Program and structure

The Master’s degree Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology (Teaching Focus) is an advanced course based on a solid scientific foundation, put into practice through placements in companies and laboratories linked to the various courses.

A course in Laboratory Animal Science is also included in the Master’s programme.

Particular attention is paid to learning scientific communication in French and English through research seminars and in the “Scientific Workshop Training” course.

This Master’s offers students the opportunity to carry out their dissertation and placement in many areas of life sciences.

The UMONS Biology Department develops world-class research in many areas, such as environmental microbiology, cell biology and proteomics. In collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine, our students have access to many renowned laboratories in cutting-edge fields, such as neurobiology, molecular imaging, molecular biology, etc.

The programme includes:

• A common curriculum in the first year of the programme with the Master’s in Biology of Organisms and Ecology
• A range of specialised courses in teaching methods
• Placements at UMONS and elsewhere, including in secondary schools
• A course in Laboratory Animal Science
• Learning scientific communication in French and English through research seminars and in the “Scientific Workshop Training” course
• A dissertation.

Teaching profile

The programme description defines the expected learning outcomes at the end of the cycle (Bachelor's, Master's, etc.). The programme description defines the expected learning outcomes, i.e. what the student should know, understand and be able to achieve at the end of a learning activity, a teaching unit or a study cycle (Bachelor's, Master's, etc.). Learning outcomes are defined in terms of knowledge, expertise and soft skills.

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Use their acquired professional skills according to the objectives of the degree or programme
• Appropriately interpret situations in and outside the classroom by applying their knowledge of the human sciences
• Maintain effective partnerships with the school, colleagues and parents
• Understand legal standards in order to practice the profession competently
• Understand the disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge that justifies their teaching approach
• Build on their general knowledge to stimulate pupils' interest in culture
• Develop interpersonal skills related to the demands of the profession
• Assess the ethical issues involved in their daily practice
• Work within a team in a school setting
• Design, test, assess and adjust teaching methods
• Maintain a critical and independent attitude towards scientific knowledge
• Plan, manage and assess learning situations
• Reflect on their practice
• Present information in a neutral and unbiased way
• Master the language of instruction both orally and in writing
• Master the disciplinary teaching methods which guide their teaching approach
• Adapt to different school pupils by applying their knowledge of the human sciences.

Opportunities

On completion of the Master’s degree Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology (Teaching Focus), graduates will be prepared for the teaching profession. To be permanently appointed in secondary education in the French Community, teachers must have a Master's degree and the AESS upper secondary teaching qualification. The AESS can be obtained at the end of a 30-credit course offered in the second year of the Master's programme and is specifically geared to the pedagogical training of future teachers in upper secondary education. Graduates of this Master's are also eligible to apply for a PhD.