Science

Translating multidisciplinary, in-depth knowledge into innovative solutions.

Physicists, chemists and biologists speak different languages. As a Science student you will need to speak them all as you will be working at the frontiers of scientific research and its application.

New insights often emerge where different disciplines come together. In order to understand how things work, it is important to look at things from different angles. At Radboud University you will be studying  the interface between biology, chemistry and physics in order to further enhance scientific insights into man, molecules and materials.

If you have a solid Bachelor’s background  in at least two of the above disciplines, the Master’s programme in Science will offer you the opportunity to hone your interdisciplinary skills and to get involved in exciting research projects. Alternatively, you can learn to translate a wide perspective on the Natural Sciences into Science communication or in Innovation Management.

This Master’s programme is closely linked to the renowned Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM), the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS) and the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour (DI). All these institutes have state-of the-art equipment that is capable of identifying the characteristics of molecules, materials and human cells and organs. For example, you could be working in the High Field Magnet Laboratory (HFML), with NMR and MRI equipment, a free electron laser, or in our NanoLab. These Radboud institutes have been attracting top researchers from around the world. As a Master’s student you will be in a dynamic research environment, working alongside scientists who are leaders in their field.

Depending on your background you can choose one of the following specialisations:

• Chemistry for Life
  This specialisation involves the design and synthesis of complex molecular systems, tackling challenging problems such as wound healing and drug delivery. At the interface of biology and chemistry you will build up a solid foundation in modern synthetic organic chemistry, physical organic chemistry and chemical biology.
   
• Medical Epigenomics
  Radboud University offers this unique Master’s specialisation in the Netherlands covering the function of our epigenome, a key factor in regulating gene expression in a wide range of diseases. As epigenetic modifications are reversible, this field of science has a great potential for so-called epi-drugs.
   
• Neuroscience
  In this specialisation you’ll use your science background to understand the communication between neurons in the brain. This fundamental knowledge can be applied in all kinds of devices, including hearing aids and Google glasses.
   
• Molecular Chemistry
  Molecular Chemistry is a creative science, where chemists synthesise molecules with new biological or physical properties to address scientific or societal challenges. You can think for example of new catalytic conversions, lead compounds for future medicines or the next generation of conducting polymers.
   
• Particle and Astrophysics
  In this Master’s specialisation you’ll dive into the extreme worlds and unravel questions like: what did our universe look like in its earliest stages of  existence? What are the most elementary particles that the universe consists of? And how will the universe evolve?
   
• Physical Chemistry
  Physical Chemistry goes beyond synthesising and characterising new molecules; it aims at fundamentally unravelling the properties of molecules and materials. We do that by applying physical set-ups like high magnetic fields, free-electron lasers and nuclear magnetic resonance.
   
• Physics of Molecules and Materials
  This specialisation focuses on the structure and properties of materials.  You’ll work at the ‘terra incognita’ between quantum and classical physics, which is of great importance for designing next-generation materials and devices.
   
• Science in Society
  This specialisation will equip you with the tools and skills you will need to become a professional intermediary between science and society. You’ll learn to analyse (governmental) science communication and to connect scientific knowledge with divergent perspectives and interests of various stakeholders.
   
• Science, Management and Innovation
  This specialisation will teach you what happens in the world of business and public administration, how innovation is managed in company strategies, how government designs policy and how this interacts with societal challenges.

Why study Science at Radboud University?

• Courses and internships take place in a stimulating, personal setting.
• Radboud University offers internships at a number of associated research institutes, such as the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), the Radboud Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM) and the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour .
• We have close links with high-profile research (and medical) oriented groups on the Radboud campus and with renowned international institutes such as (EMBL, Max-Planck, Marie Curie, Cambridge, US-based labs, etc).
• You can do a six-month internship abroad, giving you  an extensive experience in scientific methods in an international setting. Benefitting from our large worldwide network of cooperating research groups, you will have plenty of options, either in research or at industrial partners.
• Radboud University uniquely combines various state-of-the-art technologies, such as quantitative mass spectrometry and next-generation DNA sequencing,with downstream bioinformatics analyses in one department.