Program and structure

This is a 180-credit Bachelor’s degree split into 3 60-credit blocks.

The first 60-credit block is designed as a multi-purpose year in order to make it easier for students to either stay at UMONS or transfer to ULB at the end of the course.

The 1st block is made up of:

• a core curriculum of 37 credits (5 maths + 8 physics + 10 chemistry + 6 biology + 6 organic chemistry)
• 23 credits to be chosen from 4 different options: chemistry, biology, pharmacy or biomedical sciences.

The programme includes 60% of compulsory courses, practical exercises, etc. for all students and 40% of courses determined by the chosen specialisation.

In the first block, the core curriculum is taught mostly during the first semester.

At the end of the first semester, students choose their specialisation, which includes courses, exercises and practical assignments.

The options are mainly taught in the 2nd semester and are based on the following 4 directions:

• for students who wish to study biology
• for students who wish to study pharmacy
• for students who wish to study biomedical sciences;
• for students who wish to study chemistry.

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:

• Apply their highly specialised and integrated knowledge in the field of biology and in other fields
• Solve biological problems
• Apply a scientific approach and adopt a critical mind
• Communicate effectively and appropriately in French and English
• Develop autonomy, set learning objectives and make choices to achieve them.

For more information, consult the programme description for this study cycle below (in French).

Opportunities

By supplementing the Bachelor's degree in Biology at Charleroi with a Master's degree in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, a Master's degree in Biology of Organisms and Ecology, a Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences or a Master's degree in Bioinformatics and Modelling, students will be able to pursue careers in any of the following sectors:

• Industry (pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agri-food, environmental technologies): research and development in laboratories; management, communication and/or editorial manager in companies; scientific advisor for sales of high-tech products, implementation of clinical study protocols
• Teaching: teaching in secondary and tertiary (non-university) education
• Academic: teaching and research in universities and hight education establishments
• Public (local, regional, federal, international) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs): jobs related to the conservation, management and enhancement of biodiversity resources; environment and sustainable development; quality control; biosafety; forensic science; continuing education; scientific outreach.

After the Master's degree, after obtaining funding, students can continue their training by undertaking a PhD.

By supplementing the Bachelor's degree in Biology at Charleroi with a Master's degree in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology or a Master's degree in Bioinformatics and Modelling, students will be able to pursue any of the following careers:

• Researcher (in companies, universities, public research institutes)
• Teacher (teaching in secondary and tertiary (non-university) education
• Project manager for natural resource conservation and management projects for NGOs, administrations or international organisations
• Manager of educational projects in the field of natural sciences, for museums, non-profit organisations or botanical gardens
• Scientific advisor for sales of biotechnology and pharmaceutical products
• Manager of analysis follow-up (clinical, quality control, biodiversity, bioremediation, biosafety, forensic science, biotechnology and genomic service companies...)
• Trainer in the continuing education sector
• Management, communication and/or scientific publishing manager in a company (pharmaceutical, biotechnology, environmental technology, ...) or a public institute.

Instruction type

Teaching methods

The courses of the 3-year Bachelor's degree in Biology offered in Charleroi are organised as follows:

• Lectures (47%)
• Exercises (17%)
• Lab work (34%)
• Field trips (2%).

Academic Success

The University offers a wide range of activities and resources to help students develop a success strategy before and during their studies. There are many people involved in helping students to succeed during their studies: (inter)faculty mentors, tutors and experts in university methodology.

Support for Success

Being a student is a learning process! It is about developing autonomous skills by taking responsibility for one's own learning in the context of studying. This is based on a range of knowledge and skills acquired through university experiences.

The SAA or Service d'Accompagnement aux Apprentissages (Learning Support Unit) and a teaching assistant will guide students on their path to academic success. Various tools are offered to help them develop methodological, technological, metacognitive and disciplinary skills.

• Welcome week before the start of the academic year including methodological and scientific workshops
• Group methodology workshops
• Individual interviews, drop-in services
• Disciplinary guidance
• Assisted study leave
• Review sessions
• Tutoring
• Tool of the week
• During the year, one half-day per week is set aside for methodological workshops and guidance
• Half-day information session on career opportunities and meetings with professionals.

For any questions or to make an appointment, please contact Emilie Jacquy (emilie.jacquy@umons.ac.be) or Sophie Bonnot Uzureau (sophie.uzureau@umons.ac.be)