - Cellular and Genetic Engineering graduate is a life sciences professional who can apply this knowledge in both an industrial context to control and engineer bioprocesses, and in a research environment for fundamental and applied research.

With this diploma you gain access to a wide range of employment sectors. Partly due to the interest and training in scientific research, you can go on to train for a PhD and flow through to jobs in research and educational institutions (university, higher education, government). You can also move to a managerial or research position in the biotechnology, the pharmaceutical, the chemical or the agro- or food industry.

In Belgium, graduates of this program are entitled to use the professional title of 'Bio-ingenieur' ('Bioscience Engineer').

Courses include:

• Advanced Genetics

• Microbial Physiology

• Seminar Cellular and Genetic Engineering

• Plant Physiology

• Bioinformatics and Genome Technology

• Nanobiology

• Immunology

• Integrated Practicals of Molecular Biotechnology

• Applied Computational and Systems Biology

You should have a broad knowledge of and interest in science in general and in particular in a combination of biology, biochemistry, chemistry and engineering techniques. Advanced knowledge is required in the fundamental physical and chemical processes that take place in organisms and the molecular mechanisms that direct the functioning of cells and tissues.