On this page you can find an overview of the VLIR-UOS funded International Training Programmes and the International Master Programmes.

The leaflet and poster about the scholarships from VLIR-UOS intake 2011 can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.

Master of Molecular Biology (IPMB) Vrije Universiteit Brussel

This Master programme aims at strengthening and updating the theoretical and practical skills of young scientists from developing countries who are already involved in either human or animal health care, or agricultural research. After two years of study, participants should have acquired the ability to cope with a wide range of scientific problems and challenges and the intellectual tools needed to develop a molecular biological approach to tackle the problems their country is facing. The first year of this Master programme consists of the following units that must be followed by all participants: Molecular Biology; Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Genetic Engineering, General Chemistry and Protein Chemistry, General and Analytical Biochemistry; Microbial Genetics and Genetics of Higher Eukaryotes; Mathematics and Statistics; Bioinformatics; Immunology; Microbiology; Virology and Parasitology; Physiology (plant or animal physiology option); practical courses and visits. The academic year consists of two semesters and exams are organised at the end of each semester. Although there are some lectures in the second semester, students spend most of their time in research laboratories where they are acquainted with basic and advanced laboratory practice. Visits to various labs of Flemish universities and research institutes are also organised in the second semester. These visits are intended to inform the participants about the research that is being conducted in Flanders in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, and to allow them to identify a topic for a dissertation in the second year of the programme.

In the second year the participants first follow common core courses (Advanced and Applied Molecular Biology; Advanced Microbial Genetics and Virology; Physical Chemistry and Structural Analysis of Macromolecules; Social and Economical Aspects of Biotechnology) and one of three specialisation core courses: (i) Plant Production (Phytopathology; Bio-Control of Plant Diseases and Biofertilisation; Plant Biodiversity); (ii) Animal Production (Prophylaxis of Infectious Diseases of Farm Animals; Applied Biotechnology in Livestock Production; Livestock Genetics); (iii)Human health (Human infectious diseases; Epidimiology: study design and analysis; Human Genetics and Diseases). Furthermore, students prepare a dissertation which is a very important part of the programme; half of the study credits of the second year are allocated to it. The master dissertation consists of an original research work that is to be submitted in writing and defended before a jury and an audience. Preferentially, participants should choose a topic that is relevant to the further development of their research activities in their home country.

• Holders of a four-year university degree or a three-year university degree (provided the candidate has relevant research experience) are eligible;
• Priority is given to candidates of developing countries holding the degree of Medical Doctor, Veterinary Doctor or Agricultural Engineer;
• Candidates holding degrees in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry and other scientific disciplines related to life sciences are also eligible;
• A good knowledge of English is a prerequisite. Proof of proficiency in English (TOEFL minimal score 213; computer test=550 paper) or IELTS, minimal score 6.5) has to be provided if previous studies were in a different language.