Program and structure

The Master’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology (Research Focus) is 120 credits and enables students to receive solid specialised training in a large number of disciplines in life sciences, ranging from biochemistry to cell biology, genetics and molecular biology, as well as a cross-disciplinary view of these fields, paving the way for numerous careers in both public and private research.

The programme is organised in Charleroi, by UMONS and ULB, with practical work taking place at Biopark in Gosselies.

Teaching profile

1. Build, develop and maintain knowledge in the field of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology and related disciplines

• Understand the scientific concepts and fundamental knowledge of biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology and related disciplines (molecular imaging, neurobiology, immunology, biotechnology, etc.)
• Critically analyse original Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology research articles
• Understand the evolution of knowledge on a given subject and collect and manage scientific articles on it
• Master the experimental techniques and equipment commonly used in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology and Molecular Imaging, while respecting good laboratory practices (safety, laboratory record keeping and proper management)
• Use bioinformatic resources and software adapted to their application.

2. Solve complex problems as a scientific stakeholder

• Creatively formulate a problem in the field of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology and develop testable working hypotheses
• Implement an experimental approach from conception to validation of scientific results obtained to solve complex problems
• Discuss and compare results with existing scientific data.

3. Design and implement scientific research projects

• Understand abstraction and its role in theory building
• Understand how a concept emerges from observations
• Be part of a rigorous, innovative and open approach to other disciplines
• Evaluate the conceptual contribution of new findings and draw up perspectives.

4. Communicate in language appropriate to the context and audience

• Develop scientific reasoning
• Write research reports according to the guidelines of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Present results orally in a clear and concise manner and address questions and criticisms from the audience
• Learn to work and communicate in teams.

5. Grow professionally while respecting ethical issues related to the field of expertise

• Identify and prohibit all forms of plagiarism
• Demonstrate intellectual honesty in scientific practices and in related communications
• Apply deontological and ethical rules
• Perceive the societal, environmental and ethical issues related to the discipline.

6. Animal Testing

• Acquire the appropriate legal training for experiments using laboratory animals.

Opportunities

There are many areas of professional opportunity: in pharmaceutical, agri-food and biotechnology companies, as well as in academic research (universities, etc.) and in national and regional research centres in both the public and private sectors.

This degree also opens the door to a career in management as well as in selling laboratory and biotechnology products.

Graduates of the Master’s in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology are particularly sought after for research and development in a range of companies in the Charleroi region (including the Biopark).