Biology

Do you want to understand how climate change affects marine life? Are you curious about the causes of diseases like cancer, or what happens in the brain during sleep? Do you see yourself working with other scientists to help solve the world's biggest biological challenges? Then Biology at the University of Groningen is the right choice for you.

During this programme, you’ll learn how living systems work, from molecules to ecosystems. You’ll combine biology with mathematics, physics, and chemistry to answer questions about health, biodiversity, and the environment. From your second year, you’ll specialize and build the skills to contribute to science and society — whether in research, conservation, healthcare, or biotechnology. 

The degree programme offers a wide choice of specializations that you can major in. During the first semester you will follow a broad based programme, after which you can make your definitive choice.

The biomedical science programmes have close ties with the University Medical Center Groningen. If you choose one of these programmes, you will spend a lot of time at the UMCG, for practicals, among other things.

 What to expect from the Bachelor's programme in Biology

• Explore all areas of biology in your first semester — from ecology to molecular life sciences.
• Shape your own programme with a specialisation and Major that fits your interests
• Gain hands-on experience in labs and fieldwork, and work with experts from different scientific fields.

The second year is when you make your definitive choice of Major. You can choose from the following five Majors:

• Ecology and Evolution
• Molecular Life Sciences
• Behaviour and Neurosciences
• Biomedical Sciences
• Integrative Biology