Organising your studies

The three focus subjects form the core of your studies. You can select these 3 subjects from the list of available options (refer to the module catalogue for the full list). Within each focus subject, you must complete both a theory module (2 lectures, seminar talk and oral exam) and a practical module (internship + seminar talk). 

How to proceed: The most important thing to note is that a focus subject requires a lab internship, and a lab internship requires a lab PI that is hosting you. Therefore, the practical advise is: look at the contributing labs on our main page, and ask the lab PIs if they would take you as an internship student. If they have an available spot and agree to supervise you, they will also advise you on how to complete the corresponding theory module.

Important note: Note that while we try to accommodate your wishes, there is no guarantee that you can always take the internship you want. Some practical modules can only be completed during the vegetation period (summer), while others may have waiting lists. You will need to build your schedule around the availability of the focus subjects while also taking your soft skill modules into account. Thus, it makes sense to plan all three of your focus subjects at the beginning of your studies, even if you only plan to start some of them in a year.

The EEC focus subjects follow the same structure as in MSc Biology, so you can additionally check the information here (external link, opens in a new window). 

In addition to your focus subjects, you must complete three soft skill modules, which are described in more detail here (external link, opens in a new window). Please read this information carefully. Regarding the sequence of courses, we recommend to 

• Take the Research Skills course as soon as possible, 
• Plan your internship after you have made a plan for your focus subjects, so that you know when you have time
• Plan your Ethics, Law and Communication courses around those other activities.

 You can begin your Master’s thesis once you have earned at least 70 credit points. There is no rule about it, but the Master’s thesis is typically done in one of the groups in which you did your focus subject and lab internship.