Are you a current student? For the programme of this academic year, check the .

Study programme

Biology is a three-year, English-taught Bachelor's programme at the Faculty of Science of the uu77. In the first part of the programme, you get a general introduction to the field of biology and medical biology. In the second part, you choose your own domain specialisation to deepen your knowledge.

Curriculum

  • Curriculum year 1

    In the first year, you get a broad introduction to the field of biology and medical biology. You acquire considerable knowledge by following courses from all domains. You learn about everything from animals, biodiversity, plants, and climate change to parts of a cell and the chemical structures of DNA and RNA. And you develop your research and analytical skills.

    View curriculum year 1

  • Curriculum year 2

    You spend the first two periods of the second year finishing the general phase. In the last two periods, course content becomes more specialised and there is a lot of freedom of choice. You can choose a domain specialisation and add courses from other domains. This means you can create a programme that fits your interests. You can choose courses from all fields of biology and medical biology.

    View curriculum year 2

  • Curriculum year 3

    In the third year, you continue following your chosen domain specialisation. In the first two periods, you have the opportunity to go abroad or follow courses at another university. The final period is spent completing an internship within a research department.

    View curriculum year 3

This programme has a binding study advice

Minimum ECTS
39
This study programme consists of 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) per year. At the end of the first year you will need to have accumulated a minimum of 39 ECTS in order to receive a positive BSA to continue your studies in the second year. Failing to meet this minimum requirement and receiving a negative BSA means that you are no longer allowed to continue with your studies. Of course, we will consider outstanding circumstances such as sickness or other personal factors. Your study advisor or mentor will regularly discuss your study results with you so that you are not faced with any surprises.

Study abroad

During your Bachelor's programme, you will have the opportunity to go abroad for your studies, internship and/or thesis. You will learn to look at things from the perspective of a different culture and you will meet new people; it is an experience that will enrich your life. What’s more, it will look great on your CV. Please see the Radboud International web page for information about meetings, scholarships, internships and other practical information.

Additional challenge

Do you want an extra challenge during your studies? Do you find it interesting to think about current, social themes from different academic perspectives? Discover what the Radboud Honours Academy has to offer to achieve your maximum potential during your time as a student. You can also become a member of the , take part in committees, or become a student assistant.

 

Domain specialisations

During the general phase, you will take courses from all fields in biology. This will help you to get an idea which domain will be most interesting for you. In the second part of the Bachelor's programme Biology you design your own study profile. You can choose courses from seven domain specialisations within biology and medical biology.

Each domain consists of a set of courses that enables you to specialise in a specific topic. The domains contain two to three compulsory core courses and several (preferred) electives. Your domain specialisation consists of 30 EC or study points, and leaves room for you to add-on courses from other domains. 

To view all courses and electives related to the domains, visit the : search for "Biology", go to "Study programme" > "Elective courses year 2 and 3" > "Domains".

Biology

Plant Systems Physiology

Ecology

Plant and animal ecology, get insight in the key biotic and abiotic drivers of populations.

Core courses

  • Ecophysiology of Plants
  • Animal Ecology
  • Applied Ecology
Man and the Environment

Environment and Sustainability

Assess environmental problems and evaluate sustainable solutions.

Choose three of the core courses

  • Man and Nature: Present, Past and Future
  • Geobiology
  • Biological Invasions
  • Macroecology
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Environmental Toxicology
  • Human and Ecology Risk Assessment
Microbiology lab

Microbiology

Study microorganisms and viruses from genes to ecosystems.

Core courses

  • Physiology of Microorganisms
  • Applied & Environmental Microbiology
Organismal Animal Physiology Zebrafish Lab

Physiology and Adaptation

Plant and animal physiological functions in relation to organism and environment.

Choose at least two of the core courses:

  • Introduction to Plant Breeding
  • Ecophysiology of Plants
  • Endocrinology
  • Animal Adaptation Physiology

Medical Biology

Functional Genomics learning trajectory

Functional Genomics

Using knowledge gained through genomics to improve health and environment.

Core courses

  • Advanced Molecular Biology
  • Functional Genomics
Human Biology learning trajectory

Human Biology

Molecular and cellular bases of biological processes underlying health and disease.

Choose two of the core courses

  • Immunology
  • Medical Embryology
  • Human Pathology
Neurobiology learning trajectory

Neurobiology

Brain and behaviour, cognitive systems, neurons & synapses, neurodevelopment, and medical neurobiology.

Core courses

  • Neural Basis of Cognition and Perception
  • Neurons & Synapses

Minor

In the third year of the Bachelor's, you have the opportunity to do a minor, a coherent package of electives worth 15-30 EC that allows you to broaden your knowledge or prepare for a particular Master’s programme. By doing a minor, you fill in the elective space in your programme in a structured way. This can be within the field of your Bachelor's, but also outside it. Such as physics, computing science or  philosophy, or the educational minor with which you can obtain a (limited) second-degree teaching certificate for secondary education.

You can choose from predefined minor, or you can compose your own minor by choosing electives. See the  for an overview of minors.