Study structure

Within the field of Biomedical Sciences, the main question asked is how diseases arise and how we can fight them. To answer these questions, knowledge of healthy body processes is equally essential. As a Biomedical Scientist, you will therefore learn about bacteria, viruses, foreign substances and hereditary properties, among other things. But in doing so, you also look at differences and similarities between humans and animals. Biomedical Sciences is a research-oriented programme where you focus on a future as a researcher. Therefore, during the programme you are not in direct contact with patients.  

Does the above explanation appeal to you? Do you find biology one of the most enjoyable subjects at school? Are you interested in medical developments and attracted to research at the intersection of medicine and biology? Then Biomedical Sciences is for you! And if you are still in doubt, feel free to visit one of the Open Days or check out the information on the ‘Student for a day’ days on our website!

Once you have started studying Biomedical Sciences, you need to complete 180 ECTS (credits) to get your Bachelor’s degree. Most of these credits will come from Biomedical education, also known as your Major. There are two types of education within the Major: compulsory courses and Major-related elective education. The Major-bound elective education consists of ten courses, five of which you must have chosen. Therefore, these courses are also called semi-compulsory elective courses. Besides pursuing your major, there is also some profiling space. Biomedical Sciences offers a variety of courses. However, you can also choose courses from all other programmes at Utrecht University, or at other universities at home and abroad. The curriculum can be found on the following site: https://www.uu.nl/bachelors/biomedische-wetenschappen/studieprogramma  https://www.uu.nl/bachelors/biomedische-wetenschappen/studieprogramma

Forms of education:
Throughout the programme, you will encounter different forms of teaching.
→ Lectures:
During a lecture, the lecturer presents the basic knowledge. This material often forms the basis of the course and its examinations. During most lectures, students mainly listen and there is little interaction, but there is always room for questions.  

→ Working lectures:
Working lectures are held in smaller working groups ranging from ten to thirty students. During working lectures, cases and assignments are used to go deeper into the basic material.  

→ Practicals:
During practicals, theory is examined/exercised in practice. There are many different types of practicals within the programme. First, we often work with microscopy practicals. Here, sections are examined under the microscope to often see the difference between healthy and diseased tissue. In addition, there are wet labs where students can practice experiments and associated techniques in the lab. There are also anatomy practicals to gain more insight into the design of the human body.  

→ Project education:
Several subjects also involve projects. In groups, you are then given the task of writing essays, researching things or preparing presentations. You start with this right from the first period of your studies, as it trains you in academic skills such as presentation and writing.  

After your bachelor’s:
It is common to do a master’s programme after your bachelor’s, for example at the Graduate School of Life Sciences in Utrecht. However, there are of course many master’s programmes scattered throughout the rest of the country. An overview of these can be found on the BMSO website ( Master – BMSO NL) (Please not that this website is not always up to date). Master’s programmes are often two years long and in them you will do internships and gain practical experience. Professional opportunities for master’s graduates are very good. Biomedics graduates have numerous opportunities. Think of scientific research or managing a medical biological company, educating patients in hospitals or developing new medicines.  

Why Utrecht?
The big advantage of Biomedical Sciences in Utrecht is the great freedom of choice in our bachelor’s programme. Many students see this as an advantage because education is on a smaller scale and you can choose the subjects you find most interesting.
Furthermore, the Biomedical Sciences programme in Utrecht is taught by three faculties jointly: Medical Sciences, Veterinary Medicine and Science. This combination of perspectives makes the programme unique.
In addition, the Utrecht Science Park in Utrecht offers all kinds of facilities that make studying pleasant. This combined with the cosy city centre with vibrant nightlife makes it an ideal student city.