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Learning outcomes

Students on the Master in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology programme must acquire knowledge and technical expertise which enable them to gain advanced understanding of and deal experimentally with issues relating to the structure, working and use for biotechnical purposes of living cells and their molecular components. Not only will they simply learn, but, more importantly, they will be able to learn independently 

  • as biochemists : how macromolecules work and develop, since they are the molecular foundations of the structure, functioning and programming of living beings;
  • as molecular and cellular biologists : how, both as a single cell or as a component of multicellular organisms, cells interact, how they convert the special features and/or changes in their environment into biochemical and/or genetic regulation signals, how they grow, adapt, become differentiated and die.

The research focus prepares students to become researchers.Specialized courses deal with issues that are at the edge of human knowledge. There is emphasis on experimentation and academic communication, both written and oral. The programme includes a placement or training in a laboratory outside UCL, preferably abroad.

The professional focus in biotechnology enables students who wish to go on to work in industry to have the opportunity of a work placement so that they can play an active part in the work of a company in the biotechnology sector and begin to gain a reputation. The programme comprises courses on biotechnology as well as introductory courses on the creation and management of companies.

The teaching focus is a specially adapted programme designed for teachers at higher levels in secondary education.

On successful completion of this programme, each student is able to :

1. conceive the fundamental processes governing the structure, functioning and evolution of living cells and their molecular components in microorganisms, plants and animals 

1.1 demonstrate mastery of factual knowledge on the main themes of biochemistry and molecular and cellular biology. This includes in particular: 

• the organization of genomes and their evolution 

• signaling and cellular communication pathways 

• molecular mechanisms of gene regulation 

• the molecular mechanisms underlying protein function 

• the mechanisms of proliferation, differentiation and cell death 

• the complexity and diversity of life at the cellular and molecular level 

1.2 describe, explain, synthesize and discuss the structure and function of living cells and their molecular components. 

2. creatively resolve the issues and challenges posed by modern biology from a fundamental and applied perspective 

2.1 integrate and articulate theoretical concepts to understand various issues ranging from the molecule to the cell 

2.2 use and apply these concepts with a view to the exploitation of living cells and their molecular components for biotechnological purposes. 

3. autonomously implement a scientific approach to answer a new question in a field, and/or at the interface of several fields, of biology 

3.1 formulate a scientific question, formulate hypotheses, program and carry out appropriate experiments, analyze and interpret the results, in order to objectify and conclude 

3.2 mobilize technical know-how in order to carry out experiments with scientific rigor.

4. communicate and interact with ease on general or specialized scientific topics in French and English 

4.1 master and use formal presentation techniques (poster, slideshow, etc.) 

4.2 structure, write and present scientific ideas and concepts to specialists and non-specialists alike 

4.3 argue and justify hypotheses and data in order to defend them before an audience of scientific professionals 

4.4 read, understand, transmit and discuss scientific data in English 

5. learn and act autonomously from a collaborative perspective 

5.1 acquire and evaluate new scientific or technical skills 

5.2 share their skills and expertise as an active member within a scientific team 

5.3 acquire the ability to adapt quickly, independently and effectively to other professional environments 

6. demonstrate critical awareness of knowledge in a field and at the interface of several fields 

6.1 critically analyze the scientific literature 

6.2 develop a personal opinion through attentive listening and actively contribute to discussions within the framework of a scientific seminar 

6.3 express constructive criticism and take an active part in a scientific and societal debate 

7. understand ethical questions in life sciences 

7.1 critically put into perspective the impact of science and technology on the evolution of societies 

7.2 evaluate the ethical and societal issues of new biotechnologies and experimental practices in biology, involving, among other things, animal experimentation 

7.3 recognize scientific fraud and plagiarism as unacceptable behavior in science 

8. if he chooses the In-depth goal, enrich his knowledge, perfect his training in the experimental approach, technologies and written and oral scientific communication with a view to a career in research 

8.1 demonstrate experience acquired through practical training on targeted scientific questions within host laboratories in different universities in the Wallonia-Brussels federation 

8.2 use the skills acquired during the Master's degree in a new and supportive environment within a national or international research institution 

9. if he chooses the Specialized purpose, enrich his knowledge in the field of biotechnologies and confront the reality of the company 

9.1 demonstrate the acquisition of cutting-edge methodological and technological approaches in relation to entrepreneurial practices 

9.2 use the skills acquired during the Master's degree in a new and promising environment within a company in the broad sense, whether it is a laboratory in an industry in the pharmaceutical sector, the biotechnology sector, or a consultancy organization, a management or research programming office 

10. if he chooses the Didactic aim, mobilize the necessary skills to effectively begin the profession of upper secondary teaching, in biology, and be able to progress positively there. 

10.1 intervene in a school context, in partnership with different stakeholders. 

10.2 teach in authentic and varied situations. 

10.3 exercise a reflective outlook and project oneself into a logic of continuous development. 

 

--> For more details, consult the Aggregation of upper secondary education (biological sciences).