Life Sciences, BSc

Erasmus University College, the Netherlands

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The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
BSc	Full-time	3 years	August	find out	find out

About Life Sciences, BSc - at Erasmus University College

At the end of their first year at EUC, students declare their Major, which is a central component of the curriculum. It consist of a comprehensive set of courses (75 EC) that builds a solid foundation in a particular discipline. Each Major will be concluded with a capstone project, in which a Major-related topic of the student's choice will be explored under the guidance of a supervisor. In addition to the Major, students have the option to choose an EUC Minor (30 EC). At EUC, you can choose from the following Majors:

Life Sciences

The major Life Sciences is a cross-disciplinary programme that features core courses in the fundamental biological sciences (such as molecular and cellular biology, plant biology, microbiology and human physiology) and specialisations that range from genetics to multidisciplinary and applied life sciences, such as ecology and evolutionary biology. One of the most appealing aspects of the major in Life Sciences is its comprehensive nature. The major is highly suited for students interested in a career in the biological sciences in its broadest sense from research to policy-making.

Molecular & Cellular Biology

The major in Molecular & Cellular Biology focuses on the study of molecular structures and processes within the cells and their roles in the function, reproduction and development of organisms. This covers a broad range of specialised disciplines such as biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, cell physiology, cell anatomy and immunology.

Neuroscience

The major in Neuroscience offers students a multidisciplinary study of biological subjects that focus on the human central nervous system. The major is designed for students with a strong interest in neurobiology and the way in which the brain governs behaviour.

Pre-Med

The Pre-Med major is a programme that will prepare you for admission to (i) the Premaster programme (in Dutch) at the Erasmus Medical Centre (Erasmus MC), (ii) the School of Medicine (in English) of St. George’s University (SGU), Grenada, or (iii) another Biomedical master programme. The Premaster programme is open for up to 24 Pre-Med graduates per year (see below). The School of Medicine of SGU is open for up to 10 Pre-Med graduates per year.

EUC and Erasmus MC have agreed that BSc students from EUC should be able to enter the Erasmus MC Medical Master (MMSc). In order to do so, students are required to follow the Pre-Med major at EUC, and they will have to participate in a 1-year Premaster programme at Erasmus MC after graduating from EUC and before entering the MMSc. The Pre-Med major does not guarantee access to the Premaster programme as there are entry requirements regarding:

the number of students; a maximum of 24 Pre-Med graduates/year are allowed to enter the Premaster programme;
mastery of the Dutch language (at least B2 level, certified with the NT-2 exam or a pass for Dutch on a ‘VWO’ diploma), because both the Premaster programme and the MMSc are taught in Dutch;
the GPA obtained for the Pre-Med courses;
the extra-curricular activities performed besides the EUC Bachelor diploma;
the results from a limited number of Premaster entry tests, which will have to be taken during the final semester at EUC.

In the Pre-Med major students will obtain a basic knowledge of the Life Sciences as well as the Medical Sciences. Fields of study include:

fundamental biology, including human anatomy and physiology;
selected issues of health and disease;
the medical process and the scientific basis of medicine;
epidemiology and research methodology;
medical statistics;
general clinical skills, including anamnesis, physical examination, clinical reasoning and therapeutic skills; and
(medical) professional behaviour.

Learn more about Life Sciences, BSc - at Erasmus University College

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Entry requirements

Students are allowed to enter these majors when they either have successfully completed a general biology course prior to entering EUC or have passed the EUC course ACC112 Basics of Life in the first year.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships at Erasmus University College

Erasmus University College (EUC) offers several scholarships and grants:

Rotterdam Talent Scholarship - For students who live and/or go to school within the municipality of Rotterdam who can prove a need for substantial financial assistance.
EUC Scholarship -The EUC Scholarship is meant for highly qualified students from any country who can prove that they require financial aid to be able to study at EUC.
NL Scholarship - The Holland Scholarship is meant for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
Dutch government student finance - Most Dutch students are eligible for student finance from the Dutch government. Under certain conditions, non-Dutch, EEA students may also qualify for such student finance.
Third party grant - Depending on your nationality and your financial status, different types of financial aid are available.

If you are not eligible for any of the above-mentioned scholarships, you can have a look at the financial aid options of Erasmus University Rotterdam.

Student reviews of Erasmus University College

Find out what students say about Erasmus University College

Tom Pais - Alumnus Testimonial

"At EUC I discovered an academic playground for curious minds. From neuroscience and programming to economics and philosophy, the range of subjects to study here knows few bounds. This taught me how to rapidly expand my comfort zone and delve into the unknown – an ability I have come to rely on ever since. Whilst this may initially seem daunting, the small-scale teaching approach and fun-filled community always managed to make me feel at ease."

- Tom Pais, Consultant at McKinsey & Company

Saira Sakalas - Alumna Testimonial

"If you are someone who wants to learn by doing, have the freedom of shaping your study choices throughout the degree, develop transferable skills that you can apply outside the university, and be part of the international community in the heart of Rotterdam- EUC is the right place for you!"

- Saira Sakalas, PhD Student at The Institute of Cancer Research

Gemma Weijsters - Alumna Testimonial

“EUC shaped me into the doctor I am today. Its international, small-scaled programme allowed me to develop myself beyond traditional boundaries of a pre-med programme. Students at EUC are very open-minded and after three years you’ll have the world at your feet. My three years at EUC were an amazing journey and its tight-knit community left me with a close group of friends all around the world”

Gemma Weijsters, Medical Doctor