Master in Biomedical Sciences, Professional focus in Preclinical Research

Objectives (Program)

• To lead scientific projects which aim for greater understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of pathologies and to improve treatment: to analyse raw data, interpret the results and present observations clearly - this includes basic and translational research projects;
• To master every stage of the development of new therapies, in particular biotechnology- or cell-related therapies;
• To develop biomarkers related to different therapies, for example using genetics and pharmacogenomics;
• To lead and monitor preclinical research development of new drugs and to be responsible for the administrative management of testing;
• To ensure the production quality of biotechnological and biosimilar products, cell therapies (stem cells), gene therapies, tissue engineering, medical devices (implants, drug delivery devices, etc.) and so on;
• To monitor the quality, safety and efficiency of a drug before it is placed on the market.

Description

The 120-credit Master in Biomedical Sciences with professional focus in preclinical research centers the learning of the student on the laboratory phase of research that aims to identify the causes and consequences of diseases, putative drug targets, or products and techniques before they are tested on humans. It is based on a solid grounding in fundamental research, biopharmaceutics (pharmacotherapy, health technology assessment, biosynthetic drugs and pharmacovigilance), biotechnology and therapy (clinical and non-clinical experimental approaches, biomedical engineering).

The degree programme will boast a significant professional dimension thanks to visits to companies and hospitals, practical projects and a 4-month placement in a laboratory or company in Belgium or abroad.

The student will also have the opportunity to write a thesis based on their work in a research laboratory, working on a personal project right through from design to completion during 10 months.

Teaching methods

This Master comprises a few core lectures, complemented by courses selected by the students from a large list of topics. The emphasis is on interactive learning, via a series of practical and personal projects.

Students also have the opportunity to gain practical experience in handling animals, thanks to training which leads to professional certificates in laboratory animal sciences.

This programme has a particularly professional dimension, with several visits to companies and hospitals, practical projects, a 10-month master thesis project, and a 4-month placement in a laboratory or company, either in Belgium or abroad.

Assessment methods

• Year 1:

In January, students take exams based on the subjects studied during the first semester.  In June, students take exams based on the subjects studied in the second semester.

For some subjects, there are regular evaluations based on reports submitted after each session of practical projects.  Marks awarded for these practical projects represent a significant percentage of the final marks.

Students begin work on a thesis during the second semester and submit a report regarding progress made on this project in June (the evaluation takes place in front of a jury).

In case of failed evaluations during the January session (for first semester courses) and/or during the June session (second semester evaluations), the evaluation can be presented again in August.

• Year 2:

The students pursue their thesis work during the first semester. Only a few courses are organised during that time. In January, students take exams based on the subjects studied during the first semester, and submit, then defend their completed thesis in front of a jury.  The next courses are taught at the beginning of the second semester, prior to the 4-month internship, which concludes by a report submitted in June. Evaluations of the second semester take place in June.

In case of failed evaluations during the January session (for first semester courses) and/or during the June session (second semester evaluations), the evaluation can be presented again in August.

Mobility and international openness

Students have the opportunity to spend part of their Master studying abroad, within the context of the Erasmus study programme.

Admission requirements

Si vous avez un diplôme belge

ACCÈS DIRECT

• bachelier en sciences biomédicales ;

ACCÈS moyennant un éventuel COMPLÉMENT DE 15 CRÉDITS maximum

• bachelier en sciences pharmaceutiques, médecine, médecine vétérinaire, sciences biologiques, sciences dentaires, kinésithérapie et réadaptation, sciences de la motricité, sciences chimiques ;
• master en ingénieur civil en chimie et science des matériaux, sciences de la santé publique, kinésithérapie et réadaptation.

ACCÈS moyennant un COMPLÉMENT DE 15 À 30 CRÉDITS

• bachelier (type court) en sage-femme, infirmier responsable en soins généraux ;
• bachelier de spécialisation (type court) en anesthésie, soins intensifs et aide médicale urgente.

ACCÈS moyennant un COMPLÉMENT DE 30 À 60 CRÉDITS

• bachelier (type court) en diététique, ergothérapie, soins infirmiers, technologie en imagerie médicale, technologue de laboratoire médical ;
• bachelier (type court) en chimie orientation biochimie, biotechnologie, chimie appliquée, environnement;
• bachelier (promotion sociale) en soins infirmiers pour titulaires du brevet d'infirmier hospitalier.

ACCÈS SUR DOSSIER

• autre diplômé de l’enseignement supérieur de la Communauté française de Belgique ;
• diplômé de l’enseignement supérieur hors Communauté française de Belgique;
• sur base de VAE (Valorisation des acquis de l'expérience).

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).

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Students with a first degree obtained in Belgium

> DIRECT ACCESS

• Bachelor in Biomedical Sciences.

> ACCESS subject to a maximum of 15 ADDITIONAL CREDITS

• Bachelor in Pharmacy, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Biology, Dentistry, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Motor Sciences, Chemistry;
• Master in Chemical and Materials Science Engineering, Public Health, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation.

> ACCESS subject to AN ADDITIONAL 15 TO 30 CREDITS

• Bachelor in Midwife, Nurse Responsible for General Care;
• Advanced Bachelor in Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency Medical Aid.

> ACCESS subject to AN ADDITIONAL 30 TO 60 CREDITS

• Bachelor in Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Medical Imaging Technologist, Medical Laboratory Technologist;
• Bachelor in Chemistry orientation Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Applied Chemistry, Environment;
• Bachelor in Nursing for holders of the certificate of Hospital Nurse.

> ACCESS BY APPLICATION

• other higher education qualifications obtained in the French Community of Belgium;
• higher education qualifications obtained outside of the French Community of Belgium;
• on the basis of VAE (‘Valorisation des acquis de l’expérience’ – recognition of previous experience)

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): www.unamur.be/en/enrolment

Jury