Master in Molecular Microbiology, Research focus

Objectives (Program)

Studying MICROBES is crucial to tackle future challenges to human and animal health (multi-drug and antibiotic resistance; microbiota dysbiosis; emerging microbial pathogens), pollution (bioremediation; green energy) and biotechnology (synthetic microbiology and micro-biotechnology; food microbiology).

Unique in Belgium, the Master in Molecular Microbiology (MMM) provides the opportunity to study the microbial world in the context of basic and applied research, allowing the student to face all these important challenges of the 21^st century.

Objectives:

• to understand and tackle a large diversity of molecular processes underlying microbial interactions with their environment;
• to manage the technical and conceptual aspects of a research project in Molecular Microbiology (project design, experimental strategies, critical data analysis, discussion and communication);
• to show a deep interest for international mobility and collaboration with international research groups.

Description

The Master in Molecular Microbiology (MMM) is a research-oriented (120 credits) Masters programme offered entirely in English. The integration of the MMM within a European joint programme in association with Aix-Marseille University and Marburg Phillips-Universität promotes international mobility and provides access to a wide range of scientific expertise at two of the most prestigious European Bacteriology Research Institutes.

Semester 1

The first semester is devoted to general and specialised microbiology courses taught by scientists from academia and from industry who address the essential elements of Molecular Microbiology with a particular emphasis on bacteriology. The student will have the opportunity to use active learning methods such as Problem-Based Learning (PBL), inverted classrooms and integrated practical courses. The student will also be offered the possibility to attend local and national scientific conferences.

Semesters 2-4

The last 3 semesters are dedicated to research projects in 2-3 research groups within UNamur and at partner laboratories.

During the second semester, the emphasis is on acquiring (1) skills in writing a CV and a motivation letter and preparing an interview in English and (2) technical skills in Molecular Microbiology and the basics of scientific writing. The focus remains on these skills during the third semester in the context of your thesis, during which you will develop your autonomy and scientific communication.

During the last semester, the student will have the opportunity to carry out a professional internship in industry or in an academic research laboratory abroad. 

Organizational modalities

Lectures during the first semester are organised according to a specific sequence starting with a Microbiology Basics course, which aims to fill potential gaps in students background knowledge. You will then attend core Microbiology courses before beginning topics in Bacteriology. This sequence will gradually bring the focus towards more specialised courses.

Teaching methods

• The MMM is offered entirely in English, thereby facilitating and promoting international student mobility.
• The student will learn cutting-edge approaches to cellular and molecular microbiology, biochemistry and bioinformatics applied to microbes.
• The student will have access to dynamic research groups in Molecular Microbiology.
• Invited lecturers will introduce the student to the industry and to the hospital world.
• The MMM is part of a European joint programme in Molecular Microbiology.

Assessment methods

Various evaluation methods are used such as multiple-choice tests, oral evaluations, conference reports, analyses and presentations of scientific articles, literature reviews, poster presentations and group presentations.

Mobility and international openness

The integration of the MMM within a European joint programme in association with Aix-Marseille University and Marburg Phillips-Universität promotes international mobility and provides access to a wide range of scientific expertise at two of the most prestigious European Bacteriology Research Institutes.

Admission requirements

Si vous avez un diplôme belge

ACCÈS DIRECT

• bachelier en sciences biologiques ;
• master en sciences biologiques.

ACCÈS SUR DOSSIER

• bachelier en sciences biomédicales ;
• bachelier en médecine vétérinaire ;
• bachelier en sciences de l'ingénieur, orientation bioingénieur.
• titulaire d'un diplôme délivré hors Union européenne.

Pour les admissions en master, il y a lieu de prendre contact avec le service des inscriptions.

Si vous avez un diplôme non belge

If you have a degree from an institution outside of Belgium, you will need to complete and return the admissions request form before 30 September (31 March for students from outside the European Union). Your level of English (minimum B2) must be confirmed by an official English certificate or through the online interview with the jury.

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Students with a first degree obtained in Belgium

DIRECT ACCESS

• Bachelor in Biology;
• Master in Biology;

ACCESS BY APPLICATION

• Bachelor in Biomedical Sciences;
• Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine;
• Bachelor in Engineering orientation Bioengineering;
• Holder of a diploma delivered outside of European Union.

For admission to Masters degrees, please contact the Admission Service.

Students with a first degree obtained outside of Belgium

If you have a degree from an institution outside of Belgium, you will need to complete and return the admissions request form before 30 September (31 March for students from outside the European Union). Your level of English (minimum B2) must be confirmed by an official English certificate or through the online interview with the jury.

Jury