The Bachelor's programme in Science is a three-year course, taught in Dutch. While it provides broad coverage of natural sciences, it maintains substantial depth. The mastery of various scientific disciplines is challenging and should not be underestimated. Upon completing the bachelor's examination, you'll receive a diploma. With this Bachelor's diploma, you may use the title Bachelor of Science (BSc) and can proceed to various Master's programmes.
Structure of the Bachelor's in Science
The academic year consists of four ten-week quarters: eight weeks of teaching followed by two weeks of examinations. This structure ensures an even distribution of workload throughout the year. As a student of Science, you'll experience various teaching methods including lectures and small-group seminars of approximately 20 students. You'll also participate in practicals and group projects alongside independent study. The expected study load is 40 hours per week, with about 25 hours of scheduled, supervised activities. The programme includes extensive practical work. The first semester features weekly physics experiments where you'll learn basic laboratory skills such as experiment preparation and reporting. From the second semester onwards, you'll spend one or sometimes two full days per week in chemistry practicals, further developing your laboratory skills.
Curriculum
Curriculum year 1
In your first year, you'll build the foundation for your studies. You'll gain a solid grounding in different disciplines and take courses along three main tracks: physics, biology and chemistry, partly together with students from other science programmes. This helps you quickly learn to think across disciplinary boundaries and understand different scientific perspectives.
After your first year, you'll begin to truly understand the connections between disciplines and start specialising in your chosen direction. In the second and third years, you'll choose one of these combinations: Biological-Chemical, Biological-Physical or Physical-Chemical. This prepares you for either the job market or further education. You can also obtain a teaching qualification through an educational minor. You'll complete the Bachelor's programme with an internship.
This programme consists of 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits per year. You must earn at least 39 ECTS in your first Bachelor's year to receive positive study advice and advance to the second year. Failing to achieve 39 ECTS typically means discontinuing the programme, though exceptions are made for special circumstances such as illness and personal factors. Your student advisor or mentor will regularly discuss your academic progress to help prevent unexpected outcomes.
Study abroad
During your Bachelor's programme, you can study, intern, or write your thesis abroad. Most students find their international experience highly rewarding. It offers a new cultural perspective, opportunities to meet new people, and enhances personal growth while strengthening your CV. Visit the Radboud International website for information sessions, inspiration, costs, grants, internship positions, and FAQs covering everything from student experiences to visa requirements.
Additional challenge
Looking for an extra challenge alongside your Bachelor's programme? Interested in examining social issues from different scientific perspectives? Explore the programmes offered by the Radboud Honours Academy.
Minor
In your third Bachelor's year, you can take a minor - a package of courses worth 15-30 ECTS in a field that interests you. This can be within your field of study or beyond it. Options include psychology, computing science, or the education minor which provides limited qualification to teach secondary education. You can also design your own minor. Check the to explore available options.
Transferring
The Science, Chemistry and Molecular Life Sciences programmes share a common foundation and are therefore clustered together. During the first three periods of year one, you'll share many courses with Chemistry and Molecular Life Sciences students, along with Science-specific courses. This makes it easy to transfer from Science to Molecular Life Sciences or Chemistry during or after your first year without losing time - a convenient option if you're unsure about your programme choice. After completing the first year of Science, you can also transfer to the Physics and Astronomy Bachelor's programme by taking a limited number of additional courses.
