STUDY GUIDE
2015-2016
MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMMES
BIOLOGY
MARINE BIOLOGY
ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
MEDICAL PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
FACULTY OF MATHEMATICS AND NATURAL SCIENCES
RIJKSUNIVERSITEIT GRONINGEN
COLOFON
Publication:
Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Education Support Centre
Nijenborgh 9
9747 AG Groningen
Telephone: Zernike: (0031) (0)50 363 4422
ADL: (0031) (0)50 363 3315 or 3343
E-mail:
esc.fwn@rug.nl
Date:
Groningen, August 2015
Photo cover:
Mirjam van Timmeren
Editor:
Marion van Rijssel
Ammerens Kohl-Menage
Mirjan van Timmeren
Prints:
500
Publisher:
Grafimedia
Blauwborgje 8
9747 AC Groningen
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A GENERAL PART .................................................................................11
A1 GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................................. 13
A1.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 13
A1.2 FACULTY ORGANIZATION ..................................................................................................... 13
A1.3 DEGREE PROGRAMMES IN BRIEF ....................................................................................... 13
A1.3.1 Research and academic skills in undergraduate education ....................................... 14
A1.3.2 Erasmus programmes ..................................................................................................... 15
A1.3.3 Science, Business and Policy profile ............................................................................. 16
A1.3.4 How to become a high school teacher .......................................................................... 16
A1.4 UNIVERSITY OF GRONINGEN HONOURS COLLEGE ...................................................... 17
A.1.4.1 Honours College during the Bachelor’s phase ............................................................ 17
A.1.4.2 Honours College during the Master’s phase ............................................................... 17
A.1.4.3 HTSM Honours programme ......................................................................................... 18
A2 STUDENT MATTERS ........................................................................................... 19
A2.1 ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAMME ..................................................................................... 19
A2.1.1 Admission to bachelor’s programmes ........................................................................... 19
A2.1.2 Admission to master’s programmes ............................................................................. 19
A2.2 ACADEMIC YEAR ...................................................................................................................... 20
A2.3 FINANCIAL MATTERS ............................................................................................................. 22
A2.3.1 Tuition fees ....................................................................................................................... 22
A2.3.2 Student finance – DUO grants ...................................................................................... 22
A2.3.3 Study costs ....................................................................................................................... 22
A2.4 REGISTRATION FOR COURSE UNITS AND EXAMS ......................................................... 22
A2.5 CREDIT POINTS AND MARKING SYSTEM .......................................................................... 23
A2.5.1 Marking system............................................................................................................... 24
A2.5.2 Fraud................................................................................................................................ 24
A2.6 BINDING STUDY ADVICE: THE BSA SYSTEM.................................................................... 24
A2.7 STUDY DELAY AND GRADUATION FUND (PROFILERINGSFONDS) ........................... 25
A2.8 GRADUATION AND APPROVAL OF STUDY PROGRAMME ............................................ 25
A2.9 OBJECTION AND APPEAL PROCEDURES .......................................................................... 26
A2.9.1 Board of Appeal for Examinations (CBE) ................................................................... 26
A2.9.2 Complaints, concerning sexual harassment, aggression, violence and
discrimination (SIAGD) ................................................................................................. 27
A2.9.3 Central Portal for the Legal Protection of Student Rights (CLRS) .......................... 27
A2.10 COMMITTEES ........................................................................................................................... 27
A2.10.1 Board of Examiners ...................................................................................................... 27
A2.10.2 Programme Committee ............................................................................................... 28
A2.10.3 Special Admissions Committee (Bachelor’s programme) ...................................... 28
A2.10.4 Admissions Board for the Master’s programme ...................................................... 28
A2.10.5 Faculty Board ................................................................................................................. 28
A2.10.6 FMNS Faculty Council.................................................................................................. 29
A3 STUDENT SUPPORT ............................................................................................ 30
A3.1 EDUCATION SUPPORT CENTRE ........................................................................................... 30
A3.1.1 Education Support Desk ................................................................................................ 30
A3.1.2 Academic Advisor ........................................................................................................... 31
A3.1.3 Degree Programme Coordinator .................................................................................. 31
A3.2 STUDYING WITH A PERFORMANCE DISABILITY ............................................................ 31
A3.3 STUDYING ABROAD................................................................................................................. 32
A3.3.1 Organizing study period abroad ................................................................................... 32
A3.3.2 Exchange Office .............................................................................................................. 33
A3.4 NON-DEGREE-PROGRAMME-RELATED SUPPORT ......................................................... 33
A3.4.1 University Student Desk ................................................................................................ 33
A3.4.2 Student Service Centre (SSC) ....................................................................................... 34
A3.4.3 International Service Desk (ISD) ................................................................................. 35
A3.4.4 International students’ association ESN-Groningen ................................................ 35
A3.4.5 Careers advice before, during & after your degree .................................................... 36
A3.5 HEALTH AND SAFETY ............................................................................................................. 36
A3.5.1 Fire and emergencies ..................................................................................................... 36
A3.5.2 Computers and RSI ........................................................................................................ 36
A4 FACILITIES.......................................................................................................... 38
A4.1 BUILDINGS ................................................................................................................................. 38
A4.1.1 House rules, regulations ................................................................................................ 38
A4.2 LIBRARIES ................................................................................................................................. 39
A4.2.1 University Library ........................................................................................................... 39
A4.2.2 Library at Zernike campus ............................................................................................. 40
A4.2.3 Library of the University Medical Center Groningen ................................................. 41
A4.3 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION CHANNELS ..................................................... 41
A4.3.1 Personal account.............................................................................................................. 41
A4.3.2 Myuniversity .................................................................................................................... 41
A4.3.3 E-mail ............................................................................................................................... 42
A4.3.4 Ocasys ............................................................................................................................... 42
A4.3.5 Schedules.......................................................................................................................... 43
A4.3.6 Nestor ............................................................................................................................... 43
A4.3.7 ProgRESS WWW ............................................................................................................. 43
A4.3.8 Student PCs ..................................................................................................................... 43
A4.3.9 Usage rules ....................................................................................................................... 43
A4.4 PRINTING, COPYING AND SCANNING ............................................................................... 44
B MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMMES ................................................. 45
B1 GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE MASTER’S PROGRAMMES .......................... 47
B1.1 PROGRAMMES IN BRIEF .......................................................................................................... 47
B1.2 EDUCATION SUPPORT AND COMMITTEES ........................................................................ 49
B1.2.1 Support staff ..................................................................................................................... 49
B1.2.2 Academic advisor ............................................................................................................. 50
B1.2.3 Study mentor .................................................................................................................... 50
B1.2.4 Programme Committee .................................................................................................. 50
B1.2.5 Board of Examiners ......................................................................................................... 51
B1.3 STUDY PLANNING AND PROCEDURES ................................................................................ 51
B1.3.1 Study abroad / external research project ...................................................................... 52
B1.4 PROCESSING OF GRADES ........................................................................................................ 53
B1.4.1 Grading of external research projects ........................................................................... 53
B1.5 GRADUATION ............................................................................................................................. 53
B1.5.1 Judicium predicate (Biomedical Sciences and Medical Pharmaceutical Sciences) 54
B1.5.2 Judicium predicate (Biology, Ecology & Evolution, Marine Biology and Molecular
Biology & Biotechnology) ................................................................................................ 54
B1.6 STUDY ASSOCIATION GLV IDUN ........................................................................................... 54
B1.7 HEPATITIS B VACCINATION ................................................................................................... 55
B1.8 SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY ........................................................................................................... 55
B2 MASTER PROGRAMME BIOLOGY ....................................................................... 56
B2.1 ADMISSION ................................................................................................................................. 56
B2.2 THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY ........................................... 56
B2.3 THE STRUCTURE OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY ...................................... 57
B2.3.1 Research profile ............................................................................................................... 57
B2.3.2 Science, business and policy profile ............................................................................. 58
B2.4 MASTER COURSES AND ELECTIVES .................................................................................... 60
B2.5 STUDY MENTORS ...................................................................................................................... 60
B2.6 EXAMINERS ................................................................................................................................ 61
B3 MASTER PROGRAMME MARINE BIOLOGY ........................................................ 62
B3.1 ADMISSION ................................................................................................................................. 62
B3.2 THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY ........................................... 62
B3.3 THE STRUCTURE OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY ...................................... 62
B3.3.1 Research profile ............................................................................................................... 63
B3.3.2 Science, business and policy profile ............................................................................. 64
B3.4 MASTER COURSES AND ELECTIVES .................................................................................... 64
B3.5 STUDY MENTORS ...................................................................................................................... 65
B3.6 EXAMINERS ................................................................................................................................ 65
B4 MASTER PROGRAMME ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION ......................................... 66
B4.1 ADMISSION ................................................................................................................................. 66
B4.1.1 Regular programme ......................................................................................................... 66
B4.1.2 Top programme / Erasmus Mundus programme Evolutionary Biology ................. 66
B4.2 THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY ........................................... 68
B4.3 THE STRUCTURE OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY ...................................... 69
B4.3.1 Research profile ............................................................................................................... 69
B4.3.2 Top programme Evolutionary Biology ......................................................................... 70
B4.3.3 Erasmus Mundus programme Evolutionary Biology (MEME) ................................ 70
B4.3.4 Science, business and policy profile ............................................................................. 71
B4.4 MASTER COURSES AND ELECTIVES .................................................................................... 72
B4.5 STUDY MENTORS ...................................................................................................................... 72
B4.6 EXAMINERS ................................................................................................................................ 73
B5 MASTER PROGRAMME MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY ......... 74
B5.1 ADMISSION.................................................................................................................................. 74
B5.1.1 Regular programme .......................................................................................................... 74
B5.1.2 Top programme Biomolecular Sciences ........................................................................ 74
B5.2 THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY ........................................... 76
B5.3 THE STRUCTURE OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY ...................................... 76
B5.3.1 Research profile ............................................................................................................... 77
B5.3.2 Top programme Biomolecular Sciences ....................................................................... 78
B5.3.3 Specialization Chemical biology .................................................................................... 78
B5.3.4 Science, business and policy profile ............................................................................. 78
B5.4 MASTER COURSES AND ELECTIVES .................................................................................... 79
B5.5 STUDY MENTORS ...................................................................................................................... 79
B6 MASTER PROGRAMME BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES............................................... 81
B6.1 ADMISSION ................................................................................................................................. 81
B6.2 THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY ........................................... 82
B6.3 THE STRUCTURE OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY ...................................... 82
B6.3.1 Research profile ............................................................................................................... 82
B6.3.2 Biology of Ageing track ................................................................................................... 84
B6.3.3 Science, business and policy profile ............................................................................. 84
B6.4 MASTER COURSES AND ELECTIVES .................................................................................... 85
B6.5 RESEARCH AREA AND STUDY MENTORS .......................................................................... 85
B6.6 EXAMINERS ................................................................................................................................ 87
B7 MASTER PROGRAMME MEDICAL PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES .................... 88
B7.1 ADMISSION .................................................................................................................................. 88
B7.2 THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY ........................................... 89
B7.3 THE STRUCTURE OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY ...................................... 89
B7.3.1 Research profile ............................................................................................................... 90
B7.3.2 Toxicology and drug disposition track ......................................................................... 91
B7.3.3 Pharmaco-epidemiology track ....................................................................................... 92
B7.3.4 Science, business and policy profile.............................................................................. 94
B7.4 MASTER COURSES AND ELECTIVES .................................................................................... 94
B7.5 RESEARCH AREA’S AND STUDY MENTORS ....................................................................... 94
B7.6 EXAMINERS ................................................................................................................................ 96
B8 MASTER COURSES AND ELECTIVES .................................................................. 97
B8.1 MASTER COURSES AND ELECTIVES .................................................................................... 97
B8.1.1 Methods of instruction .................................................................................................... 97
B8.1.2 Master courses and electives.......................................................................................... 97
B8.1.3 Master courses ................................................................................................................. 97
B8.1.4 Electives master courses ............................................................................................... 100
B8.2 SCHEDULE FOR BMS/MPS ................................................................................................... 102
B8.3 SCHEDULE FOR B/EE/MB/MBB.......................................................................................... 105
B9 GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCH PROJECT, COLLOQUIUM AND ESSAY ............. 108
B9.1 PROGRAMME ELEMENTS ..................................................................................................... 108
B9.1.1 Research project ............................................................................................................. 108
B9.1.2 Colloquium and Essay................................................................................................... 108
B9.1.3 Internship ....................................................................................................................... 108
B9.1.4 Research assignment .................................................................................................... 108
B9.2 GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCH PROJECTS ........................................................................ 109
B9.2.1 Hints for the research report ....................................................................................... 110
B9.2.2 Hints for the oral presentation .................................................................................... 113
B9.2.3 Assessment of the research project ............................................................................ 115
B9.3 GUIDELINES FOR THE COLLOQUIUM .............................................................................. 115
B9.3.1 Structure of the colloquium ......................................................................................... 115
B9.3.2 Hints for planning and presentation of the colloquium .......................................... 116
B9.3.3 Assessment of the colloquium ..................................................................................... 118
B9.4 GUIDELINES FOR THE ESSAY ............................................................................................. 118
B9.4.1 Structure of the essay .................................................................................................... 119
B9.4.2 Hints for planning, layout and appearance of the essay .......................................... 119
B9.5 PLAGIARISM ............................................................................................................................. 120
C RULES AND REGULATIONS, ADDRESSES ...................................... 123
C1 RULES AND REGULATIONS ................................................................................125
C1.1 STUDENT CHARTER ................................................................................................................. 125
C1.2 TEACHING AND EXAMINATION REGULATIONS (OER) ................................................. 126
C1.3 RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS ...................................... 126
C2 ADDRESSES CENTRAL BODIES UNIVERSITY OF GRONINGEN ........................ 127
C2.1 GENERAL ADDRESSES ............................................................................................................ 127
C2.2 ADDRESSES FOR STUDENTS ................................................................................................. 128
C3 FACULTY ADDRESSES ....................................................................................... 129
C3.1 BUILDINGS ................................................................................................................................. 129
C3.2 LIBRARY ...................................................................................................................................... 129
C3.3 EXCHANGE OFFICE ................................................................................................................. 129
C3.4 EDUCATION SUPPORT DESK ................................................................................................ 130
C4 LOCATIONS ......................................................................................................... 131
C4.1 ZERNIKE ...................................................................................................................................... 131
C4.2 ADL ............................................................................................................................................... 132
A
General part
General part
13
A1
GENERAL INFORMATION
A1.1 INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Study Guide for all degree programmes offered by the Faculty of
Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMNS). This Study Guide aims to provide students
and lecturers with information about the various degree programmes.
The Study Guide comprises a general section, which is identical for all FMNS degree
programmes, and a programme-specific section.
The general section of this Study Guide contains a wide range of information, for
example about facilities, student matters and what to do if you run into problems,
whereas the degree programme-specific section discusses matters such as the study
programme, study associations and important addresses.
A1.2 FACULTY ORGANIZATION
The Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes are offered by the Faculty of
Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMNS). FMNS is one of the largest natural sciences
faculties in the Netherlands. Teaching within FMNS is organized in an Undergraduate
and a Graduate School of Science. The Undergraduate School of Science organizes the
teaching of Bachelor’s programmes, while the Graduate School of Science organizes the
teaching of Master’s programmes and PhD projects in strong relationship with the
research institutes. In general the lecturers of the programmes are researcher in one of
the research institutes as well.
All Bachelor’s degree programmes within FMNS except Biology, Life Science and
Technology, and Pharmacy are offered in English. All Master’s degree programmes,
except Education and Communication and Pharmacy, are offered in English as well. This
increases student exchange and reflects the international character of research within the
faculty.
A1.3 DEGREE PROGRAMMES IN BRIEF
All FMNS degree programmes start with a three-year (180 ECTS) Bachelor’s phase, each
year comprising two semesters. A completed Bachelor’s degree can be followed by a
Master’s degree programme lasting at least two years (120 ECTS). Students who
successfully complete an FMNS degree programme are awarded the title of Bachelor of
Science (BSc) or Master of Science (MSc). In addition, some degree programmes also
lead to the conferral of the Dutch ‘ingenieur’ degree, a teaching qualification or a
pharmacist’s diploma.
Bachelor
Applied Mathematics
Applied Physics
Artificial Intelligence
Astronomy
Biology *
Chemical Engineering
Chemistry
* Only offered in Dutch
ECTS
180
180
180
180
180
180
180
Bachelor
Computing Science
Industrial Engineering and Management
Life science and technology *
Mathematics
Pharmacy *
Physics
ECTS
180
180
180
180
180
180
14
General part
Master
Applied Mathematics
Applied Physics
Artificial Intelligence
ECTS
120
120
120
Astronomy
120
Behavioural & Cognitive
Neurosciences *
Biology
Biomedical Engineering
120
120
120
Biomedical Sciences
120
Chemical Engineering
Chemistry
Computing Science
Ecology and Evolution #
120
120
120
120
Master
Education and Communication**
Energy and Environmental Sciences
Human-Machine Communication
Industrial Engineering and
Management
Marine Biology
ECTS
120
120
120
Mathematics
Medical Pharmaceutical Sciences
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
120
120
120
120
##
120
Nanoscience *
Pharmacy**
Physics
Water Technology (Joint Degree) ***
120
180
120
120
* Top/Research master
** Only offered in Dutch
*** The Joint Degree programme is offered in collaboration with other institutions skilled in this
field of expertise: two other Dutch universities (Wageningen University, University of Twente) and
the Technological Top Institute for Water Technology Wetsus, Leeuwarden.
# The top track Evolutionary Biology is part of the master Ecology & Evolution
## The top track Biomolecular Sciences is part of the master Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
A1.3.1 Research and academic skills in undergraduate education
Introduction
Since the introduction of the undergraduate and graduate educational degree-programmes
at the University of Groningen in 2002, bachelor and master studies are essentially separate
and independent degree-programmes. As the University of Groningen is an academic
institution, the education of both graduate and undergraduate degree-programmes thus
need to be thoroughly intertwined with academic research and students should be
familiarized with academic research skills.
Academic skills cannot be regarded as just a separate learning pathway in academic
education in which students are trained to retrieve information, communicate, reflect etc.,
but these skills should be fully connected to and embedded in the academic context in which
they are practiced. Academic skills are thus an important precondition and a logical
consequence of academic training.
Finally, research and academic skills require an academic attitude, which can be described as
a positive predisposition and orientation towards an academic approach of research
problems and issues. It requires the tendency to be curious and critical and to work
analytical, systematical, fact-based and accurate.
Research-based undergraduate education at the Faculty of Mathematics and
Natural Sciences
At the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMNS) the education of undergraduate
programmes is based on the latest academic theories and research outcomes, in the sense
that these form an integral part of courses and research projects of bachelor degreeprogrammes. Furthermore, each undergraduate programme contains an explicit learning
pathway introducing, practicing and assessing research and academic skills such as:
- Formulating adequate research goals, questions and/or hypotheses;
- Searching for, assessing and reflecting on scientific literature;
- Setup of basic research experiments, analysis of and reflection on its outcomes and
drawing appropriate conclusions;
- Critical thinking, reflection, analytic attitude and capacity;
General part
-
15
Reflecting on research methods and research methodology;
Communicate about research progress and outcomes (both orally and in writing);
Cooperate in a (multi-disciplinary) team.
The educational mission of the FMNS is to train students to be able to perform scientific
research independently, with a critical and academic attitude, accompanied with a clear
ethical conduct, thus preparing them for an excellent starting position for an academic or
professional career.
Implementation of research-based education in curricula of FMNS
undergraduate studies
Research-based education is implemented in virtually all teaching methods used at the
faculty; each with its own specific learning objectives, as exemplified below:
- Lectures: The vast majority of lecturers of the FMNS (>95%) are actively involved in
academic research and thus are inspired to present the latest academic theories and
research outcomes within lectures.
- Initial literature (re)search, analysis and assessment is carried out already in first
year symposium type of courses. These assignment-based courses connect students
closely to research groups of the FMNS, carrying out literature research linked to or
relevant for these research groups.
- Practical courses, tutorials and assignments have the following objectives:
 Practicing and familiarizing students with experimental work and skills
 Designing and executing basic research experiments
 Analysis of data and outcome of these experiments
 Draw adequate conclusions from and reporting on experimental data
 Reflect and report on experimental results and conclusions
- Science, Ethics, Technology, and Society course: In this course basic concepts of
science philosophy, ethics, innovation theory, argumentation theories and policy
making are introduced. This course not only introduces important philosophical and
societal considerations and implications of research on society, but also aims to
create awareness on ethical and societal conduct of students.
- Bachelor research thesis: During the Bachelor thesis, students are actively involved in
research carried out in research groups of the FMNS. Students are challenged as
much as possible to excel in their research assignment, while getting regular feedback
from their supervisor(s) and other members of research groups in which they are
allocated.
As the degree programme progresses, the complexity of the research pathway increases,
while the students’ involvement will shift from a more passive to a more active stance.
Each degree-programme has realized and detailed its research learning line in its own
specific way, depending on the focus, scope, and learning outcomes of the study. More
details on the research learning pathway are available in the programme-specific study guide
of each degree-programme or in the digital course catalogue Ocasys:
 www.rug.nl/ocasys/fwn
A1.3.2 Erasmus programmes
At the moment FMNS participates in two Erasmus+ (formerly known as Erasmus
Mundus) Master’s degree programmes:
- MEME (as part of the Master’s programme Ecology and Evolution),
www.evobio.eu
- TCCM (as part of the Master’s programme Chemistry),
tccm.qui.uam.es
16
General part
Erasmus Mundus aims to enhance quality in higher education through scholarships and
academic cooperation between Europe and the rest of the world by supporting joint
programmes provided by academic consortia. Erasmus Mundus offers financial support
for institutions and scholarships for individuals.
A1.3.3 Science, Business and Policy profile
The Science, Business and Policy profile (M-variant) is the option to choose if you are
interested in the social and commercial aspects of your subject. This profile will prepare you
for a career within a company or policy organization. In addition to gaining scientific
knowledge, you will learn effective presentation skills, how to deal with tough deadlines, how
to apply for an internship at a company or organization outside the University, how to give
and receive feedback, and how to work efficiently in groups.
The Science, Business and Policy profile is part of many of the Master’s programmes of
FMNS and consists of one year of course units and research in the field of your Master’s
degree programme complemented with one year of course units and internship focusing on
business and policy.
For more information, consult the website: www.rug.nl/fwn/sbp and the programmespecific part of the study-guide to see whether the Science, Business and Policy profile is part
of your Master’s degree programme.
A1.3.4 How to become a high school teacher
Since the different trajectories for becoming a high school teacher are taught in Dutch
only, this subsection is in Dutch.
Altijd al gewild...
- Voor de klas staan;
- Je kennis van het vak delen, maar ook je passie;
- Leerlingen motiveren en inspireren.
In dat geval zijn de hieronder genoemde mogelijkheden om een onderwijs- bevoegdheid
te behalen wellicht interessant voor jou.
Minor Educatie
Als je de mogelijkheid hebt om binnen je Bacheloropleiding een vrije minor te kiezen,
kun je kiezen voor de Educatieve Minor. Deze minor is een intensieve fulltime opleiding
van een halfjaar die - in combinatie met een Bacheloropleiding in een schoolvak - opleidt
tot leraar. Je gaat drie dagen per week aan de slag op een middelbare school. Daarnaast
verdiep je je bij de Lerarenopleiding in vakdidactiek, ontwikkelingspsychologie en
onderwijskunde.
Als je de Educatieve Minor en je Bacheloropleiding met goed gevolg hebt doorlopen, krijg
je een onderwijsbevoegdheid 'beperkt tweedegraads' voor de onderbouw van zowel
vmbo-tl als havo-vwo.
Voor meer informatie zie:
 www.rug.nl/lerarenopleiding/onderwijs/educatieveminor
Master Educatie en Communicatie
De richting Educatie van de Master Educatie en Communicatie in de wiskunde en
natuurwetenschappen biedt je een tweejarige Masteropleiding tot eerstegraadsleraar in
de bovenbouw havo-vwo. Met deze opleiding verdiep je je bètakennis én leer je hoe je die
kennis kunt delen, communiceren en onderwijzen.
Voor meer informatie zie:
 www.rug.nl/masters/educatie-en-communicatie-in-de-wiskunde-ennatuurwetenschappen
General part
17
Master LVHO
Behalve via een tweejarige opleiding, kun je ook eerstegraads docent worden via een
éénjarige variant, Leraar Voorbereidend Hoger Onderwijs (LVHO). Voorwaarde daarvoor
is dat je een Masterdiploma hebt in de richting van het schoolvak waarvoor je een
eerstegraads lesbevoegdheid wilt halen. Dus als je eerst een Masteropleiding in je eigen
wetenschappelijke discipline wilt volgen en daarna pas een lerarenopleiding wilt doen,
kun je voor de Master LVHO kiezen. Je wordt dan eerstegraadsleraar in bovenbouw
havo-vwo.
Voor meer informatie zie:
 www.rug.nl/fwn/beta-master/postmaster
A1.4 UNIVERSITY OF GRONINGEN HONOURS COLLEGE
If you would like an extra intellectual challenge in addition to your regular degree
programme, the Honours College may be just what you are looking for. Talented and
ambitious students are offered the opportunity to participate in the University of
Groningen Honours College during their Bachelor’s and Master’s phases.
A.1.4.1 Honours College during the Bachelor’s phase
The Bachelor’s honours programme comprises an extra 45 ECTS in addition to your
regular Bachelor’s programme. Within this interdisciplinary programme, 25 ECTS are
intended for in-depth study and 20 ECTS for broadening your horizon. The deepening
part consists of course units offered by your own faculty in which you get the opportunity
to develop and experience research on a subject of your interest. The broadening part
consists of course units (unrelated to your faculty), development of a range of skills and
also attention is paid to your personal development.
Next to this interdisciplinary programme, the Honours College offers also a Honours
programme in Philosophy.
Admission to the programme is by selection, since the number of places available is
limited. The top 15% of students on the Bachelor’s degree programme are invited to
apply, but students who have not received an invitation can also apply (on a ‘wild card’
basis).
For more information on the application procedure see:
 www.rug.nl/education/honours-college
Or contact the coordinator Han van der Strate:
 fwn.honours@rug.nl
A.1.4.2 Honours College during the Master’s phase
The Master’s honours programme is a one-year extracurricular programme with a
student workload of 15 ECTS. It offers students who are able and willing to excel, the
possibility to deepen their theoretical knowledge about leadership and to improve their
leadership skills. This programme will provide a solid starting point for your future
academic or social career and it will contribute to your personal developmen t.
For information, see:
 www.rug.nl/education/honours-college
Or contact the coordinator Han van der Strate:
 fwn.honours@rug.nl
18
General part
A.1.4.3 HTSM Honours programme
The focus of this Master’s honours programme is on High Tech Systems and Materials
(HTSM). The HTSM honours programme is offered by the University of Groningen – in
cooperation with Philips Consumer Lifestyle, University Campus Fryslân and University of
Twente – and aims to equip talented, motivated students with the knowledge and skills
needed to excel at the frontiers of High Tech Systems and Materials (HTSM).
The 1.5 year HTSM honours programme worth 20 ECTS is followed in addition to the
standard Master's programme. It has been developed especially for students who want to get
more from their studies. The Honours programme offers intensive, small-group teaching
with a group of like-minded, motivated students. Furthermore, it offers a unique opportunity
to collaborate with students from different disciplines on challenging, real-life product
development assignments by the industry.
For more information, see:
 www.rug.nl/education/honours-college/htsm-masterprogramme
Or contact the coordinator Vanessa van Hest:
 htsm-honours@rug.nl
General part
19
A2
STUDENT MATTERS
A2.1 ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAMME
In order to be able to participate in course units and examinations, you must be
registered at the University of Groningen as a student of a certain degree programme.
Registration for a programme is done via Studielink (www.studielink.nl). You must
reregister every year. Please contact the University Student Desk if you have any
questions concerning your registration.
Practical information, such as application procedures, can be found on the University
website. The University website can also be consulted for the top programmes and the
Erasmus Mundus deadlines.
International students please look at:
 www.rug.nl/fwn/fmns-programme
 www.rug.nl/education/international-students/application-procedure
Dutch students please look at:
 www.rug.nl/fwn/beta-studie
 www.rug.nl/education/nederlandse-studenten/inschrijven/
For international students, sufficient proficiency in English (a minimum IELTS test score
of 6.5 or a TOEFL test score of 580 (paper-based)) is required for the English taught
programmes and sufficient proficiency in Dutch (NT2-II) is required for the Dutch taught
programmes.
A2.1.1 Admission to bachelor’s programmes
In case you have a Dutch diploma that according to Dutch higher education law gives
entry to the degree programme of your choice, admission is automatic and is handled by
Studielink:
 www.studielink.nl
In all other cases (e.g. when you have a non-Dutch diploma or a Dutch diploma that does
not give automatic access to the degree programme), besides registering through
Studielink, you have to go through an admission procedure in which the Special
Admissions Committee of FMNS based on information provided by you, decides whether
or not you meet the admission requirements of the programme of your choice.
A2.1.2 Admission to master’s programmes
Students can be admitted to a Master’s degree programme once they have successfully
completed a related Bachelor’s degree programme at the University of Groningen.
Students with a Bachelor’s degree from another Dutch or foreign university may also
qualify for admission. However, admission is then granted on an individual basis by the
Admissions Board. The Admissions Board will check whether you have the appropriate
qualifications. In case of a Bachelor’s degree from a foreign university after registration
in Studielink you will be contacted by the Admissions Office who will provide you with
information on how to proceed with the admissions process. In case of a Bachelor’s
degree from another Dutch university please contact the relevant academic advisor for
information on how to proceed with the admissions process.
20
General part
Pre-master programme
In certain cases a pre-master programme is required for Dutch students with a partially
suitable Bachelor of Science or a suitable Bachelor’s degree in Applied Sciences (HBO).
For more information and assistance with applying ask the relevant academic advisor.
A2.2 ACADEMIC YEAR
The general academic year overview for FMNS is set out on the next page.
The course units offered by the Life Science programmes are offered in blocks. Each
block takes three weeks. During a block a student is engaged in one course unit.
The course units offered by the other degree programmes are offered in periods of ten
weeks (eight weeks of classes followed by two weeks of exams). A student is in general
engaged in three course units during a period.
Some course units, for example for the degree programmes in Artificial Intelligence and
Industrial Engineering and Management, are offered by other faculties. As their
academic year overviews may differ from the one set out in the schedule presented here,
for these course units you should consult the timetables on the web or the programme specific part of this Study Guide.
Information about timetables and national holidays can be found via the following
website:
 rooster.rug.nl
General part
21
Academic calendar 2015–2016
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
tu.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
23-11-15
30-11-15
07-12-15
14-12-15
21-12-15
04-01-16
11-01-16
18-01-16
25-01-16
01-02-16
08-02-16
15-02-16
22-02-16
29-02-16
07-03-16
14-03-16
21-03-16
29-03-16
04-04-16
11-04-16
18-04-16
25-04-16
-
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
th.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
27-11-15
04-12-15
11-12-15
18-12-15
01-01-16
08-01-16
15-01-16
22-01-16
29-01-16
05-02-16
12-02-16
19-02-16
26-02-16
04-03-16
11-03-16
18-03-16
24-03-16
01-04-16
08-04-16
15-04-16
22-04-16
29-04-16
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28–35
mo.
mo.
tu.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
02-05-16
09-05-16
17-05-16
23-05-16
30-05-16
06-06-16
13-06-16
20-06-16
27-06-16
04-07-16
11-07-16
-
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
06-05-16
13-05-16
20-05-16
27-05-16
03-06-16
10-06-16
17-06-16
24-06-16
01-07-16
08-07-16
02-09-16
PERIOD 1.1
48
49
50
51
52–53
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
L3/E
L4
L5
L6/E
Vacation
L7
L8
L9/E
Resits 1.2
L1
L2
L3/E
L4
L5
L6/E
L7
L8
L9/E
Resits 2.1
L1
L2
L3
L4/E
L5
L6
L7/E
L8
L9
L10
L11/E/R
Resits 2.2
Vacation
L1
L2
L3
L4
L5
L6
L7
L8
Remarks
L3/E: lectures & exams
Examinations 1.1
L1
L2
PERIOD 1.2
04-09-15
11-09-15
18-09-15
25-09-15
02-10-15
09-10-15
16-10-15
23-10-15
30-10-15
06-11-15
13-11-15
20-11-15
PERIOD 2.1
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
fri.
Non-life Science
degree programmes
PERIOD 2.2
-
PERIOD 1.1
31-08-15
07-09-15
14-09-15
21-09-15
28-09-15
05-10-15
12-10-15
19-10-15
26-10-15
02-11-15
09-11-15
16-11-15
PERIOD 1.2
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
PERIOD 2.1
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
Life Science
degree
programmes
L1
L2
L3/E
L4
L5
L6/E
L7
L8
L9/E
Resits 1.1
L1
L2
PERIOD 2.2
Week
Start & end date
Nr.
L3/R*
L4/R*
L5/R*
L6
Vacation
L7
L8
Examinations 1.2
Resits 1.1*
L1
L2
L3/R*
L4/R*
L5/R*
L6
L7
L8
Examinations 2.1
Resits 1.2*
L1
L2
L3/R*
L3/R: lectures & resits >
17:00 h
Christmas and New Year
Fri. 25-03 Good Friday
Mo. 28-03 Easter Monday
We. 27-04 Kings Day
Th. 5-05
Ascension/Liberation Day
L4/R*
L5/R*
L6
Mo. 16-05 Whit Monday
L7
L8
L9
Examinations 2.2
Resits 2.1*
Resits 2.2.
Summer holidays
L : lectures E : exams R : resits;
* Depending on the programme the resits of the Non-life Science degree programmes are
scheduled either in week 3, 4, 5 of the following lecture period or at the end of the next exam
period.
22
General part
A2.3 FINANCIAL MATTERS
The University Student Desk (USD, see C2.2) provides information about registration
procedures, tuition fees and everything you need to do to ensure that your registration
becomes and remains valid. They also provide students who have paid their fees and have
registered as students at the University of Groningen with a University Pass, the so called
RUG-pass.
A2.3.1 Tuition fees
Information regarding tuition fees can be found on the website:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/inuitschrijving/collegegeld/
International students can find information on tuition fees on the following website:
 www.rug.nl/education/international-students/financial-matters
You can also contact the USD for further information.
A2.3.2 Student finance – DUO grants
For more information about Student Finance and grants (and the changes as of 1 September
2015 in this system) for Dutch students, please contact the Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs
(DUO) Groningen office:
 www.duo.nl
A2.3.3 Study costs
The University of Groningen has a policy on study costs. The policy aims to control costs
so that the study cost component does not exceed the grant/loan budgets for Dutch
students. The amount that students are required to spend on study materials will
therefore not exceed the government grant. The standard sum for 2015-2016 is € 740,-.
Each programme phase has a cost ‘ceiling’ (standard sum x length of programme phase,
i.e. propaedeutic, bachelor, master, major, minor).
Sometimes it is not possible to avoid exceeding the ceiling amount. In such cases it is
possible to apply to the Faculty Board for reimbursement of half the extra expenditure on
the basis of receipts submitted as proof. Sometimes other arrangements may be possible.
Students can obtain information on the cost policy at www.rug.nl/insandouts or
Frequently asked questions on /myuniversity. They can also visit the University Student
Desk or their academic advisor.
A2.4 REGISTRATION FOR COURSE UNITS AND EXAMS
Registration for course units and exams is compulsory and should be completed in time
and is done via ProgRESS WWW:
 progRESSwww.nl/rug
-
-
Timely registration for course units is considered to be registration at least
1 month before the relevant course unit starts.
 Registration for a course unit obliges the registered person to appear for the
first session of the course unit.
 ProgRESS WWW does not allow you to register for more than four courses in
a period (this only holds for courses which are offered in a period of 8-10
weeks). In case you want to register for more courses in a period please
contact your academic advisor.
 Please deregister for a course unit in case you decide not to attend.
From September 2014, registration for written examinations is coupled to
the registration for course units:
 In case you attend a (re-)exam you need to be present at the start of the
(re-)exam.
 In case you register for a course unit you will automatically be registered for
the exam.
General part




23
In case you fail the exam you will automatically be registered for the re-exam.
It is possible to register separately for an exam or re-exam, i.e. you can register
for a (re-)exam without registering for the course.
Despite the automatic exam registration the student remains responsible for
being properly registered for (re-)exams.
Please deregister for a (re-)exam in case you decide not to attend.
There is an opportunity to sign out until at least 1 week before the date of the
(re-)examination.
Note: Some degree programmes, for example Artificial Intelligence and Industrial
Engineering and Management, include a lot of course units offered by other faculties.
Different registration procedures apply to these course units! Please check the
programme-specific section of this Student Handbook for the registration deadlines for
these course units, or contact the Education Office of the relevant degree programme or
faculty.
You can always contact the student information desk of the faculty that offers the course
unit, i.e. the Education Support Desk (see Section A3.1.1) for courses offered by the
Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, if you have trouble registering.
The Board of Examiners may grant permission to take a course unit or examination, even
when a student is not properly registered, in special cases of force majeure. Please
contact the academic advisor for more information.
Coupling between ProgRESS WWW and Nestor
Nestor is the electronic learning environment of the University of Groningen (see Section
A4.3.6) and is used by the lecturer of a course to provide course material (like slides,
reader, exercises) and post announcements.
Registration in ProgRESS WWW and enrolment in a Nestor course are coupled:
- Registration in ProgRESS WWW for a course or exam automatically results in
enrolment in the corresponding Nestor course.
- Enrolment in a Nestor course does not mean you are allowed to participate in the
course itself, therefor you need to be registered in ProgRESS WWW for the
course.
Registered/access in
ProgRESS
WWW
ProgRESS
WWW
Nestor
Course
I have access to the
course in Nestor
Yes (if available)
I am allowed to participate in
the course
Yes
Exam
Yes (if available)
Course
Yes (if available)
Only if registered in ProgRESS
WWW for the course
Only if registered in ProgRESS
WWW for the course
A2.5 CREDIT POINTS AND MARKING SYSTEM
University degree programmes comprise several course units. Each course unit is
awarded a number of ECTS credit points (ECTS: European Credit Transfer and
Accumulation System). ECTS is an EU standardized system for measuring student
workload as a means of facilitating international mobility. One ECTS credit point
represents 28 hours of full-time study (including contact hours, reading, independent
study, preparation for exams, etc.). 60 ECTS credit points represent one year.
24
General part
A2.5.1 Marking system
After an exam is completed, the results are administered in the automated results
registration system (ProgRESS WWW). A list of the results you have achieved can be
found on the internet:
 progRESSwww.nl/rug
Please contact the Education Support Desk (ESD) immediately if you find an error in
your registered marks.
If an official results transcript is required, a printout can be requested from the
Education Support Desk (ESD, see Section A3.1.1).
In general, each course unit is examined either by an examination (written or oral), a
written assignment, or a presentation. The Dutch marking scale ranges from 1 (lowest) to
10 (highest). As an indication, 6 is the minimum pass mark, and 10 and marks lower than
3 are highly exceptional:
10
9
8
7
6
<6
Outstanding; a remarkable performance; seldom given
Excellent
Very good
Good
Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory
A mark below 6 requires the course unit to be repeated until a 6 or higher is achieved.
The final cumulative mark for the whole programme is the weighted average of the
individual marks for each of the elements, taking into account the student workload.
A2.5.2 Fraud
Fraud and plagiarism are not accepted at this University or anywhere else in the
academic community. In all cases where plagiarism is found or suspected, the Board of
Examiners will act accordingly. If the Board decides that plagiarism has occurred, it will
impose a sanction in accordance with the Rules and Regulations (see Section C1.3). In
general, this will result in the student being excluded from participation in examinations
or other forms of testing for the relevant course unit for the current academic year.
A2.6 BINDING STUDY ADVICE: THE BSA SYSTEM
A binding (negative) study advice is a binding decision regarding the continuation of the
Bachelor’s degree programme.
To be allowed to continue your Bachelor’s degree programme, you must have earned at
least 45 ECTS credit points by the end of your first year and have gained your
propaedeutic certificate by the end of your second year.
If you fail to satisfy these requirements, you will be issued a binding (negative) study
advice. This means you are not allowed to continue your degree programme and will not
be allowed to register for the same Bachelor’s degree programme for the next two years.
You can, however, register for other degree programmes. However, a negative BSA for a
certain degree programme may also apply to a cluster of related degree programmes (see
the website below for the clusters within FMNS).
If you decide in your first year to deregister for your degree programme before the 1st of
February, it is possible to register in a later academic year for the same degree
programme again, thereby avoiding a binding study advice in the academic year of
deregistration.
General part
25
If you fail to satisfy the BSA requirements due to personal circumstances, you can apply
for an adapted BSA threshold. Please contact the academic advisor as soon as the
circumstances arise.
More information about the BSA system can be found on:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/bindend-studie-advies/
A2.7 STUDY DELAY AND GRADUATION FUND (PROFILERINGSFONDS)
If circumstances beyond your control affect your progress during your studies, you may
be eligible for financial assistance from the Graduation Fund (Profileringsfonds). The
conditions are set out in the regulations pertaining to the Fund:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/profileringsfonds/
If you experience study delay due to circumstances beyond your control, and if the
delay is expected to amount to more than four weeks, you must report this
immediately to the academic advisor. The following can constitute grounds for
financial assistance:
- Illness;
- Family circumstances;
- A disability (physical limitations);
- Pregnancy;
- Lack of a degree programme that meets objective standards;
- Loss of certification for your degree programme;
- Other circumstances of an exceptional nature.
The academic advisor will direct you to a student counsellor if your delay amounts to or
is expected to amount to more than 15 ECTS credit points. You will have to mak e an
appointment with a student counsellor for a follow-up report yourself.
If during the academic year the delay amounts to more than 15 ECTS after the first report
to the academic advisor, you must contact a student counsellor immediately, even if you
have not been told to do so by the academic advisor.
You must follow the advice of and the agreements made with the academic advisor and
the student counsellor or you will not be eligible for financial support from the
Graduation Fund.
Apply in good time for financial assistance. If you apply late you will not receive
any financial compensation.
A2.8 GRADUATION AND APPROVAL OF STUDY PROGRAMME
The degree application comprises two steps:
1. The approval of your study program by the Board of Examiners.
2. The actual degree application ultimately resulting in the graduation ceremony.
Starting the application process takes place by means of registration in ProgRESS WWW the
same way you register for a module, exam or re-sit, and subsequently composing your study
program in ProgRESS WWW (see Section A4.3.7).
In ProgRESS WWW you go to:
Enrolments RuG > Mathematics and Nat. Sciences > (Under)Graduate school > BSc /MSc
“Program” > Aanvraag examen BSc/MSc “Program”
Once you have submitted your programme the Board of Examiners will decide about
approval of your programme.
26
General part
ProgRESS WWW detects when you have finished all modules of your approved study
programme. The administration will than start the process of the degree application. You can
follow the progress of this process in the degree application module in ProgRESS WWW.
Information regarding ceremony dates can be found in Nestor or the programme-specific
section of the Study Guide.
On request, students who drop out can receive a statement of their academic record
including the course units passed.
Honours predicate
In some cases a student will be awarded an honours predicate, Cum Laude or Summa
Cum Laude. The specific guidelines for this predicate can be found for the Bachelor’s
programmes in the Teaching and Examination Regulations (see Section C1.2) and for the
Master’s programmes in the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Examiners (see
Section C1.3).
A2.9 OBJECTION AND APPEAL PROCEDURES
If you have a complaint, or if you disagree with a certain decision, you can voice your
concerns in an informal and/or a formal way:
- Informal - The quickest way to solve a problem is to talk to the person or body
with whom you have the problem. If the relationship or atmosphere between you
and the person in question does not allow for informal talks, you can ask your
academic advisor or the SSC student counsellors for advice.
- Formal - You can lodge an official complaint, objection or appeal if there are
degree programme-related matters that you are not happy with or do not agree
with.
A2.9.1 Board of Appeal for Examinations (CBE)
The Board of Appeal for Examinations (CBE) is an independent body where
administrative appeals can be lodged against individual decisions by Boards of
Examiners, examiners and Admissions Boards on the basis of Article 7.60 of the Higher
Education and Research Act (WHW). This may concern decisions about subjects
specifically related to teaching, such as:
- Marking of examinations and final assessments;
- Admission to examinations;
- Admission to a degree programme;
- Assessment of the entrance examination (colloquium doctum);
- Establishing the number of ECTS credits earned;
- Granting of exemptions.
For more information, see:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/regelingen-klacht-inspraak/klachtenbezwaar-beroep/cbe/
Appeals can be submitted to the Central Portal for the Legal Protection of Student Rights
(CLRS, see A2.9.3).
General part
27
A2.9.2 Complaints, concerning sexual harassment, aggression,
violence and discrimination (SIAGD)
Complaints concerning, for example, sexual harassment, aggression, violence or
discrimination should be reported to the University of Groningen Confidential Advisor.
The Confidential Advisor is available to both students and staff members. The
Confidential Advisor has an independent position within the University and all
consultations are treated confidentially. For more information, see:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/regelingen-klacht-inspraak/klachtenbezwaar-beroep/klachten-siagd
If you feel you are the victim of unwanted behaviour, you can also submit a written
complaint to the Central Portal for the Legal Protection of Student Rights (CLRS, see
A2.9.3). All documents related to such complaints are treated strictly confidentially.
A2.9.3 Central Portal for the Legal Protection of Student Rights (CLRS)
Appeals against individual decisions by Boards of Examiners or official complaints
concerning sexual harassment, aggression, violence or discrimination can be submitted
in writing to the Central Portal for the Legal Protection of Student Rights at the following
address:
CONFIDENTIAL University of Groningen,
Central Portal for the Legal Protection of Student Rights (CLRS),
P.O. Box 72,
9700 AB Groningen,
the Netherlands.
Every complaint will be treated as confidential. More information can be found on:
 www.rug.nl/education/laws-regulations-complaints/complaintobjectionappeal
A2.10 COMMITTEES
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a number of managerial bodies,
including:
A2.10.1 Board of Examiners
The Board of Examiners [Examencommissie, EC] draws up rules related to the practical
aspects of examinations, such as how exams may be taken, what the criteria for a ‘cum
laude’ predicate are and how registration is arranged. In addition to these general rules,
the Board of Examiners is also responsible for individual matters such as approval of
individual study programmes, granting exemption from course units, admission to
course units to which you would normally not be admitted, assessing force majeure in
situations related to registration and examinations and investigating potential cases of
fraud. The Board of Examiners is also your point of call for complaints about
examinations and marking.
Each degree programme has its own Board of Examiners, which is only authorized to rule
in matters concerning that specific degree programme. Some degree programmes include
course units offered by other degree programmes. The Board of Examiners for the degree
programme setting the examinations is authorized to assess the examinations, deal with
any complaints and decide upon requests for alternative exam regulations. Course units
taught by other degree programmes or faculties are the responsibility of the Board of
Examiners of the degree programme in question.
The Board of Examiners comprises at least of one member who is a lecturer in the degree
programme and one member from outside the programme. Please see the programmespecific section of the Study Guide for more information and a list of members of the
relevant Board of Examiners.
28
General part
A2.10.2 Programme Committee
The Programme Committee [PC, Opleidingscommissie, OC] handles all important
matters regarding a degree programme, with the exception of individual problems. This
committee directly advises the Faculty Council with regard to the content of the Teaching
and Examination Regulations [OER, onderwijs- en examenregeling]. Additionally, the
Committee is responsible for the evaluation of course units and the evaluation of the
degree programme. It also issues solicited and unsolicited advice to the Programme
Director about educational issues. A Programme Committee consists of both staff
members and students. Information on the Programme Committee members for your
degree programme can be found in the programme-specific section of the Study Guide.
Student platforms and Bètastuf
Most degree programmes also have a student platform, in which students from all
cohorts meet to discuss their degree programme. This way, problems can be identified at
an early stage and possibly even resolved before the end of the course unit in question.
Student representatives from the Programme Committees (OCs) also attend these
meetings, which may therefore also serve as input for the OCs.
Please check the programme-specific section of the Study Guide for more information
about your degree programme's student platform and how to contact it.
Bètastuf is the overarching organisation for all the student-representation in FMNS.
See for more information:
 www.rug.nl/fwn/organization/betastuf
A2.10.3 Special Admissions Committee (Bachelor’s programme)
Students who apply for admission to a Bachelor’s degree programme based on prior
education that according to Dutch higher education law does not give entry to the degree
programme of your choice (e.g. a non-Dutch diploma, Dutch diploma without the proper
profile, or Dutch propaedeutic certificate of a university of applied sciences) will be
assessed by the Special Admissions Committee (CBT, Commissie Bijzondere Toelating).
For more information about the admissions procedure, see Section A2.1.
Contact information can be found on the FMNS website:
 www.rug.nl/fwn/beta-studie/praktisch/toelating-inschrijving/
A2.10.4 Admissions Board for the Master’s programme
Students can be admitted to a Master’s degree programme once they have successfully
completed a related Bachelor’s degree programme at the University of Groningen.
Students with a Bachelor’s degree from another Dutch or foreign university may also
qualify for admission. However, admission is then granted on an individual basis by the
Admissions Board of the programme. Each (cluster of) Master’s degree programmes has
its own Admissions Board. For more information about the admissions procedure, see
Section A2.1.
A2.10.5 Faculty Board
The Faculty Board (Faculteitsbestuur, FB) is responsible for the management and
administration of the Faculty, and for the supervision of the quality of the teaching and
research. The FB also draws up the budgets and allocates the staff.
After each meeting, the Faculty Board sends an overview of the topics discussed and
decisions taken to the Faculty Council, the Director of Undergraduate and Graduate
Studies and the directors of the research institutes for their information, unless the
interests of the University or of the involved persons preclude this.
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29
A2.10.6 FMNS Faculty Council
The Faculty Council [Faculteitsraad] is FMNS’s consultative participation body. It has
staff and student members and is authorized to discuss the general affairs of the Faculty
with the Faculty Board, to make suggestions and to voice its opinions.
The Faculty Council has rights of approval and rights to advise the Faculty Board about
matters that are specifically relevant to the Faculty.
In addition, the Faculty Council has rights of approval with regard to the Faculty
Regulations and a large part of the Teaching and Examination Regulations. Where the
Faculty Board has the right to take certain measures independently, the staff section of
the Faculty Council has rights to advise as well as rights of approval.
More information can be found on the website:

www.rug.nl/about-us/organization/administrative/participation/facultycouncils/faculty-council-fwn
30
General part
A3
STUDENT SUPPORT
A3.1 EDUCATION SUPPORT CENTRE
The staff of the FMNS Education Support Centre (ESC) provides support to the teaching
organization. Staff members are academic advisors, degree programme coordinators,
schedulers, exchange coordinators, student administration, and secretaries.
Their support involves:
- Providing information for students and prospective students about the teaching
programme;
- Helping students with study-related problems;
- Organizing registration for course units and examinations;
- Administering examination results and degree certificates;
- Compiling lecture and examination timetables;
- Providing information about study abroad and financial support;
- Formulating and implementing education policy, etc.;
- Conducting and processing surveys in the field of teaching quality assurance;
- Supporting the Programme Committees and Board of Examiners.
The ESC has offices at Zernike and at the A. Deusinglaan (ADL) location. Although FMNS
students are welcome to visit both locations if they have general questions, programme specific knowledge is mainly concentrated at the location where the students follow most
of their course units.
A3.1.1 Education Support Desk
The Education Support Desk (ESD) is the ESC’s front office. This is where students can
turn with questions and comments about the teaching organization. Please feel free to
contact the ESD via e-mail or phone, or drop by during opening hours.
You may visit the ESD for the following kind of matters:
- To hand in programme-related forms or documents;
- To get a certified transcript of records (free of charge);
- In case of questions about the processing of grades in ProgRESS WWW;
- In case of enrolment problems in ProgRESS WWW;
- If you have questions about graduation (after reading the relevant information on
this Nestor page).
ESD Zernike
Location:
Opening hours:
Telephone:
E-mail:
ESD ADL
Location:
Opening hours:
Telephone:
E-mail:
Bernoulliborg, Nijenborgh 9, building 5161, first floor
10:30 – 12:00 (all week days)
13:00 – 15:00 (not on Wednesday and Friday)
(050) 363 4422
(between 9.00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 16.00)
esc.fwn@rug.nl
UMCG, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, building 3214, ground floor
12:00 – 14:00
(050) 363 3315 or (050) 363 3343
(between 9.00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 16.00)
esc.fwn@rug.nl
For detailed information about closing days (for instance due to holidays) see Nestor.
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31
A3.1.2 Academic Advisor
Successful study depends on many different factors, and it is therefore understandable
that students sometimes need to consult an impartial expert. The task of the academic
advisor [studieadviseur] is to assist students in finding solutions to any problems
encountered while studying. In practice, this concerns matters like the choice of degree
programme, study pace or an improvement in study methods. You can visit the open
office hours of an academic advisor or make an appointment via the Education Support
Desk or using youcanbook.me. For an overview of the academic advisors see the Nestor
page of the Education Support Centre and for the contact information of the academic
advisor relevant for you see the programme-specific section of the Study Guide.
During the academic year academic advisors organize meetings to support students w ith
certain aspects of their study. In the Thesis Support Group students, who have problems
keeping pace when working on a large research project, meet weekly under the
supervision of an academic advisor. They discuss their progress and set goals for the
coming week. Similarly, other groups of students meet on a regular basis to increase their
general study progress.
Problems of a more general nature (e.g. the financial consequences of study delay) are
often dealt with by consulting the University student counsellors. You can also discuss
social matters with the academic advisor if you need a confidant for personal problems.
In some of these cases the academic advisor will recommend the more specialized
assistance provided by the Student Service Centre (SSC, see section A3.4.2).
Students can book their own appointment with an academic advisor, using an online
booking system (https://youcanbook.me), for which the specific URL can be found at
Nestor.
A3.1.3 Degree Programme Coordinator
The degree programme coordinator [onderwijscoördinator] supports the teaching
process within the programme, is the secretary of the Board of Examiners and advises the
Programme Committee. Consult the contact information in the programme-specific
section of the Study Guide if you wish to contact the degree programme coordinator.
A3.2 STUDYING WITH A PERFORMANCE DISABILITY
Sometimes personal circumstances necessitate adjustments in teaching or testing. This
can occur when students have dyslexia or performance disabilities due to a physical
disability, a psychiatric problem or a chronic illness. Adjustments usually involve:
- Making certain facilities available (extra exam time, adapted exam material, etc.)
permitting exceptions from the Teaching and Examination Regulations (see
section C1.2);
- Extracurricular individual examinations;
- Different examination time or place;
- Relaxation of study progress rules;
- Replacement assignment for compulsory lectures or practical’s, etc.
In consultation with the academic advisor, you can examine what is necessary or
determine which facilities you can use, which departures from the OER will be requested,
whether it will be necessary to adapt your study pace or study planning, etc.
Please inform as soon as possible the academic advisor in case you have a
performance disability.
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General part
A3.3 STUDYING ABROAD
Several FMNS Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree programmes offer students the opportunity
to gain academic and social experience abroad. Next to attending regular courses at a host
university, you can also opt for other projects, such as: work placements, minors (3rd year
BA) or MA research projects. Please ask your academic advisor whether an exchange period
or a project fits in your programme. If your academic advisor finds your project feasible, go
to the Exchange Office (see A3.3.2) who will tell you how to proceed.
A3.3.1 Organizing study period abroad
Where can you go?
If you want to study at another European university, you can be hosted at the following
Erasmus partner universities of the FMNS Faculty:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/fwn/studeren-buitenland/erasmusexchange-program
Note: contact the Exchange Office (Bernoulliborg, room 0050) to know whether you are
eligible for an Erasmus exchange period and to check which places are still available.
If you would like to spend a study period outside Europe, you could leave within the
framework of the Multi-Faculty Exchange (MFE). The RUG has university-wide agreements
with some highly ranked universities worldwide, see:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/studeren-buitenland/multi-facultyexchange-programmes
Bear in mind that the deadline for MFE is extremely early (last year: February 1 st) and that
many documents (as an official language test) should be handed in by then. The deadline for
the academic year 2015-16 was not known at the moment this study guide was prepared.
In case you wish to conduct an internship, be aware that you can go anywhere in Europe
(with an Erasmus funding) or outside Europe (with a Marco Polo scholarship). For
information about funding and/or eligibility, contact the Exchange Office.
How can you finance your study period abroad?
The easiest way to finance a study period or a work placement abroad - within Europe - is
with an Erasmus grant. This scholarship entitles you to an allowance of 12 months, which
you can use in several (interrupted) times. For destinations outside Europe (be it for a study
programme or for an internship), you can apply for a grant from the University’s Marco Polo
travel fund. Know that a combination of both these grants (Erasmus and Marco Polo) is not
possible. For more details about these grants or any additional funding, please contact the
Exchange Office (see A3.3.2).
Are you eligible for a grant?
To be eligible for an Erasmus or Marco Polo grant, you must at least have completed the first
year Bachelor’s degree programme.
Besides, the following conditions apply to both grants:
- Internship duration: min. 2 months/ max. 12 months.
- Study period: min. 3 months/ max. 12 months.
Which requirements must your study programme abroad meet?
Before your departure, the Board of Examiners must approve the study programme you
compiled for your study period at the hosting university. Be aware that, without this
approval, your results will not be included in your list of marks after your return.
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33
How do you prepare your stay abroad?
There are a number of things to arrange before you can go abroad: the application procedure
at the host universities, a housing request, etc. Keep in mind that hosting universities all
have different application deadlines. The deadlines for the grants also vary according to your
dates of departure and arrival.
This being said, remember that you first have to be officially nominated as an exchange
student by the Exchange Office before you can start applying at the host university.
When should you start preparing your stay abroad?
For an Erasmus exchange, it is recommended to contact the Exchange Office at least 8
months before the start of the semester abroad.
For a MFE application, please pass by 4 months before the deadline.
A3.3.2 Exchange Office
The Exchange Officers for FMNS are:
- Henriëtte Mulder and Eloïse Daumerie (at Zernike)
- Margriet Hulshof (at ADL)
They can advise and help you complete all the necessary procedures.
You can contact them by e-mail:
 exchange.science@rug.nl
 m.a.hulshof@rug.nl
Or come by during the Office Hours:
 Exchange Office, Bernoulliborg, room 5161.0050
 ADL 1, room 3213.0017
For additional information, see:
 www.rug.nl/fwn/informatievoor/studenten/studerenbuitenland
A3.4 NON-DEGREE-PROGRAMME-RELATED SUPPORT
During your studies you may run into all kinds of problems and questions. The following
organizations may be able to help you:
A3.4.1 University Student Desk
If you have any questions about application, admission, registration or deregistration,
study delay, student finance and other financial matters, please consult the knowledge
base at:
 www.rug.nl/education/hoezithet
If you cannot find the answer to your question, just click the contact button to send an
e-mail.
You can also contact the University Service Desk (USD) at the Academy Building about
any of these issues. If the USD cannot help you, they will refer you on, for example to the
Student Service Centre. You can make an appointment for the SSC student counsellors’
office hours via the USD. At the end of August and the first weeks of the academic year
the USD holds office at the Zernike Complex as well.
For the contact details and the opening hours of the USD, go to:

www.rug.nl/usd
34
General part
A3.4.2 Student Service Centre (SSC)
The Student Service Centre is the student counselling expertise centre of the University
of Groningen. The student counsellors, psychologists and trainers work together to
provide an integrated package of student support with the aim of helping students with
their studies. They can prevent or remove possible impediments to your study progress
so that you can develop fully during your time at university.
The SSC has a wide range of support facilities – information and advice, individual
sessions, short-term therapy and a wide variety of workshops and training courses.
For more information see:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/studenten-service-centrum
Information, advice and counselling
The student counsellors have been appointed by the University to provide confidential
counselling for students. They deal with all kinds of non-degree-programme-related
matters such as significant study delay (more than 3 months (15ECTS)), legal matters,
complaints, objections and appeals, but also questions concerning choice of degree
programme, financial help and personal and confidential matters.
You can make an appointment with a student counsellor via the Student Service Centre,
Uurwerkersgang 10, telephone: (050) 363 8066 or via the University Student Desk
(USD), Broerstraat 5, telephone: (050) 363 8004.
Short-term therapy
Not everyone will have an easy time adjusting to a new environment, strange customs
and a different language. This does not necessarily mean that you will need professional
help, but if problems begin to affect your studies and your personal life, you can always
ask the psychological counsellors for help. This help is available to all students at the
University. An initial assessment is free of charge, follow-up sessions will cost EUR 40
(once-off payment).
For more information, see:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/studenten-service-centrum/studentenpsychologen
You can make an appointment with a psychological counsellor via the Student Service
Location:
Uurwerkersgang 10, 9712 EJ Groningen
Telephone:
(050) 363 8066
E-mail:
ssc-secretariaat@rug.nl
Training courses and workshops
Do you have a tendency to procrastinate? Are you not sure how to deal with Multiple choice exams? Is learning how to study effectively still a challenge for you? For all these
study issues and more you can find a course or workshop at the Student Service Centre.
Please visit the website for more information:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/studenten-service-centrum/workshop/
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35
Open office hours for International Students
Living and studying in a foreign country is a great experience, but sometimes problems
can stand in the way of studying successfully. Do you doubt your study methods? Are you
encountering study problems? Or are you experiencing personal difficulties? Come to the
open office hours for international students at the Student Service Centre of the
University of Groningen. An expert from the Student Service Centre will try to help you
solve your problems. In some cases they might refer you to a student counsellor, a
psychological counsellor or one of the workshops of the Student Service Centre.
Participation is free. You don’t have to register. Just come in during the hours that are
stated on the website:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/studenten-servicecentrum/trainingen/open-office-hours-at-the-student-service-centre
and report to the information desk at the Student Service Centre, Uurwerkersgang 10 in
Groningen.
A3.4.3 International Service Desk (ISD)
The International Service Desk (ISD) provides information to foreign students,
prospective students and foreign researchers, specifically with regard to studying, doing
a PhD and temporary residence at the University of Groningen for research or other
purposes. The ISD also assists foreign guests staying in Groningen or those responsible
for their stay with any queries they may have about issues such as regulations relating to
foreigners, study advice, medical care, financial matters, accommodation, and facilities
and official organizations within the city. The ISD also organizes and coordinates a
number of introductory and social activities jointly with organizations such as Wings, the
Global Club and the Foreign Guest Club. In some cases, the ISD is solely responsible for
looking after foreign guests – if, for example, they have been invited to Groningen as
guests of the Board of the University or have come to the University of Groningen within
the framework of a joint project with a developing country.
For more information, see:
 www.rug.nl/education/international-students/international-service-desk
A3.4.4 International students’ association ESN-Groningen
ESN-Groningen coordinates and stimulates the international activities of the student
community in Groningen. It was founded in 1988. ESN-Groningen is part of the Erasmus
Student Network (ESN) and works closely with the University of Groningen. One of the
functions of ESN-Groningen is to support international students. This includes finding a
student mentor – a Dutch student who can help with practical matters and aid foreign
students in getting to know the city of Groningen and student facilities such as the
libraries and the sports centre. ESN mentors also ensure that the first taste of student life
in Groningen is an enjoyable one. During your stay in Groningen, ESN -Groningen will
organize various activities to make you feel at home, such as an introductory weekend, a
weekly social in the pub Rumba, trips to the island of Schiermonnikoog and to
Amsterdam, ice-skating, sailing, theme parties and much more. ESN-Groningen wants
you have a great time in Groningen. A small-scale activity such as a dinner or movie is
organized every Sunday. And last but not least, ESN-Groningen publishes a magazine
especially for international students, the WaM.
Location:
Telephone:
E-mail:
Website:
Pelsterstraat 23, 9711 KH Groningen
(050) 363 7176
info@esn-groningen.nl
www.esn-groningen.nl
If you want to be kept informed of all the upcoming events and activities send a mail to
their e-mail address.
36
General part
A3.4.5 Careers advice before, during & after your degree
NEXT
The University of Groningen wants to offer its students the best possible
facilities to prepare and develop their careers. Within the framework of
NEXT, various activities are organized to help students make choices –
and study choices in particular – and prepare them for the job market.
In order to achieve this, NEXT is working actively with faculties, study
associations, alumni organizations and other providers in the field of
careers services. Announcements can be recognized by the NEXT logo.
Visit for more information:
 www.rug.nl/next
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences will make student career events,
student-assistant positions and regular job vacancies related to their degree programmes
available in Nestor at the tab My Career.
Looking for your first job?
If you are about to graduate or have recently graduated, the Talent & Career Center,
expertise centre for graduates, can help you to choose a career. The Center organizes
courses and free theme workshops (e.g. ‘Increase your chances on the job market’ and
‘About to graduate, what next?’), a careers café and a ‘Working on your career’ leaflet.
Come to them if you need help when orientating yourself to the job market or when
preparing job applications!
Note that the Talent & Career Center offers special activities for international students in
English. You can orientate yourself to the job market by attending themed meetings or
the weekly careers office hour. It is also possible to make an individual appointment with
one of the career counsellors (see contact information).
Details of all activities can be found on the website:
 www.talentcareercenter.nl
A3.5 HEALTH AND SAFETY
A3.5.1 Fire and emergencies
Dial (050 363) 8050 in the event of fire or an accident. Clearly explain the situation and
location. For other less urgent matters, call (050 363) 5520 to report malfunctions or
irregularities.
A3.5.2 Computers and RSI
Students spend a lot of time working at computers and are at risk of developing RSI
complaints. RSI is the abbreviation for Repetitive Strain Injury and is a generic term for
all conditions involving the neck, shoulders, arms, wrists and hands. These conditions
can become chronic and lead to incapacity for work and cause serious limitations to
everyday life.
Symptoms
RSI symptoms may vary from stiffness, pain and tingling sensations to loss of strength in
the above-mentioned body parts. Initially, the symptoms occur only while working at a
computer, but at later stages they also occur during rest. Ultimately, the complaints can
occur continuously, causing pain during even the simplest of actions or even rendering
them completely impossible.
How to prevent RSI
There is no standard method to prevent RSI. The measures you can take mainly involve
relaxation of the muscles and the mind, and stimulation of blood flow. To minimize the
General part
37
risks of developing RSI, five points should be considered. This is also known as the ‘5W
approach’.
Workload
Undertake regular time planning and prevent creating peaks in workload. If necessary,
take a ‘study skills’ course at the Student Service Centre (tel. (050) 363 8066).
Realize that your productivity is higher if you take regular breaks than if you work
without interruption.
Try to keep things in perspective – it will help you avoid working for too long, stimulate
you to take regular breaks and help you unwind. If you do not feel on top of things drop
by your academic advisor, student counsellor or student psychologist.
Work organization
Incorporate as much variation in your work as possible: reading, writing, typing and
browsing on the internet. Also alternate between easy and difficult tasks. Use the
shortcut keys on your keyboard more often than your mouse. Take regular breaks. Alert
your tutors if you are allocated too many deadlines or too many writing assignments at
the same time.
Working hours
Do not work on your computer for more than five or six hours a day. Do not forget to
count the hours spent gaming and browsing on the internet. Special software has been
developed to remind you to take breaks. Take regular breaks. Take a minimum break of
ten minutes every two hours of work at a computer.
Workplace
Locate the screen directly in front of you, not too close. Avoid having to work with a
turned neck. Ensure the top of the screen is at eye level. Avoid annoying reflections from
windows. Use large font sizes, so that you do not have to lean forward to read the letter s.
You need a good chair that permits the height of the back and armrests to be adjusted.
The back of the chair should mainly provide support to your lower back. Armrests relieve
the shoulders. Adjust them so that the upper arms loosely touch them and form a right
angle with your forearms. If necessary, search for more information on the internet on
how to equip your workplace. Report unsatisfactory computer workplaces to the
Occupational Health, Safety and Environment Coordinator. Never work for longer than
two hours a day at a laptop. Connect an unattached keyboard and mouse to your laptop,
and place the screen at eye level. Ensure you have a good workplace at home.
Work posture
See to it that you are in good physical condition. Sit upright and make sure that your
upper and lower legs are at right angles when your feet are flat on the ground. Keep your
wrists extended when using the keyboard and mouse. Perform regular physical exercise
during work on the computer.
Finally
Drink a lot of water (the resulting visits to the toilet make natural breaks). Take early
complaints seriously, check the risks applicable to your situation and find a solution. Do
not ignore your body’s warning signals. If necessary, visit your family doctor or the
physiotherapist at your sports centre.
A lot of information about RSI can be found on the internet. For further questions or
advice, contact the Occupational Health, Safety and Environment Coordinator:
Mr A. Weitenberg, or the Head of the Department of Occupational Safety, Mr J. Jager.
E-mail: a.c.d.weitenberg@rug.nl
Telephone: (050) 363 4618
E-mail: jack.jager@rug.nl
Telephone: (050) 363 4427
38
General part
A4
FACILITIES
A4.1 BUILDINGS
The teaching and support facilities of the faculty are accommodated in a number of
buildings:
- Linnaeusborg (buildings U, 5171–5174): Centre for Life Sciences,
Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen; telephone reception (050) 363 2021.
Open: 8:00 – 20:00.
- Bernoulliborg (building V, 5161): ESC – Mathematics – Computing Science
Artificial Intelligence, Nijenborgh 9, 9747 AG Groningen; telephone reception
(050) 363 6868.
Open: 8:00 – 20:00.
- Nijenborgh 4 (buildings X, 5111–5121): Chemistry–Physics–Environmental
Sciences – Industrial Engineering and Management – Nanoscience,
Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen; telephone reception (050) 363 4133.
Open: 8:00 – 20:00.
- Kapteynborg (building J, 5419): Astronomy, Landleven 12, 9747 AD Groningen;
telephone secretary (050) 3634074
Open during office hours, ring the bell to enter the building
- ADL1 (buildings 3211–3217/3219): ESD, Medical Sciences, Dentistry and
Pharmacy, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen; telephone reception
(050) 363 8000.
Open: Mon–Thurs: 8:00 – 20:30; Fri: 8:00 – 17:30.
For a map, route description and more information about the buildings, see:
 www.rug.nl/fwn/organization/locaties
A4.1.1 House rules, regulations
Staff, students, visiting researchers and visitors are required to obey the facility house
rules.
- Smoking ban. In accordance with Dutch law there is a general ban on smoking in
public buildings;
- Mobile phones should be switched off in teaching rooms, libraries, laboratories
and rooms with computer facilities;
- It is absolutely forbidden to eat or drink in the laboratories, teaching rooms,
libraries and rooms with computer facilities;
- Bikes must be stored in the bicycle racks;
- The University accepts no liability for theft or lost property.
Everyone who works or studies at FMNS will come into contact with matters of safety,
health and the environment. Many national rules and regulations about health have been
formulated in the Working Conditions Act. The Environmental Protection Act contains a
lot of rules concerning the environment. The consequences of these regulations for
students and staff members are described in several manuals available on the internet:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/medewerkers/fwn/arbomilieuveiligheid
You will be expected to have read these rules, particularly those concerning important
matters such as the location of emergency exits, evacuation procedures and the location
of the fire extinguishers. The rules on safety and care for the environment must be
observed and complied with.
General part
39
It is absolutely forbidden:
- To eat or drink in the laboratories;
- To drink from laboratory glasswork;
- To store food in laboratory fridges;
- To prepare food in laboratory ovens.
Before you start working in a laboratory:
- Take note of the safety regulations;
- Locate the emergency exits and escape routes;
- Locate the fire extinguishers, absorption equipment for chemicals, fire blankets,
fire showers, first-aid boxes and eye-wash fountains;
- Always wear safety goggles and a cotton laboratory coat;
- Working in a laboratory without the supervision of a staff member is not
permitted!
Building rules: Faculty of Medical Sciences
- All bikes should be placed in the bike parking facilities below building 3219 or in the
bicycle racks next to this building. Nowhere else!
- Food and drink are prohibited in the lecture halls with the exception of bottled water;
- All lectures start at the time indicated in the timetables. Someone from the Education
Support office will be present (Keuningzaal and 3219.0061) 15 minutes before the
scheduled start of the lecture to give technical support where required;
- Doors to the lecture halls will be closed shortly after the start of the lecture to avoid
interruption from late comers. It is possible to leave the room at anytime;
- Please be quiet. Noise, even whispering is distracting for lecturers and fellow
students.
Protocol for removal of bikes at Faculty of Medical Sciences
The Faculty of Medical Sciences has strict rules for the management of bike parking around
the Antonius Deusinglaan 1 and 2 buildings because bikes which are not parked in the
parking facilities cause a lot of inconvenience: bikes which are not parked correctly will be
fixed on the spot and removed upon repeated violation.
A4.2 LIBRARIES
The mission of the library of the University of Groningen is to support and promote
academic teaching and research by providing high-quality information services, the aim
is to achieve this by adopting a demand-oriented and innovative approach.
The University of Groningen has one central University Library (UL) and three location
libraries: the University Library Zernike, the Central Medical Library and the Library of
Behavioural and Social Sciences. Many facilities are provided collectively by these
libraries. There is, for example, one central catalogue and one lending system, and a large
number of online databases can be accessed through the university network.
A4.2.1 University Library
The central University Library (UL, or in Dutch ‘UB’) functions as a facility centre for the
entire university community – for faculties and library users. The collections of Arts,
Archeology, Law, Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies have been moved to the UL
recently, and are available in the study halls. For students there are lots of facilities and
there is room to study. Furthermore, the library holds vast collections of reference and
teaching material, either available in the study halls or in the closed depots.
Interdisciplinary works, bibliographical material and a number of special collections can
also be found in the UL.
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General part
Electronic library
An important facility is the electronic library, for consulting catalogues, e-books and ejournals, online databases, etc. Word processing facilities are also provided. Access to
this information is limited to students and staff of the University of Groningen, and is for
personal study or research only.
A new catalogue has been introduced recently, SmartCat: a catalogue containing all
printed and electronic works owned by the University of Groningen libraries, with direct
links to the full text. Furthermore, the University Library provides access to a large
number of academic journals online, see:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/bibliotheek/zoeken/elektijdschr/
You can access almost all online catalogues, databases, e-books, e-journals, etc. from any
computer within the RuG network, and, even outside the campus through Connect, see:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/bibliotheek/zoeken/connect
Borrowing
You can use your University Card to borrow publications from the libraries of the
University of Groningen. The loan period for books is four weeks unless otherwise stated.
Please return books or renew the loan before the loan period expires.
In general, loans can be renewed online through SmartCat by clicking on Borrower
Information, provided that the loan period has not expired, that nobody has put a hold
on the book and there are no fines outstanding. Borrowed material can be returned to
any UL location. You can e-mail any questions to:
 bibliotheek@rug.nl
For more information, go to:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/bibliotheek/
Address University Library
Location:
Broerstraat 4, 9712 CP Groningen
Telephone:
(050) 3635020 and/or (050) 3635000
E-mail:
bibliotheek@rug.nl
A4.2.2 Library at Zernike campus
The UL Zernike is the joint library of three faculties located on the Zernike Campus:
Economics and Business, Mathematics and Natural Sciences and Spatial Sciences. The
library is responsible for the scientific information supply for students and staff of these
faculties, and offers an extensive collection of journals, books and databases, printed and/or
electronic. The electronic collection can be found through the website:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/bibliotheek/diensten/bibzernike/
You can access most databases from anywhere, using the internet. For instance your home
computer. In the UL Zernike you can find literature in one of the discipline-related
collections, you can borrow or return books, you can use one of the 84 university
workstations, or simply find a quiet place to study. The library offers tutorials and support in
literature searches. For instance an information literacy training and RefWorks workshops.
Visit our library and have a look at what it has to offer. You are very welcome!
For current opening hours, address details and a range of scientific information and
workshops, please go to:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/bibliotheek/diensten/bibzernike/
Here you will find both general and location-specific information.
General part
41
Address University Library Zernike
Location:
Nettelbosje 2, 9747 EA Groningen
2nd floor of the Duisenberg building
Telephone:
(050) 363 3708
E-mail:
zernike-bibliotheek@rug.nl
A4.2.3 Library of the University Medical Center Groningen
More information on the Central Medical Library can be found online:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/bibliotheek/diensten/bibcmb
Address Central Medical Library
Location:
Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen
Winkelstraat 1 or Poortweg 12, 4th floor, Y 4.202
Telephone:
(050) 363 3048 and/or (050) 361 2596
E-mail:
cmb@umcg.nl
A4.3 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION CHANNELS
A4.3.1 Personal account
After enrolment, you will receive a student number and a personal computer account by
email. A student computer account, consisting of a login name and a password, provides
access to several web-systems and storage servers. This includes:
- Access to the Faculty Novell servers, for the use of computer applications;
- Access to the Internet;
- Use of a personal data storage server;
- Use of an e-mail account;
- Access to Nestor, the electronic learning environment of the University of
Groningen;
- Access to ProgRESS WWW, where you can enrol in courses and exams, and view
your study results.
You will need the following to log in: the name or address of the server, a login name and
a password. Your login name is made up of your student number preceded by an ‘s’. Your
initial password will be sent per email. You can change your password at:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/ict/werkplek/
For information about IT facilities for students accessible with your account see the IT
knowledge base for students:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/ict/kennisbank/it-question-faqstudent?tcid=cit_4_320_320
A4.3.2 Myuniversity

myuniversity.rug.nl
My University is a protected environment that contains information for staff and
students of the University of Groningen. You can log in to My University with your
student number. For more information, see:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/info/about/
Personalize your dashboard
Once you log in to My University you will be taken straight to your personal homepage,
known as the Dashboard. A small part of the Dashboard contains information for
everyone. The rest can be furnished to taste, using what are known as widgets. You can,
for example, install widgets for Twitter, the UK, the CIT Service Desk, the Library or My
News. Have a look in the Widget Store (via the button Options on the Dashboard) to get
an idea.
42
General part
All information from the RUG Planner, ProgRESS WWW and Nestor, to name but a few
applications, are also easily accessible via your own Dashboard.
Find internal information on the intranet
My University also provides a host of internal information for staff and students via the
Infonet tab. In addition to general information, this section also contains the Intranet for
your own faculty or service. Internal information can be found via the search box or the
menus in My University.
A4.3.3 E-mail

googleapps.rug.nl
Your e-mail address is one of the primary means of personal communication of the
University and the Faculty. For example, if one of the University employees (teacher,
academic advisor, etc.) would like to send you a personal message, he/she will send it to
your University e-mail address. Your e-mail address consists of name@student.rug.nl.
Your name is made up of your initials and your surname, separated by dots.
Your University e-mail may also be used by the university to send you important
messages such as requests for enrolment for certain courses or alterations to the
timetables.
Students are expected to check their mailbox every day. For your own convenience, you
may choose to forward your University mail to your private mail (use the settings after
login).
The University of Groningen uses Google Apps for Education which gives students
permanent access to their e-mail (Gmail), calendar (Google Calendar), chat (Google
Talk), documents (Google Drive) and web pages (Google Sites).
For more information, see:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/ict/collaboration/google/google
You can access your Google Apps University of Groningen account via:
 googleapps.rug.nl
This is where you log in with your student number and password (RUG account). The
first time you log in, you will see a screen with a request from SURFconext. Click on Yes,
share this information to activate your Google Apps for Education account.
A4.3.4 Ocasys

www.rug.nl/ocasys
Ocasys is the university course catalogue. It contains information about the content of
courses, learning objectives of courses, necessary literature of courses, assessment form
and computation of final grade of courses, and the outline of the degree programmes.
You can search in Ocasys for courses as well as for degree programmes.
Ocasys serves with regard to the assessment form of courses as an appendix of the
Teaching and Examination Regulations (see Section C1.2). It contains the official
information about the way courses are assessed.
General part
43
A4.3.5 Schedules

rooster.rug.nl
You can compose your own schedule by searching for courses or a degree programme.
Please check the schedules on a regular basis, changes are still being made.
A4.3.6 Nestor

www.nestor.rug.nl
Nestor is the electronic learning environment of the University of Groningen. Lecturers
use Nestor to provide information about courses, to set electronic examinations and to
exchange documents within their students. Students use Nestor to read important
announcements, to cooperate with group members and to submit assignments.
You will be enrolled in a Nestor-course environment after you enrol for the specific
course or corresponding exam in ProgRESS WWW. However, enrolment in a Nestor
course does not mean you are allowed to participate in the course itself, therefor you
need to be registered in ProgRESS WWW for the course (see also Section A2.4).
Nestor is also the primary source for the Education Support Desk to provide you with up to-date information concerning your study program. This involves important
announcements about your program (such as deadlines, procedures, changes,
workshops), but also documents that you will need to apply for graduation, a minor or a
bachelor project, documents about studying abroad, information about minor, master
possibilities, etc.
Students are urged to check this site daily, to avoid missing important events. All
information that is published on Nestor is considered to be known by students.
Practically, this means that any problems arising from not having read the information
on Nestor, will be solely the responsibility of the student.
A4.3.7 ProgRESS WWW

progRESSwww.nl/rug
ProgRESS WWW is a web-based application used by the University of Groningen.
Students need to register for modules and exams well in advance. You may also use
ProgRESS WWW to view your study results.
A4.3.8 Student PCs
You can use PCs at various University facilities by logging onto the student network. You
will then have access to applications, your own data on the home directory (X: \) and the
internet. Some of the rooms are used for practicals and courses, but when these are not
scheduled you can use the room for self-study. Printers are also available for students.
A4.3.9 Usage rules
Using the University IT facilities implies that you agree to the usage rules for University
IT facilities as published on:
 www.rug.nl/rc/security/aup
Users of the university computer systems should be aware they are not the only users of
these computers. Many computers are multi-user systems, and the users of these
computers belong to a community. Therefore, the ground rule on which this AUP
(Acceptable Use Policy) is based is similar to the ground rule on which traffic is based:
users of the University computer systems may not endanger these systems, nor may they
hinder other users.
44
General part
Some of the implications of this ground rule are that users are not allowed to send
unsolicited e-mail or try to obtain or use other users’ passwords, either accidentally or
‘for fun’. Abusing University computer systems may result in disciplinary
action!
A4.4 PRINTING, COPYING AND SCANNING
Students can use the multifunctional printers for printing, copying and scanning.
Printing facilities are located close to the student computer rooms. The printers and
copiers for students have equipment for reading and devaluating the card and choosing
the job to print.
You can pay your printouts with a credit on your University Card. This credit can be
topped up through MyOrder or through Webdeposit. Identify yourself at a printer with a
University Card or by entering your student number and password, to release the
machine or print job.
For more information, see:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/ict/uwprinterstudenten/
B
Master’s
degree programmes
General information on the master’s programmes
47
B1
GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE MASTER’S PROGRAMMES
B1.1 PROGRAMMES IN BRIEF
The goal of the degree programmes is to prepare students for careers in scientific research or
for careers in profit or non-profit organizations in the specific scientific domains of the
individual programmes. To realise these goals, the degree programmes contain both
theoretical and practical modules, and a substantial part of the two years is reserved for
research. Various research groups of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (life
sciences oriented research groups), the Faculty of Medical Sciences/ University Medical
Center Groningen (UMCG) and associated institutes are involved in the degree programmes.
Students can focus on fundamental or applied research, or a combination of the two. The
duration of the curriculum is 120 EC credit points (EC: European Credit Transfer and
Accumulation System; 1 EC = 28 hours of study). The two-year degree programme can either
be totally devoted to research ("Research-profile", R-profile) or be orientated towards
sciences, business and management ("Science, Business and Policy -profile", SBP-profile).
Students who wish to obtain their teaching qualification can either start in the two year
master’s programme [Educatie en Communicatie in de Wiskunde en Natuurwetenschappen]
(EC master, instruction in Dutch), or follow the one year postmaster’s LVHO programme
after their MSc (Dutch).
Students within life sciences can choose profiles that prepare for different professional careers.
48
Study Guide 2015-2016
A study programme (R- or SBP-profile) is tailored to and depends on the interests of each
student, his or her background and the skills and knowledge necessary to participate in a
given research area. A study programme is designed in close cooperation with a so-called
mentor. The mentor as well as the Board of Examiners has to approve each individual study
programme. The structure of the study programmes is described in chapters B2-B7. Students
who are not enrolled in a top programme may extend their final choice of profile until after
the first research project (40 ECTS), or even choose to switch to the EC master’s programme.
Students looking for an extra challenge during their master’s programme may apply for the
selective master’s Honours Programme, organized by the University of Groningen Honours
College (see also section A1.4). The learning outcomes of the master’s degree programmes
are as follows:
The graduate:
1. Specific for the master’s degree programmes:
a. (Biology) has acquired in depth knowledge on one or more scientific
disciplines within the general field of Biology and can use this knowledge to
explain in detail the relevant concepts, using the appropriate terminology.
b. (Ecology & Evolution) has acquired in depth knowledge on one or more
scientific disciplines within the field of Ecology and Evolution and can use this
knowledge to explain in detail the relevant concepts, using the appropriate
terminology.
c. (Marine Biology) has acquired in depth knowledge on one or more scientific
disciplines within the field of Marine Biology and can use this knowledge to
explain in detail the relevant concepts, using the appropriate terminology.
d. (Molecular Biology & Biotechnology) has acquired in depth knowledge on one
or more scientific disciplines within the field of Molecular Biology &
Biotechnology and can use this knowledge to explain in detail the relevant
concepts, using the appropriate terminology.
e. (Biomedical Sciences) can explain in detail, using appropriate terminology,
how molecular and cellular biology or integrative physiology and behaviour,
and/or medical or pharmaceutical sciences interrelate, and use this to acquire
in depth knowledge on the etiology and pathophysiology of disease and
maintenance of health.
f. (Medical Pharmaceutical Sciences) can explain in detail, using appropriate
terminology, how molecular and cellular biology or integrative physiology and
behaviour, and/or medical or pharmaceutical sciences interrelate, and use this
to acquire in depth knowledge on applying therapeutic drug intervention,
covering the whole range of drug development disciplines from basic drug and
target discovery, to pharmacoepidemiology and post marketing surveillance.
2. Can design and conduct scientific research;
3. Can independently investigate, and critically evaluate, scientific literature;
4. Can identify new developments in the relevant disciplines, and can familiarize
themselves with these developments;
5. Can systematically organize their work in scientific research and formulate realistic
and original solutions to complex problems;
6. Can participate in, and contribute to, a multidisciplinary team;
7. Can effectively communicate acquired knowledge, insights and skills to others,
both in writing and in oral presentation;
8. Can identify societal and ethical implications of scientific research, and are able to
critically reflect on their actions in this context;
9. Can independently acquire new knowledge and skills that are relevant for their
professional career, in science, in policy & management or society.
The Top programmes in Evolutionary Biology and Biomolecular Sciences do adhere to the
same learning outcomes but students follow a programme that is challenging both in content
and time constraints.
General information on the master’s programmes
49
B1.2 EDUCATION SUPPORT AND COMMITTEES
B1.2.1 Support staff
The core business of the Education Support Centre (ESC) is to support the teaching process
within the degree programmes of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMNS).
This involves:
- Providing information for students and prospective students about the teaching
programme;
- Helping students with study-related problems;
- Organizing registrations for modules and examinations;
- Administering examination results and preparation of degree certificates;
- Compiling lecture and examination timetables;
- Providing information about study abroad and financial support;
- Organizing all quality assurance related matters;
- Formulating and implementing education policy.
For the degree programmes Biology, Ecology & Evolution, Marine Biology, Molecular
Biology & Biotechnology, the support staff uses the Nestor organization Master's
programmes in Biology (Linnaeusborg) to communicate with students. For the degree
programmes Biomedical Sciences and Medical Pharmaceutical Sciences, the support staff
uses the Nestor organization Biomedical Sciences and Medical Pharmaceutical Sciences to
communicate with students. Announcements about the degree programme, courses, etc. will
be published on Nestor during the year. Students are urged to inform themselves about these
programme matters regularly!
Up-to-date contact details of ESC staff members are also published on Nestor. Please note
that this information is subjected to change during the academic year. Any change will be
announced via Nestor. Also note that at the moment of writing, it is planned that these
communication channels will change fundamentally in 2015/2016. You will be informed
about this during the academic year.
Study support
B/EE/MB/MBB
programme
coordinator:
Dr. Marion van
Rijssel
BMS/MPS
programme
coordinator:
Ammerens
Kohl-Menage MSc
Academic advisor:
Dr. Wouter van
Egmond
ESC-ADL desk
ESC-Zernike desk
Office Hours
E-mail
Tel. 050 363 +
Room
Mon-Th
9.00-17.00 hr
Berboulliborg
m.van.rijssel
@rug.nl
2212
5161.0037
a.kohlmenage@
rug.nl
6505
3213.0009
w.n.van.egm
ond@
rug.nl
9770
(Mo/Th/Fr)
8547
(Tu/We)
5161.0043
(Mo/Th/Fr)
3213.0015
(Tu/We)
esc.fwn@
rug.nl
3315 or 3343
3214.0050
Mon-Wed (ADL):
9.00 -17.00 hr
Th
(Bernoulliborg):
9:00-17:00 hr
Mon/Th/Fr
9.00 - 17.00 hr,
Bernoulliborg
Tu/We
9.00 – 17.00 hr
UMCG (ADL)
Mon-Fri:
12.00 - 14.00 hr
Mo/Tu/Th:
10.30 – 12.00 and
13.00 – 15.00 hr
We/Fr:
10.30 – 12.00 hr
esc.fwn@
rug.nl
4422
5161.0017
50
Study Guide 2015-2016
B1.2.2 Academic advisor
Not all students will reach the end of their degree programmes without encountering
problems. A successful programme depends on many different factors, and it is therefore
understandable that students sometimes need to consult an impartial expert. The task of the
academic advisor is to assist students in finding solutions to any problems encountered while
studying. In practice, this concerns matters like the choice of programme, study pace or an
improvement in study methods. Problems of a more general nature (e.g. the financial
consequences of study delay) are often dealt with by consulting the university student
counsellors. Social matters can also be discussed with the academic advisor, if students need
a confidant for personal problems. In some of these cases, the academic advisor will
recommend the more specialized assistance of, for example, the student psychologists. Note
that the academic advisor has an independent role, and works under a professional privacycode, meaning that all conversations remain confidential.
The academic advisor is Wouter van Egmond. If you have a question, you can send him an
email:
 w.n.van.egmond@rug.nl
Or you may visit him in person during an open office hour. Open office hours in 2015/2016
are scheduled as follows:
Monday and Friday: 10:30 – 12.00 hr; location Bernoulliborg, room 5161.0043
Wednesday:
10.45 – 12.00 hr; location UMCG (ADL), room 3213.0015
These open office times may change during the academic year; please consult Nestor for the
most up-to-date open office hours.
If you believe your questions or matters will take more than 10 minutes, you may make a
personal appointment, via:
 wvanegmond.youcanbook.me
Or via the ESC +31 (0)50 363 4422 or mail to:
 esc.fwn@rug.nl
B1.2.3 Study mentor
Students choose a study mentor associated with their master (listed for each programme in
the respective chapters). The study mentor is an experienced scientist working within the
scientific domain of the master programme. The mentor guides the student throughout the
whole master programme from choosing the first module through the graduation ceremony.
In this way the mentor ensures, in collaboration with the Board of Examiners, that the
learning outcomes of the programmes are met.
B1.2.4 Programme Committee
The Programme Committee [opleidingscommissie] handles all matters regarding the degree
programme, with the exception of individual problems. This committee directly advises the
Faculty Council [faculteitsraad] with regard to the content of the Teaching and Examination
Regulations [onderwijs- en examenregeling; OER]. An additional task of the Committee is
the evaluation of modules and the organization of degree programmes. It also advises the
Programme Director, whether requested or not. The Programme Committee consists of both
staff members and students.
For B, EE, MB and MBB Prof. Dr. J.S. Lolkema is chairman of the Committee. The degree
programme coordinator Dr. M. van Rijssel is official secretary. For BMS and MPS Prof Dr. G.
van Dijk is chairman of the Committee. The degree programme coordinator A. Kohl-Menage
MSc is official secretary.
Students interested in participating in one of these Committees are advised to contact the
degree programme coordinator.
General information on the master’s programmes
51
B1.2.5 Board of Examiners
All matters concerning examinations and graduation are dealt with by the Board of
Examiners [examencommissie]. Rules and Regulations [Regels en Richtlijnen] is one item
within their remit. In addition, the Board has to agree on each individual study programme
submitted by the students. It handles all individual student requests.
For B, EE, MB and MBB Prof. Dr. A.J.W. Scheurink is chairman of the board. All requests
and study proposals for the Board should be submitted to the secretary of the Board, Dr. M.
van Rijssel via:
 m.van.rijssel@rug.nl
For BMS and MPS Prof. Dr. E. Hak is chairman of the board. All requests and study
proposals for the Board should be submitted to the secretary of the Board, A. Kohl-Menage
MSc via:
 esc-bms.mps@rug.nl
B1.3 STUDY PLANNING AND PROCEDURES
During the Master’s degree programme you must determine for yourself which modules,
individual assignments (colloquium and essay) and research projects you plan to do, when
and in which order. There are constraints on the content of the programme as described in
the sections of the master’s programmes, but you also have to follow procedures to make
sure your programme is approved of, that you are officially registered for modules and
programme etc. Take notice of the following:
1. Before starting with the degree programme, students need to register officially for the
degree programme (via www.studielink.nl) and download the most recent study
guide for the degree programme on Nestor.
2. The modular approach allows students to design an individual, coherent study
programme tailored to his/her interest. To ensure the coherency of such an
individual programme mentors were assigned by the Board of Examiners to supervise
students. Mentors advise students on the contents of their individual programme and
the choices that they have to make to prepare for a professional career after
graduation.
Therefore, before you start, you will have to choose a study mentor. Most students
will choose a mentor from the research area in which they intend to perform their
first research project. In order to make a choice, students may define their field of
interest, and thereafter, investigate the research group to which a potential
supervisor belongs. Read recent scientific articles and get a feel for the area of activity
of the group you hope to be a part of.
You are solely responsible for making a first appointment and maintain
contact with your mentor during your master’s programme.
3. Before the start of their first study element students are to submit a proposal for the
individual study programme to the Board of Examiners using a special proposal form
(‘yellow form’). This form can be downloaded from the Nestor community or
obtained at the Education Support Desk. The form, completed and signed by the
mentor, has to be submitted at the Education Support Desk.
- It is not required to submit a complete study programme at the start of your
studies. Hand in a new form for additions and/or changes;
- After the Board of Examiners has approved of the student’s proposal, a copy of
the approved proposal will be sent to the student’s email address and the mentor;
- Note that the module Animal and Human experimentation is compulsory for
students who will do animal experiments during one of their research projects;
- Guidelines and assessment framework for research projects, essay and
colloquium are in chapter B9;
52
Study Guide 2015-2016
Students who will do a research project within the UMCG often also need to
register via the Wenckebach Institute. The secretariat of your research group will
provide the official forms. Start this procedure at least 5 weeks before you start
your project.
4. Half way the research project, according to the date on the yellow form, the ESC
sends a form for the formal midterm review to the supervisor of the research project
to verify if the project is performed according to plan. You can also download this
form from Nestor. As a student you are responsible to make an appointment with
your supervisor for this midterm review. If you encounter difficulties of any kind in
your research project don’t hesitate to contact the academic advisor in an early stage
of the project. If there is a need to adjust the study load of the project, the midterm
review is the one and only moment to arrange extensions of 5-10 EC.
5. A specific assessment form is available (often available via the office of the secretary
of the research group), for the final assessment of research projects. The original
assessment form should be delivered to the Education Support Desk. It is mandatory
for each student to store a digital copy of (a) research report(s) and the essay in an
electronic database of the library of the FMNS. The final registration of the grade for
your work is therefore coupled to the electronic submission of the report or essay.
Further instructions about how to upload your documents can be found on Nestor.
-
B1.3.1 Study abroad / external research project
Every year, many students choose to complete a major part of their studies abroad, to add
international character to their curriculum. The reasons for spending time studying abroad
are diverse and include strengthening your position in the employment market, refining
social and cultural skills, following modules not offered in the Netherlands, and so on. In
general, students who wish to study abroad often conduct their second research project in
another country. This research project is usually conducted in the laboratory of a colleague of
one of the academic staff members of the programme. Make sure that you have authorization
from the Board of Examiners (an approved programme proposal) before you leave!
Regulations for international/external research projects
An external research project i.e. performed outside the University of Groningen is always
conducted under the supervision of one of the examiners of the master programmes (see the
list of examiners on Nestor). This examiner will be the first assessor. Mention this examiner
on the yellow form with which you ask for approval of your study plans. The final assessment
of your project will be based on the advice of the second assessor (the external, daily
supervisor) about your daily performance, your final research report and a compulsory oral
presentation given in the group of the examiner in Groningen.
Start on time
Students who plan to study abroad have to organize many things. Please note that the
deadline to apply for most grants is at least two months in advance. Visa might need even
more time. Students who plan to spend a part of their study abroad should therefore start
planning their project at least 6 months in advance! A general instruction about studying
abroad, including contact addresses to apply for grants, can be found on Nestor.
After reading the relevant information on Nestor, you may find additional information from
the faculty online:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/fwn/studerenbuitenland/algemeneinformatie
For more information about grants and other sources of finance see chapter A3.3 of this
study guide.
General information on the master’s programmes
53
B1.4 PROCESSING OF GRADES
After a course exam is completed, the results are processed in the automated results
registration system (ProgRESS WWW). The responsible lecturer will provide the ESC the
necessary details. Marks for exams should be known by the student 10 working days after the
examination was taken.
For individual study elements such as the colloquium, essay and research projects (see
chapter B9 for details and assessment criteria), individual pass sheets have to be filed by the
examiner. These pass sheets, in general, are available at the office of the secretariat of the
research group of the examiner. If not, the ESC should be informed. A specific assessment
form is used for research projects, for which an example can be found on Nestor. The Board
of Examiners has set a deviating term for the marking of essays and research reports; these
study elements should be marked within a month after the final version is handed in.
The Board of Examiners demands that all written reports and essays by students should be
archived, to document the quality of the degree programme. These reports and essays will be
collected and stored in an electronic database. It is mandatory for students to submit these
documents. The final registration of the mark is therefore coupled to the electronic
submission of the report or essay. Instructions on how to upload reports are on Nestor.
Information about the Dutch grading system is in section A2.5.1.
B1.4.1 Grading of external research projects
An external research project i.e. performed outside the University of Groningen is always
conducted under supervision of one of the examiners of the master programmes (see the list
of examiners on Nestor). This examiner is responsible for the final grade of the project,
which will be based on:
1. The advice of the external supervisor about the performance of the student (request
the daily supervisor to fill out a specific assessment form (available on Nestor) before
leaving or ask him/her to write a recommendation letter!);
2. The final report;
3. A compulsory oral presentation given in the group of the examiner in Groningen.
The ESC only accepts final grades for external research projects if the normal assessment
form for research projects (signed by the examiner) is accompanied by the signed advice of
the external supervisor.
B1.5 GRADUATION
Students may graduate once they have passed all the necessary modules with a total study
load of at least 120 EC. The actual graduation is a mere formality. However, students must
apply for their diploma at least 2 months before graduation and deliver their final grade to
the ESC at least one month before the preferred ceremony date (see Nestor for details).
Graduates will receive a diploma and a diploma supplement containing an overview of
passed modules and the grades achieved in English. There are approximately six graduation
ceremonies held annually, for which the dates (and deadlines of application) can be found at
Nestor. A minimum of three graduates is required for each ceremony. If only 1 or 2 students
wish to participate, students will be requested to take part in a later ceremony. The
ceremonies usually take place in the Academy Building, Broerstraat 5.
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Study Guide 2015-2016
B1.5.1 Judicium predicate (Biomedical Sciences and Medical
Pharmaceutical Sciences)
When determining the judicium, the Board of Examiners is mainly guided by the total of the
grades earned on the individual examinations. Cum Laude (with distinction) may be
awarded when no grade is less than 8.0. Summa Cum Laude can be awarded when the
weighted average (G) is ≥9. The judicium will only be awarded to the final assessment of a
Master's degree on the advice of the mentor. The Board of Examiners may decide to award a
judicium outside these criteria. In cases it considers to be borderline, the Board of Examiners
may deviate from the provisions of Article 16.1 by taking also other matters into
consideration, such as for example:
a) The originality/quality of the thesis;
b) The number of resits for examinations;
c) The study pace;
d) The results achieved for modules that do not form part of the student’s examination
programme as listed in section 2 of the Teaching and Examination Regulations.
B1.5.2 Judicium predicate (Biology, Ecology & Evolution, Marine Biology
and Molecular Biology & Biotechnology)
In some cases, and only on advise by the study mentor, a student can be awarded an honours
predicate. The predicate ‘cum laude’ can be awarded if no grade is less than 7.0 and the
weighted average > 8.0. In addition to this, the grade for the “internal” research project – as
specified in the study guide- must be ≥ 9, the grade for either the essay or the colloquium
must be at least 8.5.
The predicate ‘summa cum laude’ can be awarded when G ≥ 9, no grade is less than 8, and
the grade for the “internal” research project is ≥9. The Board of Examiners may decide to
award (or not award) a judicium outside these criteria. In cases it considers to be borderline,
the Board of Examiners may take other matters into consideration, such as for example:
- The originality/quality of the essay and/or research projects;
- The number of resits for examinations;
- The study pace.
More information about the Honours regulations can be found in the Teaching and
Examination Regulations and the Rules and Regulations for Examinations.
B1.6 STUDY ASSOCIATION GLV IDUN
GLV IDUN is the association for all students at the FNMS within the life sciences cluster.
Bachelor’s students of Biology, Life Science & Technology, Master’s students of Biology (and
all biology-related Master’s programmes, such as Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical
Engineering, and Medical Pharmaceutical Sciences) will be accepted for membership. GLV
IDUN was founded in 2006 by the students of the former School of Life Sciences.
Membership:
E-mail address:
Telephone:
About € 15 per year
bestuur@idun.nl
(050 363) 2074 or 8716
One of the responsibilities of GLV IDUN is the sale of textbooks. Members get a discount on
their books. In addition to the sale of textbooks, GLV IDUN organizes other study-related
events: an annual conference and visits to companies during the academic year. Other
activities provided by the GLV IDUN include drinks, parties and sports. The website of GLV
IDUN provides all the information about activities and events you will need:
 www.glv-idun.nl
General information on the master’s programmes
55
B1.7 HEPATITIS B VACCINATION
Everyone working in one of the laboratories of the UMCG must be protected against
Hepatitis B infection. Since many students from the Master’s programmes will be working in
such labs, the ESC provides the opportunity for students to be vaccinated free of charge.
Students who were not vaccinated during their Bachelor’s degree should contact the degree
programme coordinator for assistance.
B1.8 SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY
The RUG adheres to the Netherlands Code of Conduct for Scientific Practice, as the guiding
principle for its integrity policy. The Code of Conduct contains rules for academic education
and research at Dutch universities. Key issues are: scrupulousness, reliability, verifiability,
impartiality and independence. Misbehaviour in academia must therefore be avoided at all
times. Ethical choices in research include a responsible policy regarding laboratory animals.
To preserve scientific integrity, the RUG complies with the behavioural rules drawn up by
the Association of Universities in the Netherlands [VSNU: Vereniging van Universiteiten]
but it also has its own regulations for the protection of academic integrity. These regulations
describe which actions must be taken when academic norms are violated:
 www.rug.nl/about-us/where-do-we-stand/quality-works/research-ethics
At the start of the master programme, every student is expected to be familiar with the Code
and to act in accordance with its rules of conduct. To verify this, students will have to
formally sign and declare that they are familiar with the Dutch Code of Conduct for
Academic Practice and that will obey it.
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Study Guide 2015-2016
B2
MASTER PROGRAMME BIOLOGY
B2.1 ADMISSION
Students will be freely admitted to the degree programme Biology when they have
successfully completed a bachelor’s degree programme in Biology at the University of
Groningen or another Dutch university. Holders of a Bachelor’s degree in Life Science &
Technology from the University of Groningen with the major [Biomedische wetenschappen],
[Gedrag & Neurowetenschappen] or [Moleculaire levenswetenschappen] will be admitted to
the Master’s degree programme in Biology on that basis.
For the specialization Behavioural and Neurosciences:
A Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a Bachelor’s degree in Life Science & Technology of the
University of Groningen with major [Gedrag en Neurowetenschappen].
Students with a comparable Bachelor’s degree from another Dutch or foreign university may
also qualify for admission. However, admission is then granted on an individual basis by the
Board of Examiners. The Board of Examiners will check that students have the appropriate
qualifications. For international students, sufficient proficiency in English (IELTS test score
of 6.5 or a TOEFL test score of 580 (paper-based)) is also required.
Before starting with the degree programme students need to register officially for the degree
programme via:
 www.studielink.nl
International students can apply via the online application tool:
 www.rug.nl/education/international-students/application-procedure
Or contact the admission office at:
 admissions@rug.nl
B2.2 THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY
The Master’s degree programme in Biology is for students who have a broad interest in
Biology and also those who have a specific interest in science at the interface of different
Biology domains, such as Ecology, Marine Biology, Biomedical Sciences and Molecular
Biology. Within this Master’s programme there is a specialization in Behavioural and
Neurosciences. Students can focus on fundamental or applied research, or a combination of
both. In consultation with a mentor, students design their own study programme tailored to
their interests. Each individual programme must be approved by the board of examiners.
The learning outcomes of the master’s degree programme are described in chapter B1.1.
Master programme Biology
57
B2.3 THE STRUCTURE OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY
The master’s programme is research oriented. It has two profiles: a research profile (Rprofile) and a science, business and policy profile (SBP-profile). In their first year all
students conduct a research project. Thereafter, they choose either to continue in the Rprofile or to enrol in the SBP-profile.
The R-profile focuses entirely on research to prepare for a career in academia or other
research institutes. The study programme therefore mainly consists of research projects,
which focus on learning about conducting research by actually doing it. Students will not
only independently perform experiments in the laboratory or the field, they will also go
through the whole process of conducting science developing skills such as searching for and
studying scientific literature, formulating hypotheses, designing and performing
experiments, and presenting results. Moreover the students follow theoretical and practical
courses, write an essay and present a colloquium on a selected scientific topic.
The SBP-profile comprises one year of research and one year aimed at the development of
policy and management-related understanding and skills to prepare for a career in a
company, consultancy or policy organization. This profile is especially for students who are
not only interested in science but also in the social and commercial aspects of scientific
developments and products. Additional training in interactions with other disciplines,
communication with non-scientists and general management skills is also part of this profile.
B2.3.1 Research profile
The research profile (R-profile) mainly consists of independent research, which focuses on
learning about conducting research by actually doing it. Students will not only independently
conduct experiments in a laboratory, but also gain experience with related issues, such as
formulating hypotheses, searching for and studying scientific literature and presenting
results.
Requirements for the Research Profile
Study Elements
Research project
Research project
Master courses
Essay
Colloquium
Electives
Credits
≥ 40 EC
≥ 30 EC
20 EC
5 EC
5 EC
≤ 20 EC
An assessment framework and guidelines for colloquium, essay and research
projects is published in chapter B9.
Students design their own study programme according to their interests. However, students
must choose a study mentor – an assistant professor or professor from the list in section
B2.5 – to advise them and discuss the contents of their individual study programmes with.
In addition to the above presented scheme, the following rules apply to the programme:
- Research projects, colloquium and essay must deal with different research subjects,
must be supervised by a different examiner and must be approved before hand by the
Board of Examiners;
- The first research project (preferably the one ≥40 EC) must be performed at the
FMNS (within life sciences oriented research groups) or the UMCG under
supervision of one of the examiners (see B2.6);
- Supervisors of research projects, the colloquium, and the essay must be appointed as
examiner by the Board of Examiners (see B2.6). A PhD student or postdoc may take
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Study Guide 2015-2016
-
-
-
on the daily supervision, but ultimate responsibility remains with the permanent staff
members. This is also the case for a research project abroad, see chapter B1.3;
The colloquium has an entry requirement. Before it can be started, at least one
research project must have been completed. In addition, before starting the second
research project, the mark you received for your first project must have been
registered in ProgRESS WWW;
Master courses are chosen from the lists presented in chapter B8 of this guide. The
Board of Examiners may permit the student to select one or more courses within the
scientific domain of the degree programme from another master’s degree programme
(from the University of Groningen or from another university);
Electives may be:
 An extension of a research project with 5-20 EC. Propositions for extensions of
10-20 EC must be requested before the start of the research project.
Arrangements for extensions of 5-10 EC may also be made during the midterm
evaluation;
 Preparation of a manuscript (no more than 10 EC, see guidelines B9.1);
 Extra master courses (chapter B8);
 Bachelor courses to repair specific deficiencies (not more than 10 EC);
 A research assignment with a study load of 5-20 EC. The learning outcomes of
each individual assignment must be described using the special assignment form
in addition to the yellow form (see chapter B9.1);
 Students selected for the International Genetically Engineered Machine
competition iGEM may file their contribution as elective. See for details:
 www.rug.nl/ocasys
All elements in an individual study programme must be approved by the Board of Examiners
(use the ‘yellow form’, collected from the Education Support Desk or downloaded from
Nestor).
Specialization: Behaviour and Neurosciences
The programme offers you the possibility to specialise in a combination of two specific
terrains of expertise in biology: Behaviour and Neurosciences. This specialisation focuses on
the factors that affect behaviour in humans and animals. Students choose their mentor from
the list for this specialization.
B2.3.2 Science, business and policy profile
The science, business and policy profile (SBP-profile) is the option to choose for students
who are interested in the social and commercial aspects of biology. This profile will prepare
students for a career in a company or policy organization. In addition to gaining scientific
knowledge, students will learn effective presentation skills, how to deal with tough deadlines,
how to apply for an internship at a company or organization outside the University and how
to give and receive feedback.
For more information, consult the website:
 www.rug.nl/fwn/sbp
Or contact the coordinator of the SBP-profile:
 Ms S. Grooters
Telephone (050) 363 4941
info-sbp@rug.nl
Master programme Biology
59
Requirements for the science, business and policy profile
Study elements
Credits
Research project
≥ 40 EC
Module science & policy
10 EC
Module science & business
10 EC
Internship science, business and Policy
40 EC
Master courses*
5 EC
Colloquium
5 EC
Electives*
≤ 10 EC
* Some programmes have additional compulsory courses; check the chapters of the master’s
programmes MB and MPS.
An assessment framework and guidelines for colloquium, essay and research
projects is published in chapter B9.
Like the students in the research profile, SBP-profile students design their individual
programme of study in consultation with a study mentor. In addition to the previous
scheme, the following rules apply to the degree programme:
- The research project and the colloquium must deal with different research subjects,
must be supervised by a different examiner and must be approved before hand by the
Board of Examiners;
- The research project must be performed at the FMNS (within life sciences related
research groups) or the UMCG under the supervision of one of the examiners (see
B2.6);
- Supervisors of research projects, the colloquium, and the essay must be an examiner
and thus have to be appointed for this task by the Board of Examiners (see B2.6). A
PhD student or postdoc may take on the daily supervision, but ultimate responsibility
remains with the permanent staff members;
- The colloquium has an entry requirement. Before it can be started, the research
project must have been completed;
- Before entering the science, business and policy internship the research project has to
be completed;
- The subject of the SBP-profile internship must be clearly related to the scientific
domain of the master programme;
- Master courses are chosen from the lists presented in chapter B8;
- Electives may be:
 An extension of a research project by 5-10 EC. Arrangements for such an
extension can be made no later than during the midterm review;
 Additional master courses / electives ;
 Bachelor courses to repair specific deficiencies (but not more than 10 EC);
 A research assignment with a study load of 5, 10, 15 or 20 EC (cannot be started
before at least one research project has been finished). The extra regulations for
approval of a research assignment are described on Nestor;
 A maximum of 2 EC on electives organized by the Donald Smits Centre for
Information Technology (see chapter B8).
All elements in an individual study programme must be approved by the Board of Examiners
(use the ‘yellow form’, collected from the Education Support Desk or downloaded from
Nestor).
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Study Guide 2015-2016
B2.4 MASTER COURSES AND ELECTIVES
Master courses and electives are chosen in consultation with the study mentor. Courses
organized for the master’s programmes in this study guide are listed in chapter B8. The
Board of Examiners will consider other proposals seriously. Students may choose from
options available from other departments, other universities in the Netherlands or abroad.
A schedule for courses in academic year 2015-2016 is available in chapter B8. Time tables
with day to day planning of lectures, tutorials and practical are available on the web:
 www.rug.nl/fwn/roosters/2015
More extensive information about courses within the University of Groningen can be found
in Ocasys:
 www.rug.nl/ocasys
Ocasys is the digital course library of the University, it contains information about all courses
taught in the various faculties. The information concerns content, entry requirements,
lecturers, the period during which the courses are taught and the compulsory reading
lists/literature.
B2.5 STUDY MENTORS
The Board of Examiners has appointed study mentors for students, to contact for advice and
to discuss their specific degree programme content. The study mentor is an experienced
scientist working within the scientific domain of the master programme. This mentor guides
the student throughout the whole master programme from the first course through the
graduation ceremony.
Study mentors within Biology may be chosen from the list below. Students with the
specialization Behaviour and Neurosciences choose their mentor from the list for this
specialization. Contact addresses are found using the search engine on:
 www.rug.nl
Behavioural and Neurosciences
Beersma, Prof. D.G.M.
Chronobiology
Dijk, Prof. G. van
Neuroendocrinology
Groothuis, Prof. A.G.G.
Behavioural Biology
Scheurink, Prof. A.J.W.
Neuroendocrinology
Zee, Prof. E.A. van der
Molecular Neurobiology
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Boekema, Prof. E.J.
Electron Microscopy
Dijkhuizen, Prof. L.
Microbial Physiology
Dijkstra, Prof. B.W.
X-ray Crystallography
Driessen, Prof. A.J.M.
Molecular Microbiology
Fraaije, Prof. M.W.
Biotechnology
Haastert, Prof. P.J.M. van
Cell Biology
Heinemann, Prof. M.
Molecular Systems Biology
Jansen, Prof. R.C.
Bioinformatics
Klei, Prof. I.J. van der
Molecular Cell Biology
Kok, Prof. J.
Molecular Genetics
Kuipers, Prof. O.P.
Molecular Genetics
Linskens, Dr. M.H.K.
Cell Biology/Isotope Laboratory
Poolman, Prof. B.
Enzymology
Slotboom, Prof. D.J.
Enzymology
Master programme Biology
Ecology & Evolution
Beukeboom, Prof. L.W.
Bijlsma, Prof. R.
Both, Prof. C.
Elsas, Prof. J.D.
Elzenga, Prof. J.T.M.
Hemelrijk, Prof. C.K.
Kok, Dr. L.J. de
Komdeur, Prof. J.
Olff, Prof. H.
Piersma, Prof. J.
Pen, Prof. I.R.
Smit, Dr. C.
Tieleman, Prof. B.I.
Verhulst, Prof, S
Weissing, Prof. F.J.
Evolutionary Genetics
Theoretical Biology
Animal Ecology
Microbial Ecology
Plant Physiology
Theoretical Biology
Plant Physiology
Animal Ecology
Community & Conservation ecology
Animal Ecology
Theoretical Biology
Community & Conservation ecology
Animal Ecology
Behavioural Biology
Theoretical Biology
Marine Biology
Buma, Prof. A.G.J.
Eriksson, Dr. B.D.H.K.
Olsen, Prof. J.L.
Palsboll, Prof. P.J.
Stamhuis, Prof. E.J.
Ocean Ecosystems
Marine Benthic Ecology & Evolution
Marine Benthic Ecology & Evolution
Marine Evolution and Conservation
Ocean Ecosystems
61
B2.6 EXAMINERS
An examiner is a permanent member of the academic staff of the RUG or the UMCG,
appointed by the Board of Examiners, who can assess and grade research projects, essays,
colloquia and research assignments. The up-to-date list of appointed Examiners can be
found on the Nestor community. New Examiners can be appointed during the year by the
Board of Examiners. Their names and (other) revisions of the list of Examiners will be
published on the Nestor community.
Examiners can be contacted for research projects, essays, colloquia and research
assignments. Research projects, carried out in the research group of an Examiner will be
considered as an internal project. Research projects, essays or colloquia carried out under
the supervision of a staff member not mentioned in the list of examiners, require the
(co-)participation of an Examiner who takes the formal responsibility, including that of the
final assessment of the work. This arrangement is limited to so-called second research
projects, essays and colloquia.
It should be noted that most SBP-profile staff members are appointed as Examiner for the
modules science and business, science and policy and the internship of the SBP-profile only.
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Study Guide 2015-2016
B3
MASTER PROGRAMME MARINE BIOLOGY
B3.1 ADMISSION
Holders of a Bachelor’s degree in Biology are considered to have sufficient knowledge and
skills and will be admitted to the Master’s degree programme in Marine Biology on that
basis. For holders of another relevant Bachelor’s degree in science there is an individual
admission procedure based on the content of the bachelor’s programme.
Students with a comparable Bachelor’s degree from another Dutch or foreign university may
also qualify for admission. However, admission is then granted on an individual basis by the
Board of Examiners. The Board of Examiners will check that students have the appropriate
qualifications. For international students, sufficient proficiency in English (IELTS test score
of 6.5 or a TOEFL test score of 580 (paper-based)) is also required.
Before starting with the degree programme students need to register officially for the degree
programme via:
 www.studielink.nl
International students can apply via the online application tool:
 www.rug.nl/education/international-students/application-procedure
Or contact the admission office at:
 admissions@rug.nl
B3.2 THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY
Marine Biology is an international and highly interdisciplinary field. Students have the
opportunity to custom design their study programme, which is strongly research oriented.
During the Master’s degree programme students have the opportunity to conduct research
under the supervision of experienced scientists. Research may be conducted in the field, onboard research vessels and/or in the laboratory. Some examples of laboratory work include
studying the influence of ultraviolet radiation on plankton, analysis of dispersal and genetic
population structure of seaweeds, sea grasses, fish and invertebrates; the evolution and
dispersal of marine organisms ; or the molecular identification of invasive species. Field
work might include studying species interactions across trophic levels in the Wadden Sea or
the population dynamics of krill in the Antarctic. Whether you are interested in biological
oceanography or coastal marine ecology, there are plenty of opportunities. The learning
outcomes of the master’s degree programme are described in chapter B1.1.
B3.3 THE STRUCTURE OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY
The master’s programme is research oriented. It has two profiles: a research profile (Rprofile) and a science, business and policy profile (SBP-profile). In their first year all
students conduct a research project. Thereafter, they choose either to continue in the Rprofile or to enrol in the SBP-profile.
The R-profile focuses entirely on research to prepare for a career in academia or other
research institutes. The study programme therefore mainly consists of research projects,
which focus on learning about conducting research by actually doing it. Students will not
only independently perform experiments in the laboratory or the field, they will also go
through the whole process of conducting science developing skills such as searching for and
studying scientific literature, formulating hypotheses, designing and performing
experiments, and presenting results. Moreover the students follow theoretical and practical
courses, write an essay and present a colloquium on a selected scientific topic.
Master programme Marine Biology
63
The SBP-profile comprises one year of research and one year aimed at the development of
policy and management-related understanding and skills to prepare for a career in a
company, consultancy or policy organization. This profile is especially for students who are
not only interested in science but also in the social and commercial aspects of scientific
developments and products. Additional training in interactions with other disciplines,
communication with non-scientists and general management skills is also part of this profile.
B3.3.1 Research profile
The research profile (R-profile) mainly consists of independent research, which focuses on
learning about conducting research by actually doing it. Students will not only independently
conduct experiments in a laboratory, but also gain experience with related issues, such as
formulating hypotheses, searching for and studying scientific literature and presenting
results.
Requirements for the Research profile
Study elements
Research project
Research project
Master courses:
- Principals of Biological Oceanography, 5 EC
- Principals of Marine Biology, 5 EC
- Principals of Marine Conservation, 5 EC
- Master courses from the list in chapter B8, 5 EC
Essay
Colloquium
Electives
Credits
≥ 40 EC
≥ 30 EC
20 EC
5 EC
5 EC
≤ 20 EC
An assessment framework and guidelines for colloquium, essay and research
projects is published in chapter B9.
Students design their own study programme according to their interests. However, students
must choose a study mentor – an assistant professor or professor from the list in section
B3.5 – to advise them and discuss the contents of their individual study programmes with.
In addition to the above presented scheme, the following rules apply to the programme:
- The research projects, the colloquium and the essay must deal with different research
subjects, must be supervised by a different examiner and must be approved by the
Board of Examiners;
- The first research project (preferably the one ≥40 EC) must be performed at the
FMNS (Life Sciences related research groups), the Royal Netherlands Institute for
Sea Research (NIOZ) on Texel, or the Centre for Estuarine and Marine Ecology
(NIOO-CEME) in Yerseke, under supervision of one of the examiners (see B3.6);
- Supervisors of research projects, the colloquium, and the essay must be appointed as
examiner by the Board of Examiners (see B3.6). A PhD student or postdoc may take
on the daily supervision, but ultimate responsibility remains with the permanent staff
members. This is also the case for a research project abroad, see chapter B1.3;
- The colloquium has an entry requirement. Before it can be started, at least one
research project must have been completed. In addition, before starting the second
research project, the mark you received for your first project must have been
registered in ProgRESS WWW;
- Master courses are chosen from the lists presented in chapter B8 of this guide. The
Board of Examiners may permit the student to select one or more courses within the
scientific domain of the degree programme from another master’s degree programme
(from the University of Groningen or from another university);
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Study Guide 2015-2016
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Students within the degree programme Marine Biology may use the title Marine
Scientist of the Netherlands when they have fulfilled the requirements of their
programme and passed one of the annual course (4 EC) organized by the NIOZ Royal
Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (Texel) and the NIOO-Centre of Estuarine
and Marine Ecology;
Electives may be:
 An extension of a research project with 5-20 EC. Propositions for extensions of
10-20 EC must be requested before the start of the research project.
Arrangements for extensions of 5-10 EC may also be made during the midterm
evaluation;
 Preparation of a manuscript (no more than 10 EC, see guidelines B9.1);
 Extra master courses (chapter B8);
 Bachelor courses to repair specific deficiencies (not more than 10 EC);
 A research assignment with a study load of 5-20 EC. The learning outcomes of
each individual assignment must be described using the special assignment form
in addition to the yellow form (see chapter B9.1).
All elements in an individual study programme must be approved by the Board of Examiners
(use the ‘yellow form’, collected from the Education Support Desk or downloaded from
Nestor).
B3.3.2 Science, business and policy profile
For information on the science, business and policy profile (SBP-profile) see chapter B2.3.
The courses Principals of Biological Oceanography, 5 EC; Principals of Marine Biology, 5 EC
and Principals of Marine Conservation, 5 EC are also compulsory for this profile. These
courses fill up the master courses (5 ECTS) + the electives (10 ECTS).
B3.4 MASTER COURSES AND ELECTIVES
Master courses and electives are chosen in consultation with the study mentor. Courses
organized for the master’s programmes in this study guide are listed in chapter B8. The
Board of Examiners will consider other proposals seriously. Students may choose from
options available from other departments, other universities in the Netherlands or abroad.
A schedule for courses in academic year 2015-2016 is available in chapter B8. Time tables
with day to day planning of lectures, tutorials and practical are available on the web:
 www.rug.nl/fwn/roosters/2015
More extensive information about courses within the University of Groningen can be found
in Ocasys:
 www.rug.nl/ocasys
Ocasys is the digital course library of the University, it contains information about all courses
taught in the various faculties. The information concerns content, entry requirements,
lecturers, the period during which the courses are taught and the compulsory reading
lists/literature.
Master programme Marine Biology
65
B3.5 STUDY MENTORS
The Board of Examiners has appointed study mentors for students, to contact for advice and
to discuss their specific degree programme content. The study mentor is an experienced
scientist working within the scientific domain of the master programme. This mentor guides
the student throughout the whole master programme from the first course through the
graduation ceremony. Study mentors within Marine Biology may be chosen from the list
below. Contact addresses are found using the search engine on:
 www.rug.nl
Marine Biology
Buma, Prof. A.G.J.
Eriksson, Dr. B.D.H.K.
Olsen, Prof. J.L.
Palsboll, Prof. P.J.
Stamhuis, Prof. E.J.
Ocean Ecosystems
Marine Benthic Ecology & Evolution
Marine Benthic Ecology & Evolution
Marine Evolution and Conservation
Ocean Ecosystems
B3.6 EXAMINERS
An examiner is a permanent member of the academic staff of the RUG or the UMCG,
appointed by the Board of Examiners, who can assess and grade research projects, essays,
colloquia and research assignments. The up-to-date list of appointed Examiners can be
found on the Nestor community. New Examiners can be appointed during the year by the
Board of Examiners. Their names and (other) revisions of the list of Examiners will be
published on the Nestor community.
Examiners can be contacted for research projects, essays, colloquia and research
assignments. Research projects, carried out in the research group of an Examiner will be
considered as an internal project. Research projects, essays or colloquia carried out under
the supervision of a staff member not mentioned in the list of examiners, require the
(co-)participation of an Examiner who takes the formal responsibility, including that of the
final assessment of the work. This arrangement is limited to so-called second research
projects, essays and colloquia.
It should be noted that most SBP-profile staff members are appointed as Examiner for the
modules science and business, science and policy and the internship of the SBP-profile only.
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Study Guide 2015-2016
B4
MASTER PROGRAMME ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
B4.1 ADMISSION
B4.1.1 Regular programme
Holders of a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Groningen with the major
[Ecologie & Evolutie] or [Mariene Biologie] are considered to have sufficient knowledge and
skills and will be admitted to the Master’s degree programme in Ecology & Evolution on that
basis.
Students with a comparable Bachelor’s degree from another Dutch or foreign university may
also qualify for admission. However, admission is then granted on an individual basis by the
Board of Examiners. The Board of Examiners will check that students have the appropriate
qualifications. For international students, sufficient proficiency in English (IELTS test score
of 6.5 or a TOEFL test score of 580 (paper-based)) is also required.
Before starting with the degree programme students need to register officially for the degree
programme via:
 www.studielink.nl
International students can apply via the online application tool:
 www.rug.nl/education/international-students/application-procedure
Or contact the admission office at:
 admissions@rug.nl
B4.1.2 Top programme / Erasmus Mundus programme Evolutionary
Biology
Admission to the (Top) programme Evolutionary Biology is highly selective. Successful
candidates must demonstrate that their motivation and cognitive skills are well above
average. Excellent MSc students from Ecology & Evolution and Marine Biology may apply
during their first year for the Top Programme Evolutionary Biology. An admission permit is
only valid for the academic year following the academic year in which the permit is granted.
Top programme Evolutionary Biology admission requirements comprise:
1. A relevant bachelor’s degree;
2. Proficiency in English*;
3. Sufficient knowledge of the relevant sciences;
4. A suitable attitude, motivation and talent to follow the top programme.
Foreign students can apply via the online application tool:
 www.rug.nl/education/international-students/application-procedure
Or contact the admission office at:
 admissions@rug.nl
Dutch students deliver the following to the Education office:
- A complete curriculum vitae;
- A survey of the study results attained in academic courses so far;
- A letter in which the student states why s/he wants to follow this top programme in
particular, what his/her expectations and ambitions are;
- (If desired) results of former research projects, like reports or articles;
- The names of three scientists willing to provide personal information on the
applicant;
Master programme Ecology and Evolution
-
67
(If desired) other documents that the student thinks useful in furthering his/her
application;
Proof of proficiency in English as part of the admission process*.
Admission requirements for candidates for the Erasmus Mundus programme Evolutionary
Biology can be found on:
 www.rug.nl/masters/evolutionary-biology/
* Proficiency in English.
Accepted test
- The International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum score: 6.5
and all sections should be at least 6.0;
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum total score: 580 and
minimum section score 56 (paper-based) / 237 – 22 minimum section
score(computer-based) / 92 and 21 minimum section score (Internet- based) for
most master’s programmes;
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English.
Important notes
- The certificates need to be recent: not older than 2 years;
- The modality required is “academic”;
- We do not accept institutional scores, with the exception as mentioned below;
- Chinese Students need to submit an IELTS or a TOEFL iBT test.
From 1 September 2008, Chinese students will be eligible to apply to study in Holland using
a TOEFL score, confirmed by Neso China. Chinese students need to apply for the Neso
certificate, which is an obligatory document for the study visa. Students can apply for the
certificate at the same time as applying to the university.
Only Indonesian applications are permitted to submit an Institutional TOEFL score, under
the following conditions:
1. The application for admission to our study programmes have been sent to us by
NESO Jakarta and includes the statement of Neso Jakarta on the procedures of the
ITP TOEFL test organized by Neso Jakarta, TOEFL and the Indonesian International
Education Foundation;
2. The minimum score for TOEFL is: 580 (paper-based) / 237 (computer-based) / 92
(Internet- based);
3. The ITP TOEFL score must be an equivalent of the official TOEFL scores as
mentioned under condition 3.
Exemptions
This requirement does not apply if you:
- Are a native speaker and completed secondary education in any one of the following
countries: Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia;
- Have completed your bachelor education in any one of the following countries:
Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia;
- Have an International Baccalaureate;
- Have a European Baccalaureate diploma.
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Study Guide 2015-2016
B4.2 THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY
Within the master Ecology and Evolution there are four main fields of interest:
1. Evolutionary Ecology & Genetics
A central issue in evolutionary biology concerns the importance of genetic variation: how do
genetic variation and natural selection result in reproductive systems, adaptation of
organisms to their environment and the emergence of new species? We will try to answer
this question by means of an experimental, molecular approach (genomics) and via modelbased studies.
2. Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology
Both the morphology and physiology of an organism and its behaviour are formed by
selection. Behaviour – for example the timing of reproduction, partner choice and time and
route of bird migration – and physiology – for example the degree of plasticity to regulate
energy use and temperature – are products of evolution. Theoretical models are paired with
experimental ones to study these issues, both in the field and in the laboratory.
3. Conservation Biology
Small populations are threatened with extinction because their habitat is fragmented.
Whether these populations will indeed die out depends on their genetic structure,
demography, dynamics of distribution, etc. This type of research is important, for example,
for the restoration of nature reserves or the development of sustainable fishery. Examples of
research projects include the effects of genetic erosion in fruit flies and the seed dispersal of
plants in the Wadden area.
4. Community Ecology
Species and individuals living in the same area interact with each other and with their
environment. Processes of physiological adaptations and restrictions, competition, grazing,
predation and succession can change a group of individuals into a community. Combining
field observations, laboratory experiments and theoretical models can give us a better
understanding of the mechanisms that are active in nature. The learning outcomes of the
master’s degree programme are described in chapter B1.1.
The Top programme Evolutionary Biology is embedded in the Master’s degree programme
Ecology & Evolution and explores the interface between ecology and evolution. Students can
benefit from a wide spectrum of national and international expertise across the fields of
ecology and evolution. The Top programme in Evolutionary Biology adheres to the same
learning outcomes as the regular programme (chapter B1.1) but students follow a
programme that is challenging both in content and time constraints.
Within the degree programme Ecology & Evolution qualified students can follow the
Erasmus Mundus programme Evolutionary Biology, an intensified European programme
which prepares for conducting top quality research in this field of ecology. For this
programme the Erasmus Mundus Teaching and Examination Regulations will apply:
 www.evobio.eu
Master programme Ecology and Evolution
69
B4.3 THE STRUCTURE OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY
The master’s programme is research oriented. It has two profiles: a research profile (Rprofile) and a science, business and policy profile (SBP-profile). In their first year all
students conduct a research project. Thereafter, they choose either to continue in the Rprofile or to enrol in the SBP-profile.
The R-profile focuses entirely on research to prepare for a career in academia or other
research institutes. The study programme therefore mainly consists of research projects,
which focus on learning about conducting research by actually doing it. Students will not
only independently perform experiments in the laboratory or the field, they will also go
through the whole process of conducting science developing skills such as searching for and
studying scientific literature, formulating hypotheses, designing and performing
experiments, and presenting results. Moreover the students follow theoretical and practical
courses, write an essay and present a colloquium on a selected scientific topic.
The SBP-profile comprises one year of research and one year aimed at the development of
policy and management-related understanding and skills to prepare for a career in a
company, consultancy or policy organization. This profile is especially for students who are
not only interested in science but also in the social and commercial aspects of scientific
developments and products. Additional training in interactions with other disciplines,
communication with non-scientists and general management skills is also part of this profile.
B4.3.1 Research profile
The research profile (R-profile) mainly consists of independent research, which focuses on
learning about conducting research by actually doing it. Students will not only independently
conduct experiments in a laboratory, but also gain experience with related issues, such as
formulating hypotheses, searching for and studying scientific literature and presenting
results.
Requirements for the Research profile
Study elements
Research project
Research project
Master courses
Essay
Colloquium
Electives
Credits
≥ 40EC
≥ 30 EC
20 EC
5 EC
5 EC
≤ 20 EC
An assessment framework and guidelines for colloquium, essay and research
projects is published in chapter B9.
Students design their own study programme according to their interests. However, students
must choose a study mentor – an assistant professor or professor from the list in section
B4.5 – to advise them and discuss the contents of their individual study programmes with.
In addition to the above presented scheme, the following rules apply to the programme:
- The research projects, the colloquium and the essay must deal with different research
subjects, must be supervised by a different examiner and must be approved by the
Board of Examiners;
- The first research project (preferably the one ≥40 EC) must be performed at the
FMNS (Life Sciences related research groups) or associated institutes, under
supervision of one of the examiners (see B4.6);
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Study Guide 2015-2016
-
-
-
-
Supervisors of research projects, the colloquium, and the essay must be appointed as
examiner by the Board of Examiners (see B4.6). A PhD student or postdoc may take
on the daily supervision, but ultimate responsibility remains with the permanent staff
members. This is also the case for a research project abroad, see chapter B1.3;
The colloquium has an entry requirement. Before it can be started, at least one
research project must have been completed. In addition, before starting the second
research project, the mark you received for your first project must have been
registered in ProgRESS WWW;
Master courses are chosen from the list presented in chapter B8 of this guide. The
Board of Examiners may permit the student to select one or more courses within the
scientific domain of the degree programme from another master’s degree programme
(from the University of Groningen or from another university);
Electives may be:
 An extension of a research project with 5-20 EC. Propositions for extensions of
10-20 EC must be requested before the start of the research project.
Arrangements for extensions of 5-10 EC may also be made during the midterm
evaluation;
 Preparation of a manuscript (no more than 10 EC, see guidelines B9.1);
 Extra master courses (chapter B8);
 Bachelor courses to repair specific deficiencies (not more than 10 EC);
 A research assignment with a study load of 5-20 EC. The learning outcomes of
each individual assignment must be described using the special assignment form
in addition to the yellow form (see chapter B9.1).
All elements in an individual study programme must be approved by the Board of Examiners
(use the ‘yellow form’, collected from the Education Support Desk or downloaded from
Nestor).
B4.3.2 Top programme Evolutionary Biology
Students within the Top programme Evolutionary Biology generally follow the R-profile
scheme but have to pass the following Top programme courses which are challenging both in
content and time constraints:
- Evolutionary ecology research;
10 EC
- Evolutionary theory;
10 EC
- Genomics in ecology and evolution;
10 EC
In addition to these courses, two seminar series of 2 EC each are required. These are chosen
from a list of the “current themes” seminar series. The essay in this case is a literature study
written in the form of a review article or a research proposal. Because of the 34 EC obligatory
courses the study load of the electives is ≤6 EC which can be used for courses, research or
individual assignments.
B4.3.3 Erasmus Mundus programme Evolutionary Biology (MEME)
MEME is a two-year research-oriented master programme for talented and motivated
students who are interested in understanding evolution in all its facets. It is a joint project
between four European universities (University of Groningen, Netherlands; Ludwig
Maximilians University of Munich, Germany; Uppsala University, Sweden; University of
Montpellier 2, France) and Harvard University (USA).
Master programme Ecology and Evolution
71
Requirements for the Research profile of the MEME programme Evolutionary
biology:
Requirements for the Research profile
Study elements
Credits
Compulsory set of master courses Groningen
30 EC
(or Uppsala)
Master courses Munich/Montpellier
15 EC
≤ 10 EC
Electives
Research project 1
≥ 30 EC
Research project 2
≥30 EC
Colloquium
5 EC
Summer schools (2*2.5) extracurricular
Total:
120
Students from the MEME programme follow a variant of the Research profile:
In the first semester the student follows a compulsory programme of a total of 30 ECTS
credits either at the University of Groningen or at Uppsala University. These programmes
adhere to the same teaching outcomes (responsibility of the MEME programme). At the
University of Groningen, the first semester consists of three mandatory courses:
- Evolutionary Ecology Research (10 ECTS credits);
- Genomics in Ecology and Evolution (10 ECTS credits);
- Evolutionary Theory (10 ECTS credits).
At the University of Uppsala, the first semester consists of two core courses:
- Evolutionary Patterns (15 ECTS credits);
- Evolutionary Processes (15 ECTS credits).
An additional 15 ECTS credits should be spent on additional course work at the University of
Groningen , the University of Montpellier, the Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich or
at Uppsala. At least two research projects must be carried out:
- One project corresponding to ≥ 30 ECTS credits, will be performed in Groningen (for
more info see Research profile above). This does not necessarily has to be the first
project. A proposal including a literature search must be made and graded at the start
of the research project and assessed separately on the overall assessment form.
- One project corresponding to ≥ 30 ECTS may be performed at one of the three
partners under the responsibility of a local examiner appointed by the MEME
partners. In case the research will be performed in Harvard one of the Ecology &
Evolution examiners will assess the project.
The student must participate in at least two annual Summer Schools in Evolutionary Biology.
Participation in the Summer School prior to the first semester is compulsory. The student
must present his/her work at the Summer School at least once; either by means of an oral
presentation or by means of a poster presentation. In total, 5 ECTS credits are awarded for
participation in these summer schools. The MEME summer school credits will be awarded
on top of the 120 EC of the programme as extracurricular courses.
A colloquium of 5 EC will be held at the university of Groningen. The colloquium has an
entry requirement. Before it can be started, at least one research project must have been
completed. In addition, before starting the second research project, the mark you received
for your first project must have been registered in ProgRESS WWW.
The remaining 10EC of “electives” can be devoted to more coursework, more research, or a
research assignment (see for more info Research profile above).
B4.3.4 Science, business and policy profile
For information on the science, business and policy profile (SBP-profile) see chapter B2.3.
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Study Guide 2015-2016
B4.4 MASTER COURSES AND ELECTIVES
Master courses and electives are chosen in consultation with the study mentor. Courses
organized for the master’s programmes in this study guide are listed in chapterB8. The
Board of Examiners will consider other proposals seriously. Students may choose from
options available from other departments, other universities in the Netherlands or abroad.
A schedule for courses in academic year 2015-2016 is available in chapter B8. Time tables
with day to day planning of lectures, tutorials and practical are available on the web:
 www.rug.nl/fwn/roosters/2015
More extensive information about courses within the University of Groningen can be found
in Ocasys:
 www.rug.nl/ocasys
Ocasys is the digital course library of the University, it contains information about all courses
taught in the various faculties. The information concerns content, entry requirements,
lecturers, the period during which the courses are taught and the compulsory reading
lists/literature.
B4.5 STUDY MENTORS
The Board of Examiners has appointed study mentors for students, to contact for advice and
to discuss their specific degree programme content. The study mentor is an experienced
scientist working within the scientific domain of the master programme. This mentor guides
the student throughout the whole master programme from the first course through the
graduation ceremony.
Study mentors within Ecology and Evolution may be chosen from the list Ecology &
Evolution below. Students enrolled in the Top programme Evolutionary Biology may choose
from the mentors Ecology & Evolution as well as Marine Biology. Contact addresses are
found using the search engine on:
 www.rug.nl
Ecology & Evolution
Beukeboom, Prof. L.W.
Bijlsma, Prof. R.
Both, Prof. C.
Elsas, Prof. J.D.
Elzenga, Prof. J.T.M.
Hemelrijk, Prof. C.K.
Kok, Dr. L.J. de
Komdeur, Prof. J.
Olff, Prof. H.
Piersma, Prof. J.
Pen, Prof. I.R.
Smit, Dr. C.
Tieleman, Prof. B.I.
Verhulst, Prof, S
Weissing, Prof. F.J.
Evolutionary Genetics
Theoretical Biology
Animal Ecology
Microbial Ecology
Plant Physiology
Theoretical Biology
Plant Physiology
Animal Ecology
Community & Conservation ecology
Animal Ecology
Theoretical Biology
Community & Conservation ecology
Animal Ecology
Behavioural Biology
Theoretical Biology
Marine Biology
Buma, Prof. A.G.J.
Eriksson, Dr. B.D.H.K.
Olsen, Prof. J.L.
Palsboll, Prof. P.J.
Stamhuis, Prof. E.J.
Ocean Ecosystems
Marine Benthic Ecology & Evolution
Marine Benthic Ecology & Evolution
Marine Evolution and Conservation
Ocean Ecosystems
Master programme Ecology and Evolution
73
B4.6 EXAMINERS
An examiner is a permanent member of the academic staff of the RUG or the UMCG,
appointed by the Board of Examiners, who can assess and grade research projects, essays,
colloquia and research assignments. The up-to-date list of appointed Examiners can be
found on the Nestor community. New Examiners can be appointed during the year by the
Board of Examiners. Their names and (other) revisions of the list of Examiners will be
published on the Nestor community.
Examiners can be contacted for research projects, essays, colloquia and research
assignments. Research projects, carried out in the research group of an Examiner will be
considered as an internal project. Research projects, essays or colloquia carried out under
the supervision of a staff member not mentioned in the list of examiners, require the (co)participation of an Examiner who takes the formal responsibility, including that of the final
assessment of the work. This arrangement is limited to so-called second research projects,
essays and colloquia.
It should be noted that most SBP-profile staff members are appointed as Examiner for the
modules science and business, science and policy and the internship of the SBP-profile only.
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Study Guide 2015-2016
B5
MASTER PROGRAMME MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND
BIOTECHNOLOGY
B5.1 ADMISSION
B5.1.1 Regular programme
Holders of a Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a Bachelor’s degree in Life Science & Technology
from the University of Groningen with the major [Moleculaire Levenswetenschappen] or the
combination of the majors [Gedrag en Neurowetenschappen] / [Biomedische
wetenschappen] / [Medisch farmaceutische wetenschappen] and the minor [Moleculaire
Levenswetenschappen], are considered to have sufficient knowledge and skills and will be
admitted to the Master’s degree programme in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology on that
basis. Holders of a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with the major Chemistry of Life are
admitted to this master’s programme.
Students with a comparable Bachelor’s degree from another Dutch or foreign university may
also qualify for admission. However, admission is then granted on an individual basis by the
Board of Examiners. The Board of Examiners will check that students have the appropriate
qualifications. For international students, sufficient proficiency in English (IELTS test score
of 6.5 or a TOEFL test score of 580 (paper-based)) is also required.
Before starting with the degree programme students need to register officially for the degree
programme via:
 www.studielink.nl
International students can apply via the online application tool:
 www.rug.nl/education/international-students/application-procedure
Or contact the admission office at:
 admissions@rug.nl
B5.1.2 Top programme Biomolecular Sciences
Admission to the Top programme Biomolecular Sciences is highly selective. Successful
candidates must demonstrate that their motivation and cognitive skills are well above
average. Excellent MSc students from Molecular Biology & Biotechnology may apply during
their first year for the Top Programme Biomolecular Sciences. An admission permit is only
valid for the academic year following the academic year in which the permit is granted.
Top programme Biomolecular Sciences admission requirements comprise:
1. A relevant bachelor’s degree;
2. Proficiency in English;
3. Sufficient knowledge of the relevant sciences;
4. A suitable attitude, motivation and talent to follow the top programme.
Foreign students can apply via the on line application tool:
 www.rug.nl/education/international-students/application-procedure
Or contact the admission office at:
 admissions@rug.nl
Master programme Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
75
Dutch students deliver the following to the ESD:
- A complete curriculum vitae;
- A survey of the study results attained in academic courses so far;
- A letter in which the student states why s/he wants to follow this top programme in
particular, what his/her expectations and ambitions are;
- (If desired) results of former research projects, like reports or articles;
- The names of three scientists willing to provide personal information on the
applicant;
- (If desired) other documents that the student thinks useful in furthering his/her
application;
- You will need to submit proof of proficiency of English as part of the admission
process*.
* Proficiency in English.
Accepted test
- The International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum score: 6.5
and all sections should be at least 6.0;
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum total score: 580 and
minimum section score 56 (paper-based) / 237 – 22 minimum section
score(computer-based) / 92 and 21 minimum section score (Internet- based) for
most master’s programmes;
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English.
Important notes
- The certificates need to be recent: not older than 2 years;
- The modality required is “academic”;
- We do not accept institutional scores, with the exception as mentioned below;
- Chinese Students need to submit an IELTS or a TOEFL iBT test.
From 1 September 2008, Chinese students will be eligible to apply to study in Holland using
a TOEFL score, confirmed by Neso China. Chinese students need to apply for the Neso
certificate, which is an obligatory document for the study visa. Students can apply for the
certificate at the same time as applying to the university.
Only Indonesian applications are permitted to submit an Institutional TOEFL score, under
the following conditions:
1. The application for admission to our study programmes have been sent to us by
NESO Jakarta and includes the statement of Neso Jakarta on the procedures of the
ITP TOEFL test organized by Neso Jakarta, TOEFL and the Indonesian International
Education Foundation;
2. The minimum score for TOEFL is: 580 (paper-based) / 237 (computer-based) / 92
(Internet- based);
3. The ITP TOEFL score must be an equivalent of the official TOEFL scores as
mentioned under condition 3.
Exemptions
This requirement does not apply if you:
- Are a native speaker and completed secondary education in any one of the following
countries: Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia;
- Have completed your bachelor education in any one of the following countries:
Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia;
- Have an International Baccalaureate;
- Have a European Baccalaureate diploma.
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Study Guide 2015-2016
B5.2 THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY
Research within the master Molecular Biology and Biotechnology is in the field of
biomolecular sciences, with a strong focus on proteins. The aim is to fully understand
regulation, the structure and dynamics of proteins in relation to their function and activity in
living cells and to obtain an understanding of the fundamental properties of proteins and
microorganisms that are relevant for application in health and bio(nano)-technology.
Through Synthetic Biology, this fundamental knowledge is combined with that of other
disciplines to design and develop novel functional biological and semi-artificial systems. The
research is primarily fundamental and curiosity-driven; it is often multidisciplinary and
collaborative with specialization in the following key areas:
1. Systems biology of microorganisms;
2. Molecular cell biology;
3. Membrane proteins;
4. Structure-function relationship of proteins;
5. Microbial biotechnology and biocatalysis;
6. Chemical and synthetic biology.
Within these six key research themes, various research questions address processes that
relate to human health and disease development. These include:
1. Research on peroxisome homeostasis with the aim of understanding the biogenesis,
ageing and turnover of peroxisomes in yeasts, being a suitable model for peroxisomerelated diseases;
2. The production and modification of (synthetic) antibiotics with respect to demand for
new antibiotics;
3. The study on proteins involved in drug resistance, virulence and microbial infections.
The learning outcomes of the master’s degree programme are described in chapter B1.1.
The Top programme Biomolecular Sciences is embedded in the Master’s degree programme
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology and explores the same key research themes. During the
Top programme in Biomolecular Sciences, students acquire top quality research
competences in such a way that they become highly attractive for a research career in the
area of Biomolecular Sciences and often will continue this by subsequently starting PhD
research. The Top programmes Biomolecular Sciences do adhere to the same learning
outcomes as the regular programme (chapter B1.1) but students follow a programme that is
challenging both in content and time constraints.
B5.3 THE STRUCTURE OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY
The master’s programme is research oriented. It has two profiles: a research profile (Rprofile) and a science, business and policy profile (SBP-profile). In their first year all
students conduct a research project. Thereafter, they choose either to continue in the Rprofile or to enrol in the SBP-profile.
The R-profile focuses entirely on research to prepare for a career in academia or other
research institutes. The study programme therefore mainly consists of research projects,
which focus on learning about conducting research by actually doing it. Students will not
only independently perform experiments in the laboratory or the field, they will also go
through the whole process of conducting science developing skills such as searching for and
studying scientific literature, formulating hypotheses, designing and performing
experiments, and presenting results. Moreover the students follow theoretical and practical
courses, write an essay and present a colloquium on a selected scientific topic.
Master programme Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
77
The SBP-profile comprises one year of research and one year aimed at the development of
policy and management-related understanding and skills to prepare for a career in a
company, consultancy or policy organization. This profile is especially for students who are
not only interested in science but also in the social and commercial aspects of scientific
developments and products. Additional training in interactions with other disciplines,
communication with non-scientists and general management skills is also part of this profile.
B5.3.1 Research profile
The research profile (R-profile) mainly consists of independent research, which focuses on
learning about conducting research by actually doing it. Students will not only independently
conduct experiments in a laboratory, but also gain experience with related issues, such as
formulating hypotheses, searching for and studying scientific literature and presenting
results.
Requirements for the Research profile
Study elements
Research project
Research project
Master courses
Essay
Colloquium
Electives
Credits
≥ 40 EC
≥ 30 EC
20 EC
5 EC
5 EC
≤ 20 EC
An assessment framework and guidelines for colloquium, essay and research
projects is published in chapter B9.
Students design their own study programme according to their interests. However, students
must choose a study mentor – an assistant professor or professor from the list in section
B5.5 – to advise them and discuss the contents of their individual study programmes with.
In addition to the above presented scheme, the following rules apply to the programme:
- The research projects, the colloquium and the essay must deal with different research
subjects, must be supervised by a different examiner and must be approved by the
Board of Examiners;
- The first research project (preferably the one ≥40 EC) must be performed at the
FMNS (within life sciences oriented research groups) or the UMCG under
supervision of one of the examiners (see B5.6);
- Supervisors of research projects, the colloquium, and the essay must be appointed as
examiner by the Board of Examiners (see B5.6). A PhD student or postdoc may take
on the daily supervision, but ultimate responsibility remains with the permanent staff
members. This is also the case for a research project abroad, see chapter B1.3;
- The colloquium has an entry requirement. Before it can be started, at least one
research project must have been completed. In addition, before starting the second
research project, the mark you received for your first project must have been
registered in ProgRESS WWW;
- Master courses are chosen from the list presented in chapter B8 of this guide. The
Board of Examiners may permit the student to select one or more courses within the
scientific domain of the degree programme from another master’s degree programme
(from the University of Groningen or from another university);
- Electives may be:
 An extension of a research project with 5-20 EC. Propositions for extensions of
10-20 EC must be requested before the start of the research project.
Arrangements for extensions of 5-10 EC may also be made during the midterm
evaluation;
 Preparation of a manuscript (no more than 10 EC, see guidelines B9.1);
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Study Guide 2015-2016




Extra master courses (chapter B8);
Bachelor courses to repair specific deficiencies (not more than 10 EC);
A research assignment with a study load of 5-20 EC. The learning outcomes of
each individual assignment must be described using the special assignment form
in addition to the yellow form (see chapter B9.1);
Students selected for the International Genetically Engineered Machine
competition iGEM may file their contribution as elective. See for details:
 www.rug.nl/ocasys.
All elements in an individual study programme must be approved by the Board of Examiners
(use the ‘yellow form’, collected from the Education Support Desk or downloaded from
Nestor).
B5.3.2 Top programme Biomolecular Sciences
Students within the Top programme Biomolecular sciences generally follow the R-profile
scheme but have to pass 6 out of the following Top programme courses which are
challenging both in content and time constraints:
- Advances in signal transduction; 5 EC
- Advanced Genomics and proteomics; 5 EC
- Organelle and membrane biogenesis; 5 EC
- Molecular dynamics and modelling of membranes and proteins ; 5 EC
- Protein and enzyme engineering by mutagenesis and directed evolution; 5 EC
- Advanced protein crystallography; 5 EC
- DNA microarray analysis; 5 EC
- Tools and approaches of systems biology; 5 EC
The essay in this case is a literature study written in the form of a research proposal.
Because of the 30 EC compulsory courses the study load of the electives is ≤10 EC which can
be used for courses, research or individual assignments.
B5.3.3 Specialization Chemical biology
Students within the specialization Chemical biology generally follow the R-profile scheme
but have to pass 4 of the following courses:
- Advanced protein crystallography; 5 EC
- Protein and Enzyme Engineering by Mutagenesis and Directed Evolution; 5 EC
- Advances in Chemical Biology; 5 EC
- Synthetic Biology & Systems Chemistry; 5 EC
B5.3.4 Science, business and policy profile
For information on the science, business and policy profile (SBP-profile) see chapter B2.3.
Master programme Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
79
B5.4 MASTER COURSES AND ELECTIVES
Master courses and electives are chosen in consultation with the study mentor. Courses
organized for the master’s programmes in this study guide are listed in chapter B8. The
Board of Examiners will consider other proposals seriously. Students may choose from
options available from other departments, other universities in the Netherlands or abroad.
A schedule for courses in academic year 2015-2016 is available in chapter B8. Time tables
with day to day planning of lectures, tutorials and practical are available on the web:
 www.rug.nl/fwn/roosters/2015
More extensive information about courses within the University of Groningen can be found
in Ocasys:
 www.rug.nl/ocasys
Ocasys is the digital course library of the University, it contains information about all courses
taught in the various faculties. The information concerns content, entry requirements,
lecturers, the period during which the courses are taught and the compulsory reading
lists/literature.
B5.5 STUDY MENTORS
The Board of Examiners has appointed study mentors for students, to contact for advice and
to discuss their specific degree programme content. The study mentor is an experienced
scientist working within the scientific domain of the master programme. This mentor guides
the student throughout the whole master programme from the first course through the
graduation ceremony.
Study mentors within molecular biology and biotechnology may be chosen from the list
below. Contact addresses are found using the search engine on:
 www.rug.nl
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Boekema, Prof. E.J.
Electron Microscopy
Dijkhuizen, Prof. L.
Microbial Physiology
Dijkstra, Prof. B.W.
X-ray Crystallography
Driessen, Prof. A.J.M.
Molecular Microbiology
Fraaije, Prof. M.W.
Biotechnology
Haastert, Prof. P.J.M. van
Cell Biology
Heinemann, Prof. M.
Molecular Systems Biology
Jansen, Prof. R.C.
Bioinformatics
Klei, Prof. I.J. van der
Molecular Cell Biology
Kok, Prof. J.
Molecular Genetics
Kuipers, Prof. O.P.
Molecular Genetics
Linskens, Dr. M.H.K.
Cell Biology/ Isotope Laboratory
Poolman, Prof. B.
Enzymology
Slotboom, Prof. D.J.
Enzymology
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Study Guide 2015-2016
B5.6 EXAMINERS
An examiner is a permanent member of the academic staff of the RUG or the UMCG,
appointed by the Board of Examiners, who can assess and grade research projects, essays,
colloquia and research assignments. The up-to-date list of appointed Examiners can be
found on the Nestor community. New Examiners can be appointed during the year by the
Board of Examiners. Their names and (other) revisions of the list of Examiners will be
published on the Nestor community.
Examiners can be contacted for research projects, essays, colloquia and research
assignments. Research projects, carried out in the research group of an Examiner will be
considered as an internal project. Research projects, essays or colloquia carried out under
the supervision of a staff member not mentioned in the list of examiners, require the
(co-)participation of an Examiner who takes the formal responsibility, including that of the
final assessment of the work. This arrangement is limited to so-called second research
projects, essays and colloquia.
It should be noted that most SBP-profile staff members are appointed as Examiner for the
modules science and business, science and policy and the internship of the SBP-profile only.
Master programme Biomedical Sciences
81
B6
MASTER PROGRAMME BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
B6.1 ADMISSION
Holders of the following Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Groningen are considered
to have sufficient knowledge and skills and will be automatically admitted to the Master’s
degree programme in Biomedical Sciences:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Biology or Life Science & Technology with one of the following
majors:
 Biomedische wetenschappen;
 Gedrag & neurowetenschappen plus the courses bio-organische chemie,
immunologie I and Moleculaire biologie en medische biologie;
 Moleculaire
levenswetenschappen
plus
the
minor
Biomedische
wetenschappen/Gedrag & neurowetenschappen (including the courses
receptorfarmacologie, immunology and moleculaire biologie en medische
biologie);
 Medisch farmaceutische wetenschappen plus the courses (farmaceutische/
medische) microbiologie and neurobiologie.
- A Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences plus the minor Biomedische
wetenschappen/ Gedrag en neurowetenschappen.
Students lacking one or two of the above mentioned courses, may sometimes be admitted on
the condition of including these courses within the electives of the master programme.
Students with a comparable Bachelor’s degree from another Dutch or foreign university may
also qualify for admission. However, admission is then granted on an individual basis by the
Board of Examiners. The Board of Examiners will check that students have the appropriate
qualifications. For international students, sufficient proficiency in English (IELTS test score
of 6.5 or a TOEFL test score of 580 (paper-based)) is also required.
A premaster programme is available for Dutch students with a suitable bachelor degree in
Higher Professional Education (HBO). The study load of this programme consists of 30 EC.
For more information and assistance with application please contact the academic advisor.
Before starting with the degree programme students need to register officially for the degree
programme via:
 www.studielink.nl
International students can apply via the online application tool:
 www.rug.nl/education/international-students/application-procedure
Or contact the admission office at:
 admissions@rug.nl
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Study Guide 2015-2016
B6.2 THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY
The master’s degree programme Biomedical Sciences focuses on the research area of life
processes in health and in the course of disease development. It is an interdisciplinary
research area at the interface between molecular and cellular biology, integral physiology
and medical sciences. Within the master programme students may focus on various research
areas, ranging from the molecular cellular biology underlying normal cell functioning to
integrative physiology and behaviour underlying sustainable health, as well the molecular
pathology of diseases (inflammation, autoimmunity, allergies and tumours, diseases of the
brain and nervous system including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis and
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), and the biological, physiological and molecular aspects of
emotional and affective disorders such as depression and phobias, stress pathology, anorexia
nervosa, obesity and related metabolic diseases.
B6.3 THE STRUCTURE OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY
The master’s programme is research oriented. It has two profiles: a research profile (Rprofile) and a science, business and policy profile (SBP-profile). In their first year all
students conduct a research project. Thereafter, they choose either to continue in the Rprofile or to enrol in the SBP-profile.
The R-profile focuses entirely on research to prepare for a career in academia or other
research institutes. The study programme therefore mainly consists of research projects,
which focus on learning about conducting research by actually doing it. Students will not
only independently perform experiments in the laboratory or the field, they will also go
through the whole process of conducting science developing skills such as searching for and
studying scientific literature, formulating hypotheses, designing and performing
experiments, and presenting results. Moreover the students follow theoretical and practical
courses, write an essay and present a colloquium on a selected scientific topic.
Within the R-profile students may choose a free programme or may specialize in ageing by
choosing the biology of ageing specialisation.
The SBP-profile comprises one year of research and one year aimed at the development of
policy and management-related understanding and skills to prepare for a career in a
company, consultancy or policy organization. This profile is especially for students who are
not only interested in science but also in the social and commercial aspects of scientific
developments and products. Additional training in interactions with other disciplines,
communication with non-scientists and general management skills is also part of this profile.
B6.3.1 Research profile
The research profile (R-profile) mainly consists of independent research, which focuses on
learning about conducting research by actually doing it. Students will not only independently
conduct experiments in a laboratory, but also gain experience with related issues, such as
formulating hypotheses, searching for and studying scientific literature and presenting
results.
Requirements for the Research profile
Study elements
Credits
Research project
≥ 40 EC
Research project
≥ 30EC
Master course
20 EC
Essay
5 EC
Colloquium
5 EC
Electives
≤ 20 EC
Master programme Biomedical Sciences
83
An assessment framework and guidelines for colloquium, essay and research
projects is published in chapter B9.
Students design their own study programme according to their interests. However, students
must choose a study mentor – an assistant professor or professor from the list in section
B6.5 – to advise them and discuss the contents of their individual study programmes with.
In addition to the above presented scheme, the following rules apply to the programme:
- Research projects, colloquium and essay must deal with different research subjects,
must be supervised by a different examiner (see B6.6) and must be approved before
hand by the Board of Examiners;
- The first research project must be performed at the FMNS (within life sciences
related research groups) or the UMCG under the supervision of one of the examiners
(see B6.6);
- A second research project can be performed outside our university or even abroad.
Usually, this research project is conducted in the laboratory of a colleague of one of
the academic staff members of the FMNS or the UMCG. An examiner always carries
the formal responsibility for external research projects and is responsible for the final
assessment. The final assessment of your project will be based on the advice of the
second assessor (the daily supervisor) about your daily performance, the final
research report and a compulsory oral presentation given in the group of the
examiner in Groningen;
- Supervisors of research projects, the colloquium, and the essay must be an examiner
and thus have to be appointed for this task by the Board of Examiners (see B6.6). A
PhD student or postdoc may take on the daily supervision, but ultimate responsibility
remains with the permanent staff members;
- The research project has an entry requirement. Before it can be started the student
must have obtained a Safe Microbiological Technique certificate (VMT in Dutch).
Students who do not yet have such a certificate have to register to the Microbiological
Safety course to obtain one;
- The colloquium has an entry requirement. Before it can be started, at least one
research project must have been completed;
- Before starting the second research project, the mark you received for your first
project must have been registered in ProgRESS WWW;
- Master courses are chosen from the lists presented in chapter B8. The Board of
Examiners may permit the student to select one or more courses within the scientific
domain of the degree programme from another master’s degree programme (from
the University of Groningen or from another university);
- Electives may be:
 An extension of a research project with 5-20 EC. In case a student has obtained an
odd number of ECTS (due to a non-5 ECTS course), a research project may also
be extended with less than 5 ECTS. Propositions for extensions more than 10 EC
must be requested before the start of the research project. Arrangements for
extensions of 5-10 EC may also be made during the midterm review;
 Additional master courses / electives;
 Bachelor courses to repair specific deficiencies (but not more than 10 EC);
 A research assignment with a study load of 5, 10, 15 or 20 EC (cannot be started
before at least one research project has been finished). The extra regulations for
approval of a research assignment are described in chapter B9.1 and on Nestor;
 A maximum of 2 EC on electives organized by the Donald Smits Centre for
Information Technology (see chapter B8).
All elements in an individual study programme must be approved by the Board of Examiners
(use the ‘yellow form’, collected from the Education Support Desk or downloaded from
Nestor).
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Study Guide 2015-2016
B6.3.2 Biology of Ageing track
The track biology of ageing aims to provide master students with a global and mechanistic
understanding of the biology of ageing and age-related pathologies. Students will be trained
to do state-of-the art research in epidemiology, genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, and
systems biology of age-related pathologies, such as brain-, immune-, and metabolic diseases.
With a specialization in biology of ageing students will be prepared to drive innovations in
biomedical research (or make health policies) and health care in an ageing society.
Students within the biology of ageing track follow the research profile. However, students
choose specialization-specific Master’s courses. For entry requirements see:
 www.rug.nl/ocasys
Requirements for Biology of Ageing
Study elements
Credits
≥ 40EC
Research project in ageing
≥ 30EC
Research project in ageing
20 EC
Master courses:
- Current themes in healthy ageing (5 EC)
- Molecular biology of ageing & age-related
diseases (5 EC)
- 10 EC of a selection of courses from list A
5 EC
Essay
5 EC
Colloquium
≤ 20 EC
Electives
List A
Biology of Ageing students select 10 EC from the following list
Master Courses
Credits
Advanced metabolism & nutrition
5 EC
Meurodegenerative diseases
5 EC
Immunology: from bench to bedside and back
5 EC
Stem cells and regenerative medicine
5 EC
In addition, first research projects will be executed in research groups that do ageing related
research in the fields of Biomedical Sciences within the FMNS or at the UMCG. Second
research projects also are related to ageing research but can be performed outside the
university or even abroad.
For more information about the track and advice about individual degree programme
content please contact the track coordinator for Biology of Ageing:
 Dr. E.A.A. Nollen
Telephone 06 5272 4881
e.a.a.nollen@med.umcg.nl
B6.3.3 Science, business and policy profile
For information on the science, business and policy profile (SBP-profile) see chapter B2.3.
Master programme Biomedical Sciences
85
B6.4 MASTER COURSES AND ELECTIVES
Master courses and electives are chosen in consultation with the study mentor. Courses
organized for the master’s programmes in this study guide are listed in chapterB8. The
Board of Examiners will consider other proposals seriously. Students may choose from
options available from other departments, other universities in the Netherlands or abroad.
A schedule for courses in academic year 2015-2016 is available in chapter B8. Time tables
with day to day planning of lectures, tutorials and practical are available on the web:
 www.rug.nl/fwn/roosters/2015
More extensive information about courses within the University of Groningen can be found
in Ocasys:
 www.rug.nl/ocasys
Ocasys is the digital course library of the University, it contains information about all courses
taught in the various faculties. The information concerns content, entry requirements,
lecturers, the period during which the courses are taught and the compulsory reading
lists/literature.
B6.5 RESEARCH AREA AND STUDY MENTORS
Research within Biomedical Sciences in Groningen is mainly conducted within:
- The GUIDE graduate school
 www.rug.nl/research/gradschool-medical-sciences/organization/guide
- Relevant research groups from the school of Behavioural and Cognitive
Neurosciences
 www.rug.nl/research/behavioural-cognitive-neurosciences/research/
- The Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences
 www.rug.nl/research/institute-evolutionary-life-sciences/
- Or the European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing
 www.umcg.nl/EN/Research/Eriba
The Board of Examiners has appointed study mentors for students, to contact for advice and
to discuss their specific degree programme content. The study mentor is an experienced
scientist working within the scientific domain of the master programme. This mentor guides
the student throughout the whole master programme from the first course through the
graduation ceremony.
Study mentors within Biomedical Sciences may be chosen from the list below. Contact
addresses are found using the search engine on:
 www.rug.nl
Study mentors within the biomedical sciences master’s programme
Mentor
Research Areas
Chronobiology; biological clock; cellular coupling; impact of light; specialized
Prof.
structure of the retina; output pathways of the clock to peripheral oscillators;
D.G.M.
annual rhythms in behaviour; hibernation; shift work and health; daylight
Beersma
saving time.
Prof. G.
Integrative neurobiology of energy balance; Neuroendocrinology;
van Dijk
Behavioural energetics; Developmental programming; Aging.
Medical Microbiology: Roles of microbes in health and disease; Microbial
Prof. J.M.
Systems Biology; Bacterial protein secretion mechanisms and analysis of
van Dijl
secreted virulence factors; New targets for antimicrobial therapy;
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA); Streptococcus pneumoniae; Bacillus subtilis.
Dr. B.J.L.
Developmental Genetics; Embryonic stem cells, Chromatin structure,
Eggen
Epigenetics, Embryonic development, Neurobiology, Neuroimmunology.
Dr. M.M.
Immunology in general; autoimmune diseases, allergy and asthma;
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Study Guide 2015-2016
Faas
Prof. K.N.
Faber
Dr. M.C.
Harmsen
Prof. G.J.
ter Horst
Prof.
F.A.E.
Kruyt
Prof. H.
Meurs
Prof.
E.A.A.
Nollen
Prof.
O.C.M.
Sibon
Prof.
A.J.W.
Scheurink
Prof. E.A.
van der
Zee
immunoendocrinology; effects of pregnancy and gender on immune
responses; pregnancy complications; Gut immunology; nutritional
immunology; pre and probiotics;immunology of cell transplantation;
transplantion of islets of Langerhans; Medical Biology; see also our website:
 www.rug.nl/research/pathology/medbiol/
Gastroenterology and Hepatology (GE&H): Molecular and cellular causing
cholestatic liver disease and liver fibrosis. Therapeutic action of bile acids and
vitamin A to treat liver diseases. Function and regulation of transport
processes (excretion and absorption) in the liver and intestine. Mechanisms
of cell death (apoptosis and necrosis) in acute and chronic liver disease.
Molecular mechanisms that cause intestinal inflammation in Inflammatory
Bowel Disease (IBD, e.g. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), but also how
current IBD drugs work at the cellular level. Models: Primary liver cells,
human cell lines, laboratory animals and patient (blood/biopsy) material.
Analyses: RNA, protein, immunohistochemistry & (confocal laser scanning)
microscopy. The department of G&H is part of the Center for liver, Digestive
and Metabolic Diseases – CLDS.
Regenerative Medicine; Cardiovascular disease; Stem cells; Cellular Plasticity
/ Fibrosis; Molecular/Cellular/Epigenetic pathways in Cardiovascular
Disease.
 www.rug.nl/research/pathology/medbiol/
Psychiatry, gender, stress and animal models; Dopamine; Depression and
schizophrenia; Neuroimaging fMRI, EEG, and PET; (human) Neuroanatomy.
 www.bcn-nic.nl
 www.rug.nl/research/neurosciences
Oncology; Targeted cancer therapy (apoptosis, growth factor receptor
signaling, kinase inhibitors); DNA damage checkpoints in cancer; Tumor
invasion and microenvironment; Cancer stem cells; Tumor imaging;
Epigenetics in cancer; Translational research.
 www.rug.nl/research/oncology/researchlines
Airway pharmacology; Immunopharmacology; Signal transduction
mechanisms; Asthma; Allergy; COPD; Airway mechanics; Inflammation;
Tissue remodelling; Novel targets for drug treatment; Translational research.
 www.rug.nl/research/molecular-pharmacology/research/;
 www.griac.nl
Track Biology of Ageing; neurodegeneration; aging;protein aggregation;
C.elegans
 www.eriba.umcg.nl
Stem cell biology in ageing and diseases; Mechanisms of neurodegeneration
(Huntington, Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson-like diseases); Stem cell therapy;
Development of (in vivo) imaging technology; Light and electron microscopy;
Mouse, Drosophila and Yeast genetics; Cell polarity and trafficking; Signal
transduction, Autophagy in health and disease.
 www.rug.nl/research/celbiologie/
Neuroendocrinology; Physiology; Brain and Behaviour; Eating disorders:
Physiology of food intake; Energy expenditure and exercise.
Learning and Memory; Brain and Behaviour; Brain Aging; Memory
disorders; Memory therapies; Exercise and Brain; Chronobiology.
Master programme Biomedical Sciences
87
B6.6 EXAMINERS
An examiner is a permanent member of the academic staff of the RUG or the UMCG,
appointed by the Board of Examiners, who can assess and grade research projects, essays,
colloquia and research assignments. The up-to-date list of appointed Examiners can be
found on the Nestor community. New Examiners can be appointed during the year by the
Board of Examiners. Their names and (other) revisions of the list of Examiners will be
published on the Nestor community.
Examiners can be contacted for research projects, essays, colloquia and research
assignments. Research projects, carried out in the research group of an Examiner will be
considered as an internal project. Research projects, essays or colloquia carried out under
the supervision of a staff member not mentioned in the list of examiners, require the
(co-)participation of an Examiner who takes the formal responsibility, including that of the
final assessment of the work. This arrangement is limited to so-called second research
projects, essays and colloquia.
It should be noted that most SBP-profile staff members are appointed as Examiner for the
modules science and business, science and policy and the internship of the SBP-profile only.
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Study Guide 2015-2016
B7
MASTER PROGRAMME MEDICAL PHARMACEUTICAL
SCIENCES
B7.1 ADMISSION
Holders of the following Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Groningen are considered
to have sufficient knowledge and skills and will be automatically admitted to the Master’s
degree programme in Medical Pharmaceutical Sciences:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- A Bachelor’s degree in Biology or Life Science & Technology with one of the following
majors:
 Medisch farmaceutische wetenschappen;
 Biomedische wetenschappen including the courses receptorfarmacologie and
geneesmiddel van target tot gebruik, or the minor farmaceutische
wetenschappen;
 Moleculaire levenswetenschappen plus the minor Biomedische
wetenschappen/Gedrag en neurowetenschappen (including courses
receptorfarmacologie and immunology), or the minor farmaceutische
wetenschappen.
Students lacking one or two of the above mentioned courses, may sometimes be admitted on
the condition of including these courses within the electives of the master programme.
Students with a comparable Bachelor’s degree from another Dutch or foreign university may
also qualify for admission. However, admission is then granted on an individual basis by the
Board of Examiners. The Board of Examiners will check that students have the appropriate
qualifications. For international students, sufficient proficiency in English (IELTS test score
of 6.5 or a TOEFL test score of 580 (paper-based)) is also required.
A premaster programme is available for Dutch students with a suitable bachelor degree in
Higher Professional Education (HBO). The study load of this programme consists of 30 EC.
For more information and assistance with application please contact the academic advisor.
Before starting with the degree programme students need to register officially for the degree
programme via:
 www.studielink.nl
International students can apply via the online application tool:
 www.rug.nl/education/international-students/application-procedure
Or contact the admission office at:
 admissions@rug.nl
Master programme Medical Pharmaceutical Sciences
89
B7.2 THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY
The field of Medical Pharmaceutical Sciences (MPS) is interdisciplinary, focusing on
molecular intervention of disease by drugs, and covering all discipline fields from molecular
modelling of drug/target interactions to pharmacoeconomics, pharmaco-epidemiology and
pharmacovigilance. Proper knowledge of molecular pathology combined with fundamental
understanding of the mechanisms of actions of drugs and of their development, new
paradigms in drug development can be generated.
The research is concentrated on cardiovascular and renal diseases, asthma and COPD, liver
and metabolic diseases, cancer, and diseases related to the immune cell (dys)function.
Furthermore, ageing and healthy ageing has been recently become an integrated part of the
research programme. Within this Master programme a specialisation in Toxicology and Drug
Disposition is offered that focuses on adverse reactions and toxicokinetics of drugs. Another
specialisation is on Pharmaco-epidemiology which provides training as a researcher in the
subjects of pharmacovigilance, database research, observational and trial intervention
methodology and utilization studies with specific attention to the role of pharmaceuticals in
healthy ageing.
B7.3 THE STRUCTURE OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME OF STUDY
The master’s programme is research oriented. It has two profiles: a research profile (Rprofile) and a science, business and policy profile (SBP-profile). In their first year all
students conduct a research project. Thereafter, they choose either to continue in the Rprofile or to enrol in the SBP-profile.
The R-profile focuses entirely on research to prepare for a career in academia or other
research institutes. The study programme therefore mainly consists of research projects,
which focus on learning about conducting research by actually doing it. Students will not
only independently perform experiments in the laboratory or the field, they will also go
through the whole process of conducting science developing skills such as searching for and
studying scientific literature, formulating hypotheses, designing and performing
experiments, and presenting results. Moreover the students follow theoretical and practical
courses, write an essay and present a colloquium on a selected scientific topic.
Within the R-profile students may choose a free programme, may specialize in adverse drug
reactions and pharmacokinetics by choosing the toxicology and drug disposition
specialization or in pharmaco-epidemiology by choosing the pharmaco-epidemiology
specialization.
The SBP-profile comprises one year of research and one year aimed at the development of
policy and management-related understanding and skills to prepare for a career in a
company, consultancy or policy organization. This profile is especially for students who are
not only interested in science but also in the social and commercial aspects of scientific
developments and products. Additional training in interactions with other disciplines,
communication with non-scientists and general management skills is also part of this profile.
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Study Guide 2015-2016
B7.3.1 Research profile
The research profile (R-profile) mainly consists of independent research, which focuses on
learning about conducting research by actually doing it. Students will not only independently
conduct experiments in a laboratory, but also gain experience with related issues, such as
formulating hypotheses, searching for and studying scientific literature and presenting
results.
Requirements for the Research profile
Study elements
Research project
Research project
Master courses:
- Drug development (5EC)
Essay
Colloquium
Electives
Credits
≥ 40 EC
≥ 30 EC
20 EC
5 EC
5 EC
≤ 20 EC
An assessment framework and guidelines for colloquium, essay and research
projects is published in chapter B9.
Students design their own study programme according to their interests. However, students
must choose a study mentor – an assistant professor or professor from the list in section
B7.5 – to advise them and discuss the contents of their individual study programmes with.
In addition to the above presented scheme, the following rules apply to the programme:
- Research projects, colloquium and essay must deal with different research subjects,
must be supervised by a different examiner (see B7.6) and must be approved before
hand by the Board of Examiners;
- The first research project must be performed at the FMNS (within life sciences
related research groups) or the UMCG under the supervision of one of the examiners
(see B7.6);
- A second research project can be performed outside our university or even abroad.
Usually, this research project is conducted in the laboratory of a colleague of one of
the academic staff members of the FMNS or the UMCG. An examiner always carries
the formal responsibility for external research projects and is responsible for the final
assessment. The final assessment of your project will be based on the advice of the
second assessor (the daily supervisor) about your daily performance, the final
research report and a compulsory oral presentation given in the group of the
examiner in Groningen;
- Supervisors of research projects, the colloquium, and the essay must be an examiner
and thus have to be appointed for this task by the Board of Examiners (see B7.6). A
PhD student or postdoc may take on the daily supervision, but ultimate responsibility
remains with the permanent staff member;
- The research project has an entry requirement. Before it can be started the student
must have obtained a Safe Microbiological Technique certificate (VMT in Dutch).
Students who do not yet have such a certificate have to register to the Microbiological
Safety course to obtain one;
- The colloquium has an entry requirement. Before it can be started, at least one
research project must have been completed;
- Before starting the second research project, the mark you received for your first
project must have been registered in ProgRESS WWW;
- Master courses are chosen from the lists presented in chapter B8. The Board of
Examiners may permit the student to select one or more courses within the scientific
domain of the degree programme from another master’s degree programme (from
the University of Groningen or from another university);
- Electives may be:
Master programme Medical Pharmaceutical Sciences





91
An extension of a research project with 5-20 EC. In case a student has obtained an
odd number of ECTS (due to a non-5 ECTS course), a research project may also
be extended with less than 5 ECTS. Propositions for extensions more than 10 EC
must be requested before the start of the research project. Arrangements for
extensions of 5-10 EC may also be made during the midterm review;
Additional master courses / electives;
Bachelor courses to repair specific deficiencies (but not more than 10 EC);
A research assignment with a study load of 5, 10, 15 or 20 EC (cannot be started
before at least one research project has been finished). The extra regulations for
approval of a research assignment are described in chapter B9.1 and on Nestor;
A maximum of 2 EC on electives organized by the Donald Smits Centre for
Information Technology (see chapter B8).
All elements in an individual study programme must be approved by the Board of Examiners
(use the ‘yellow form’, collected from the Education Support Desk or downloaded from
Nestor).
B7.3.2 Toxicology and drug disposition track
The toxicology and drug disposition track focuses on adverse reactions and the toxicokinetics
of drugs. This field of research is also referred to as ADME-Tox (Absorption, Disposition,
Metabolism, Excretion Toxicology). The specialization focuses particularly on the assessment
and prediction of adverse drug reactions and offers modules in a broad area of toxicology,
ranging from molecular studies, cellular stress, teratology to clinical toxicology and postmarketing surveillance. The post-doctoral toxicology module forms a good basis to qualify
for registration as a toxicologist. It offers the opportunity for students to focus on this
interesting and highly relevant field, where innovations are expected in the areas of
alternatives to animal experiments, toxicokinetics modelling and systems biology.
Students within the toxicology and drug disposition track follow the research profile.
However, students choose specialization-specific Master’s modules. For the entry
requirements see:
 www.rug.nl/ocasys
Requirements for the toxicology and drug disposition track
Credits
Study elements
≥ 40 EC
Research project in ADME-Tox
≥ 30 EC
Research project in ADME-Tox
5 EC
Colloquium
5 EC
Essay
≤ 20 EC
Electives
20 EC
Master courses:
- Drug development (5 EC)
- Molecular toxicology (5 EC)
- Advanced pharmacokinetics (5 EC)
- 5 EC selected from list A
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Study Guide 2015-2016
List A
Toxicology & drug disposition students select 5 EC from the following list
Master courses
Credits
Animal & human experimentation1
5 EC
(or2 handling laboratory animals for 4 ECTS)
Innovative dosage forms
5 EC
Pharmacovigilance
5 EC
Clinical toxicology
5 EC
Reproductive toxicology
5 EC
Animal and Human experimentation is compulsory for students who will do animal experiments
during one of their research projects, but can be followed exclusively in combination with such an
approved research project.
1, 2
In addition, both research projects are performed in the ADME-Tox area and chosen in
consultation with the track coordinator. Suggestions for research groups to do a research
project are:
- Pharmacokinetics and Drug Delivery (toxicology, metabolism, pharmacokinetics);
- Pharmacoepidemiology, Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutical Care (teratogenesis,
side effects);
- Department of Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy (UMCG) (clinical pharmacokinetics)
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology (UMCG) (apoptosis, transporters);
- Cell Biology (UMCG) (stress response).
For more information about the track, advice about individual degree programme content
and to work out your options if you do not meet the entry requirements for specific modules,
please contact the track coordinator for Toxicology and drug disposition:
 Prof. G.M.M. Groothuis
Telephone (050 363) 3273
g.m.m.groothuis@rug.nl
B7.3.3 Pharmaco-epidemiology track
The vast array of available drugs and vaccines accentuate a clear need for drug designers,
regulatory officers, pharmacovigilance experts at the one hand and pharmacists and other
health care workers at the other hand to know the determinants and health impact of drug
use in ageing populations. Pharmaco-epidemiology is the scientific area that through valid
research advances the understanding of these topics. The specific track “Pharmacoepidemiology” covers the basics of the field by combining, basic medicine, pharmacy,
epidemiology, biostatistics and demography. Furthermore, the track allows for broadening
expertise in laboratory drug sciences during the minor research project. It addresses
pharmacists and pharmaceutical industry professionals who are involved with drug
development or post-marketing surveillance as well as other professionals in the health care
sector with an interest in drug epidemiology. Students within the pharmaco-epidemiology
track follow the research profile. However, students choose specialization-specific Master’s
modules. For entry requirements see:
 www.rug.nl/ocasys
Master programme Medical Pharmaceutical Sciences
Requirements for the pharmaco-epidemiology track
Study elements
Research project in pharmaco-epidemiology
Research project
Colloquium
Essay
Electives (preferably from list B)
Master courses:
- Drug development (5 EC)
- Medical statistics (3 EC)
- Basics in medicine (8 EC)
- Pharmacoepidemiology UK1 (5 EC)
- Pharmacoepidemiology in practice (5 EC)
93
Credits
≥ 40 EC
≥ 30 EC
5 EC
5 EC
≤ 10 EC
30 EC
Students who accomplished the equivalent course ‘farmacoepidemiologie’ in their bachelor
programme will be exempted from this requirement. They shall include 5 ECTS extra electives in
their master programme.
1
List B
Suggested electives for pharmaco-epidemiology track:
Master courses
Advanced pharmacoepidemiology
Pharmaco-economics
Pharmacovigilance
Reproductive toxicology
Credits
5 EC
5 EC
5 EC
5 EC
In addition, the subject of the first research project is in the field of pharmacoepidemiology.
The other research project is chosen in another discipline within the domain of the master
programme. Courses are organized by the unit Pharmacoepidemiology&Pharmacoeconomics
(PE2) which is part of the European Network of Centres for Pharmacoepidemiology and
Pharmacovigilance (ENCEPP, see: www.encepp.eu) and part of the SHARE graduate school
collaborative research group Methods in Medicines Evaluation &Outcomes Research (M2O).
Master projects can be followed at the units of PE2 and Pharmacotherapy&Pharmaceutical
care (PTPC) of the Pharmacy department as well as the Epidemiology and Clinical
Pharmacology departments of the University Medical Center Groningen. At these units,
years of experience is available through research in the specific field of clinical epidemiology
and pharmacoepidemiology. In addition, the Demography department has much expertise in
trend analysis, for example, in drug use and effects. Areas of expertise of the participating
units:
- Drug utilization and demographics;
- Epidemiology of vaccine-preventable diseases;
- Prognostic and diagnostic epidemiological studies;
- Genetic pharmacoepidemiology;
- Pharmacovigilance;
- Statistical modeling, meta-analyses and mixed treatment comparisons;
- Observational intervention studies;
- Clinical trial methodology;
- Evidence based medicine/pharmacology.
For more information about the track, advice about individual degree programme content
and to work out your options if you do not meet the entry requirements for specific modules,
please contact the track coordinator:
 Prof. E. Hak
Telephone (050 363) 8707
e.hak@rug.nl
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Study Guide 2015-2016
B7.3.4 Science, business and policy profile
For information on the science, business and policy profile (SBP-profile) see chapter B2.3.
The course Drug Development (5 EC) is also compulsory for this profile.
B7.4 MASTER COURSES AND ELECTIVES
Master courses and electives are chosen in consultation with the study mentor. Courses
organized for the master’s programmes in this study guide are listed in chapter B8. The
Board of Examiners will consider other proposals seriously. Students may choose from
options available from other departments, other universities in the Netherlands or abroad.
A schedule for courses in academic year 2015-2016 is available in chapter B8. Time tables
with day to day planning of lectures, tutorials and practical are available on the web:
 www.rug.nl/fwn/roosters/2015
More extensive information about courses within the University of Groningen can be found
in Ocasys:
 www.rug.nl/ocasys
Ocasys is the digital course library of the University, it contains information about all courses
taught in the various faculties. The information concerns content, entry requirements,
lecturers, the period during which the courses are taught and the compulsory reading
lists/literature.
B7.5 RESEARCH AREA’S AND STUDY MENTORS
Research in medical pharmaceutical sciences in Groningen is mainly conducted within the
GUIDE graduate school:
 www.rug.nl/research/gradschool-medical-sciences/organization/guide
Within GUIDE there is close cooperation between researchers from pharmacy (FMNS) and
the UMCG. This multidisciplinary cooperation between clinical, preclinical and
pharmaceutical scientists is based on the opinion that new ideas for the treatment of disease
often emerge when knowledge of the pathophysiology of diseases is combined with
knowledge of drug development.
Research can also be conducted within the research programme ‘Evidence based medicine of
practice’ of the SHARE graduate school:
 www.rug.nl/gradschoolshare
The Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy:
 www.rug.nl/research/grip
The Board of Examiners has appointed study mentors for students to contact for advice and
to discuss their specific degree programme content. The study mentor is an experienced
scientist working within the scientific domain of the master programme. The mentor guides
the student throughout the whole master programme from the first module through the
graduation ceremony.
Study mentors within Medical Pharmaceutical Sciences may be chosen from the list below.
Contact addresses can be found using the search engine on:
 www.rug.nl
Master programme Medical Pharmaceutical Sciences
95
Study mentors for Medical Pharmaceutical Sciences
Mentor
Research institute
Prof.
Medical Chemistry and Bioanalysis – MCB
R.P.H.
(Bischoff, Horvatovich) Proteomics; Disease biomarkers; Mass spectrometry;
Bischoff
Bioinformatics;
 www.rug.nl/research/analytical-biochemistry/
(Verpoorte) Microfluidics, Lab-on-a-Chip Systems;
 www.rug.nl/research/pharmaceutical-analysis/
(Dömling) Organic synthesis, Anti-cancer therapeutics, Molecular design;
 www.rug.nl/research/drug-design/
Prof. K.N. Gastroenterology and Hepatology (GE&H): Molecular and cellular causing
Faber
cholestatic liver disease and liver fibrosis. Therapeutic action of bile acids and
vitamin A to treat liver diseases. Function and regulation of transport
processes (excretion and absorption) in the liver and intestine. Mechanisms
of cell death (apoptosis and necrosis) in acute and chronic liver disease.
Molecular mechanisms that cause intestinal inflammation in Inflammatory
Bowel Disease (IBD), and how current IBD drugs work at the cellular level.
Models: Primary liver cells, human cell lines, laboratory animals and patient
(blood/biopsy) material. Analyses: RNA, protein, immunohistochemistry &
(confocal laser scanning) microscopy. The department of G&H is part of the
Centre for liver, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases – CLDS.
Prof.
Institute for Biopharmaceuticals; Discovery, Design and Delivery – BDDD
G.M.M.
Drug discovery and design (engineered proteins; disease models for fibrosis,
Groothuis endothelial disfunction, cancer, modification of gene transcription, the cell as
source of pharmaceutical products); Drug targeting (carrier proteins,
therapeutic proteins, viruses, virosomes, liposomes); Drug development
(formulation, pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, drug transport- and PKPD
modelling; Toxicology (in vitro prediction of toxicology and metabolism,
toxicity of metal drugs, nanatoxicology):
 www.rug.nl/research/grip
Coordinator toxicology and drug disposition track.
Prof. E.
Coordinator pharmaco-epidemiology track. PharmacoEpidemiology &
Hak
PharmacoEconomics – PE2.
 www.umcg.nl/EN/Research/InstitutesProgrammes/SHARE/Program
mes/Paginas/m2o
Prof. P.
Translational Immunology Groningen (TRIGR); autoimmunity; tumour
Heeringa
immunology; inflammation; renal diseases; endothelium; microbes in human
health and disease.
 www.umcg.nl/EN/Research/InstitutesProgrammes/GUIDE/Program
mes/Paginas/TRIGR
Prof R.H.
Pharmacology; Medicine, Research & Experimental Biochemistry &
Henning
Molecular Biology; Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
 www.rug.nl/research/clinical-pharmacology
Prof. M.J. PharmacoEpidemiology & PharmacoEconomics – PE2
Postma
 www.rug.nl/research/pharmacoepidemiology-pharmacoeconomics/
Prof. M.
Signaling mechanisms; airway/vascular smooth muscle; airway epithelial
Schmidt
cells; vascular endothelial cells; neuronal cells; COPD; Alzheimer’s Dementia;
Diabetes.
 www.rug.nl/research/molecular-pharmacology/research/
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Study Guide 2015-2016
B7.6 EXAMINERS
An examiner is a permanent member of the academic staff of the RUG or the UMCG,
appointed by the Board of Examiners, who can assess and grade research projects, essays,
colloquia and research assignments. The up-to-date list of appointed Examiners can be
found on the Nestor community. New Examiners can be appointed during the year by the
Board of Examiners. Their names and (other) revisions of the list of Examiners will be
published on the Nestor community.
Examiners can be contacted for research projects, essays, colloquia and research
assignments. Research projects, carried out in the research group of an Examiner will be
considered as an internal project. Research projects, essays or colloquia carried out under
the supervision of a staff member not mentioned in the list of examiners, require the
(co-)participation of an Examiner who takes the formal responsibility, including that of the
final assessment of the work. This arrangement is limited to so-called second research
projects, essays and colloquia.
It should be noted that most SBP-profile staff members are appointed as Examiner for the
modules science and business, science and policy and the internship of the SBP-profile only.
Master courses and electives
97
B8
MASTER COURSES AND ELECTIVES
B8.1 MASTER COURSES AND ELECTIVES
Within the Master’s programme students must at least follow 20 EC in master courses to
train themselves in specific knowledge and/or techniques relevant to their individual
programme. Master courses usually serve to increase specific knowledge and skills in the
domain of the Master’s programme. They often serve as preparation for the research
projects. In addition, students can do up to 20 EC in elective master courses (named
‘electives’). Master courses and electives are chosen in consultation with the study mentor.
For up to date information regarding the courses, such as assessment, entry requirements
and learning objectives, Ocasys is leading.
B8.1.1 Methods of instruction
Lectures
Theoretical parts of the programmes are usually covered with lectures. Theory is explained
and illustrated with examples and applications.
Tutorials
In many cases lectures will be complemented by tutorials or practice sessions. Small groups
of students complete exercises or discuss difficult topics under the supervision of a lecturer.
Practicals
Practicals are an important part of the degree programme. The practicals comprise
experiments lasting one or more days or complete projects, depending on the study phase.
B8.1.2 Master courses and electives
The following lists presents study elements that can be choosen as ‘master courses’ and
‘electives’. The two columns on the right indicates the master’s programmes for which the
courses were developed in particular:
- BMS = Biomedical Sciences
- MPS = Medical Pharmaceutical Sciences
- B = Biology
- BN= specialization Behaviour and Neurosciences in the master’s programme Biology
- EE = Ecology and Evolution
- MB = Marine Biology
- MBB = Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Time tables with day to day planning of lectures, tutorials and practicals are available on the
web:
 www.rug.nl/fwn/roosters/2015/
After consultation with the study mentor and approval of the Board of Examiners (use the
‘yellow form’) students may also choose from options available from other departments,
other universities in the Netherlands or even abroad. If the course of your choice is not in
Ocasys provide a description of the course as attachment to your yellow form.
B8.1.3 Master courses
The following list presents study elements that can be chosen as part of the ‘master courses’
(unless stated differently). After consultation with the study mentor and approval of the
Board of Examiners (use the ‘yellow form’) students may also choose from options available
from other departments, other universities in the Netherlands or even abroad. In case the
‘master courses’ in an individual programme are completely filled, additional master courses
may be chosen, which will automatically be part of the ‘electives’.
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Study Guide 2015-2016
Master courses within the graduate school of Life sciences
Course
ECTS Programmes
Advanced light microscopy
5
BMS
Advanced imaging techniques
5
BMS
Advanced metabolism & nutrition
5
BMS
Advanced pharmacoepidemiology
5
MPS
Advanced pharmacokinetics
5
MPS
Advanced statistics
5
BMS
Animal and human experimentation: design,
5
BMS, MPS
practice and ethics^
Behavioural pharmacology
5
BMS, MPS
BioNano
5
MPS
Clinical toxicology
5
MPS
Current themes in healthy ageing
5
BMS
Current themes in inflammation and cancer 5
BMS
Drug development
5
MPS, BMS
Immunology: from bedside to bench and
5
BMS
back
Industrial bioanalysis
5
MPS
Innovative dosage forms
5
MPS
Introduction to the behavioural and
4
BMS
cognitive neurosciences
Medicinal natural products
10
MPS
Microbiological safety
1
MPS, BMS
Molecular biology of ageing and age-related
5
BMS
diseases
Molecular toxicology
5
MPS
Neurobiology of nutrition
5
BMS
Neurodegenerative diseases
5
BMS
Nutrition in medicine
5
BMS
Orientation on international careers
5
BMS, MPS
Pharmaceutical biology practical
5
MPS
Pharmaceutical biotechnology
5
MPS
Pharmaco-economics
5
MPS
Pharmacoepidemiology in practice
5
MPS
Pharmacoepidemiology UK
5
MPS
Pharmacovigilance
5
MPS
Practical bioinformatics for biologists
5
Professionalism and ethics in science
5
BMS^, MPS^
Programming in C++ for biologists
5
BMS
Radioisotopes in experimental biology
5
BMS, MPS
Reproductive toxicology
5
MPS
Research proposal cancer research
5
BMS
Scientific writing
5
BMS, MPS
Stem cells & regenerative medicine
5
BMS
Selected topics in molecular pharmacology
3
MPS
Programmes
B, BN, EE, MB, MBB
B, BN, MBB
B, BN
B, BN, EE, MB, MBB
B, BN, EE, MB, MBB
B, BN
B, BN, MBB
B, BN, MBB
B, BN
B, BN
BN
B, BN, MBB
B, BN
B, BN, EE, MB, MBB
B, BN, EE, MB, MBB
B, BN, EE, MB, MBB
B, BN, EE, MB, MBB
B, BN, EE, MB, MBB
B, MBB
* In consultation with the study mentor students can either follow this course or the 4 ECTS course
handling laboratory animals, (ex. Art.9 Experiments on Animals Act).
^ Students who follow the SBP-profile may only choose this course as part of the ‘electives’ not as
part of the ‘master courses’.
Master courses and electives
99
Master courses organised by the research institute GELIFES and ESRIG
Course
ECTS Programmes Programmes
Current themes seminar series
2
B, EE, MB
Groningen lectures in theoretical biology
2-6
B, BN, EE, MB
GELIFES lectures
2
B, EE, MB
Mathematical models in ecology and
6
B, BN, EE, MB
evolution
A Primer in Population Genetic Modeling
5
B, EE, MB
(not in 2015-2016)
Advanced selforganisation, of social
5
B, EE, MB
systems
Ecosystems Mediterranean rocky shores
10
MB
(not in 2015-2016)
Meta- analyses in Ecology
5
B, EE, MB
Polar ecosystems
5
B, EE, MB
Molecular methods in ecology & evolution
10
B, EE, MB
Research proposal Ecology and Evolution
5
B, EE, MB
Flyway ecology
5
B, EE, MB
Genetics in Conservation and Ecology
5
B, EE, MB
Evolutionary ecology of marine organisms 5
B, EE, MB
Marine ecosystem service & global change
5
B, EE, MB
Numerical modelling marine biologists
5
B, EE, MB
Master courses organised by the research institute GBB
Course
ECTS Programmes
Advanced protein crystallography
5
Protein crystallography 2
5
Multidimensional NMR 1
5
Multidimensional NMR 2
5
Electron microscopy of biological
5
macromolecules
DNA microarray analysis
5
BMS*, MPS*
Advances in signal transduction
5
Advanced Membrane Biology
5
Organelle and membrane biogenesis
5
Molecular dynamics and modeling of
5
membranes and proteins
Protein and enzyme engineering by
5
mutagenesis and directed evolution
Tools and approaches of systems biology
5
BMS*
Biocatalysis & Green chemistry
5
BMS*
Topics in enzymology
5
BMS*, MPS*
Advanced genetic engineering and complex
5
gene regulatory circuitries
Programmes
B, MBB
B, MBB
B, MBB
B, MBB
B, MBB
B, BN, EE, MB, MBB
B, MBB
B, MBB
B, MBB
B, MBB
B, MBB
B, MBB
B, MBB
B, MBB
B, MBB
* Students following these degree programmes may only choose these courses as part of the
‘electives’ not as part of the ‘master courses’.
Master courses organised by Science & Society
Course
ECTS Programmes
Science & Business#
10
BMS, MPS
#
Science & Policy
10
BMS, MPS
Programmes
B, BN, EE, MB,MBB
B, BN, EE, MB,MBB
Students who follow the R-profile may only choose these courses as part of the ‘electives’ not as
part of the ‘master courses’.
#
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Study Guide 2015-2016
Master course organised by Spatial Sciences
Course
ECTS Programmes
Transitions in water management
5
Programmes
B, EE, MB
B8.1.4 Electives master courses
The following lists presents study elements that can only be chosen as ‘electives’ in the
indicated master’s programmes (see two columns on the right). After consultation with the
study mentor and approval of the Board of Examiners (use the ‘yellow form’) students may
also choose from options available from other departments, other universities in the
Netherlands or even abroad. If the course of your choice is not in Ocasys, provide a
description of the course as attachment to your yellow form.
Elective master courses organised by Energy and Environmental sciences
Course
ECTS Programmes Programmes
B, EE, MBB
Impacts of Energy and Material Systems (IEMS) 5
B, EE, MBB
Functioning & Productivity of Ecosystems (FPE) 5
B, EE, MBB
Sustainability & Society
5
B, EE, MBB
Systems Integration and Sustainability
5
Elective master courses organised by Education and Communicationa
Course
ECTS Programmes Programmes
B, BN, EE, MB,
Achtergronden bètaonderzoek
10
MBB
Inleiding onderzoek wetenschapseducatie en
B, BN, EE, MB,
5
–communicatie
MBB
Ontwerpen voor wetenschapseducatie en
B, BN, EE, MB,
10
BMS, MPS
–communicatie
MBB
Vaardigheden wetenschapseducatie en –
B, BN, EE, MB,
5
BMS, MPS
communicatie
MBB
B, BN, EE, MB,
Wetenschap in beeld
5
BMS, MPS
MBB
B, BN, EE, MB,
Wetenschapsvoorlichting en –journalistiek
5
BMS, MPS
MBB
a These
modules are instructed in Dutch.
Elective master courses organised by The Donald Smits Center for
Information Technology
Course (max 2 ects per individual
½ day
Programmes Programmes
programme^)
unit^
B, BN, EE, MB,
Access basic
5
BMS, MPS
MBB
B, BN, EE, MB,
Excel basic
5
BMS, MPS
MBB
B, BN, EE, MB,
Excel data bases en draaitabellena
1
BMS, MPS
MBB
a These
modules are instructed in Dutch.
^ A minimum of 5 half day units is required for a study load of 1 ECTS, for 2 ECTS 11 units are
needed.
These courses have additional costs (low student tariff), which are at the student’s own expenses.
These courses are not available in Ocasys. Please consult the Donald Smits Center for further
information, time schedules and enrolment details.
Master courses and electives
Elective master courses organised by Chemistry
Course
ECTS Programmes
Advances in chemical biology
5
Modern laser microscopy
5
Synthetic biology & systems chemistry
5
101
Programmes
B, MBB
B, MBB
B. MBB
Elective master course organised by Industrial Engineering & Management
Course
ECTS Programmes Programmes
Food and pharma products and processes
5
BMS, MPS
Elective master course organised by the centre for Synthetic Biology
Course
ECTS Programmes Programmes
iGEM (International Genetically Engineered
B, BN, EE, MB,
≤20
BMS, MPS
Machine competition)*
MBB
* Selection for this competition takes place in winter time, an advertisement about application
details will be announced via Nestor during the academic year.
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Study Guide 2015-2016
B8.2 SCHEDULE FOR BMS/MPS
The schedule for the academic year 2015-2016 and a table explaining the abbreviations
present in the schedule are depicted on the following pages. Always check Nestor and Ocasys
for up-to-date information regarding the schedule.
Master courses and electives
Abbreviation
Adv. Imag.
AdvMicros
AMN
AdvPhaKin
Adv. Statist.
Animal & Human
Experimentation
BasMed
Beh.Pharm.
BioNano
CMF
Clinical Tox
Current themes in healthy
aging
InflamCan
Microarray
DD
Food and Pharma
Products and Processes
Imm III
Inl onderz. Wetensch
InDosForms
iGEM Competition
MedStat
MBS
MolBioAge
MolTox
NeuroBioNut
NDD
Nut in Med
Orientation on Scientific
International Careers
PhaBioPrac
PhaBioTech
PharEco-a
Phareco-b
PharmaEpi
PiPa
PiPb
Pharm. vigi
PES
C++ biology
Quant. Bio
RepTox
Cancer res.
Science & Business
Science & Policy
103
Module
Advanced Imaging Techniques
Advanced light microscopy
Advanced Metabolism and Nutrition
Advanced Pharmaokinetics
Advanced Statistics
Code
MLBI0901
WMLS13004
MLBMS06
MLMPS04
MLAA04
Animal & Human Experimentation
MLAA01
Basics in Medicine
Behavioural Pharmacology
Biological interactions of nanomaterials
Caput moleculaire farmacologie
Clinical Toxicology
GKCPE001
MlBCN07
XXXX
WLFM1001
WMFA 14008
Current themes in healthy aging
MLBMS03
Current Themes in Inflammation and
Cancer
DNA microarray analysis
Drug Development
Food and Pharma Products and Processes
Immunology: from bedside to bench and
back
Inleiding Onderzoeksmethoden
Wetenschapseducatie en –communicatie
Innovative Dosage Forms
International Genetically Engineered
Machine competition
Medical Statistics
Microbiological Safety
Molecular Biology of Ageing and Agerelated Disease
Molecular Toxicology
Neurobiology of Nutrition
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Nutrition in Medicine
Orientation on International Scientific
Careers
Pharmaceutical Biology Practical
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Pharmaco-economics
Pharmaco-economics
Pharmacoepidemiology
Pharmaco-epidemiology in Practice
Pharmaco-epidemiology in Practice
Pharmacovigilance
Professionalism and Ethics in Science
Programming C++ for biologists
Quantitative Bioanalysis
Reproductive Toxicology
Research Proposal Cancer Research
Science and Business
Science and Policy
MLBMS02
MLBB017
MLMPS02
WMIE14005
MLBMS05
WMEC13007
WLFB0808
MLBI1003
GKCPE003
WMMP15001
MLBMS08
MLMPS06
WMBM15002
MLBMS01
WMBM15003
MLAA02
WLFM1114
WMFA13002
WLFM1038
WLFM1038
WMMP13001
WLFM1039
WLFM1039
MLMPS03
WMBM15004
MLAA05
WMFA14005
MLMPS05
WMBM15001
WNBIBEB-08
WNBIBEB-08A
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Study Guide 2015-2016
Sc Writ
StemCell
Vaardigheden
Wetenschapscommunicatie
Wetenschap in beeld EC
Wetenschapsvoorl & journal. (EC-master)
Ontwerpen van/voor
Wetenschapseducatie en
Communicatie(ECmaster)
Scientific Writing
Stem cells & Regenerative Medicine
WMBM12001
MLBMS04
Vaardigheden Wetenschapscomm EC
WMEC13004
Wetenschap in Beeld EC-master
WNEC1WIB5
Wetenschapsvoorlichting en -journalistiek
WNEC1WVJ5
WMEC13005
Master courses and electives
105
B8.3 SCHEDULE FOR B/EE/MB/MBB
The schedule for the academic year 2015-2016 and a table explaining the abbreviations
present in the schedule are depicted on the following pages. Always check Nestor and Ocasys
for up-to-date information regarding the schedule.
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Study Guide 2015-2016
Abbreviation
Achtergronden beta
onderzoek EC
Adv gen eng
Adv Mem
AdvMicros
Adv Prot
Adv Sign
Adv. Imag.
Advanced Self-org of
social syst
Adv. Statist.
AMN
Animal & Human
Experimentation
Beh.Pharm.
Advances in chemical
biology
Biocatalysis and Green
Chemistry
Bioinform.
Biotechnologie (bac)
C++ biology
Current themes seminar
series
Current themes in
healthy aging
Evolution. theory
Evolutionary research
EM BM
F & P of Ecosystems EES
Flyway
GELIFES Lectures
Gen. cons.
GenomicsEcol &Evol
Groningen lectures in
theoretical biology
iGEM Competition
Imm III
Impacts of Energy and
Material Systems
InflamCan
Inl onderz. Wetensch
Intro BCN
Marine biol.
Marine cons.
Marine evol.
Mar.ecosys.
Module
Code
Achtergronden beta onderzoek EC- master
WNEC2AB10
Advanced genetic engineering
Advanced Membrane Biology
Advanced light microscopy
Advanced protein crystallography
Advances in Signal Transduction
Advanced Imaging Techniques
WMLS13003
MLBB003
WMLS13004
MLBB007
MLBB002
MLBI0901
Advanced self-organisation of social systems
MLBI0801
Advanced Statistics
Advanced Metabolism and Nutrition
MLAA04
MLBMS06
Animal & Human Experimentation
MLAA01
Behavioural Pharmacology
MlBCN07
Advances in chemical biology
WMCH13009
Biocatalysis and Green Chemistry
MLGBB04
Practical Bioinformatics for Biologists
Biotechnologie (Bachelor course)
Programming C++ for biologists
WMLS15005
WLB07045
MLAA05
Current Themes Seminar Series
MLBIE09
Current themes in healthy aging
MLBMS03
Evolutionary Theory
Evolutionary Ecology Research
Electron microscopy of biological macromolecules
Functioning & Productivity of Ecosystems
Flyway ecology
GELIFES Lectures
Genetics in Conservation and Ecology
Genomics in Ecology and Evolution
MLBIEB101B
MLBIEB102B
MLGBB03
WMEE13002
WMLS15001
MLBI1002
WMLS13002
MLBIEB103B
Groningen lectures in theoretical biology
MLBIGL10
International Genetically Engineered Machine
competition
Immunology: from bedside to bench and back
MLBI1003
MLBMS05
Impacts of Energy and Material Systems
WMEE13001
Current Themes in Inflammation and Cancer
Inleiding Onderzoeksmethoden
Wetenschapseducatie en –communicatie
Introduction to the Behavioural and Cognitive
Neurosciences
Principals of Marine Biology
Principals of Marine Conservation
Evolutionary ecology of marine organisms
Marine ecosystem service & global change
MLBMS02
WMEC13007
MLBCN01
WMLS15008
WMLS15006
WMLS15003
WMLS15002
Master courses and electives
Abbreviation
Mar.model.
Math models in E&E
MDNMRI
MDNMRII
Meta-analyses in Ecology
Microarray
Mol. Dyn
Mol. meth. E&E
Modern Laser Microscopy
NDD
NIOZ
Oceanography
Ontwerpen van/voor
Wetenschapseducatie en
Communicatie(EC-master)
Org. Mem
Orientation on International
Careers
Polar Ecosyst
Prof. Ethics.
Prot Cry2
Prot Enz
RadioIso
Res. Prop.
Sc. Writing
S&B: Science & Business
S&B: Science & Business
StemCell
Sust.Polar
Sustainability & Society EES
Synthetic bioloy & Systems
chemistry
Systems Integration &
Sustainability
SB&SC
Topics in enzymology
Tools syst
Vaardigheden
Wetenschapscommunicatie
Vmt
Module
Numerical modelling marine biologists
Mathematical Models in Ecology and
Evolution
Multidimensional NMR I
Multidimensional NMR II
Meta-analyses in Ecology
DNA microarray analysis
Molecular Dynamics
Molecular Methods in Ecology and
Evolution
Modern Laser Microcopy
Neurodegenerative Diseases
NIOZ-course new style:
www.nioz.nl/marine-masters-en
Principals of Biological Oceanography
107
Code
WMLS15004
MLBIE08C
MLGBB06
MLGBB02
MLMB01
MLBB017
MLBB005
MLBI1201
CHMLM05E
MLBMS01
WMLS15007
WMEC13005
Organelle and Membrane Biogenesis
MLBB004
Orientation on International Careers
MLAA02
Polar Ecosystems
Professionalism and Ethics in Science
Protein Crystallography 2
Protein and Enzyme Engineering
Radioisotopes in Experimental Biology
Research proposal Ecology and Evolution
Scientific writing
Science& Policy
Science & Business
Stem cells & Regenerative Medicine
Sustainability at the Polar Regions
Sustainability & Society EES- master
MLMB03
Synthetic bioloy & Systems chemistry
WMCH13002
Systems Integration and Sustainability
EES-master
Synthetic Biology & Systems Chemistry
Topics in enzymology
Tools and approaches of systems biology
Vaardigheden Wetenschapscomm EC
MLGBB01
MLBB006
MLAA03
WMLS13001
WMBM12001
MLBMS04
LKR013M05
WMEE13003
WMEE13004
WMCH13002
MLGBB05
MLBB010
WMEC13004
Velige microbiologische technieken
Water management
Transitions in water management
Wetenschap in beeld EC
Wetenschapsvoorl & -journal.
(EC-master)
Wetenschap in Beeld EC-master
Wetenschapsvoorlichting en journalistiek
GEMWATMA
N
WNEC1WIB5
WNEC1WVJ5
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Study Guide 2015-2016
B9
GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCH PROJECT, COLLOQUIUM AND
ESSAY
A description of the individual programme elements is provided in this chapter. It also
contains detailed guidelines for research projects, colloquium and essay.
B9.1 PROGRAMME ELEMENTS
B9.1.1 Research project
Research projects are the part of the programme where experimental and/or theoretical
and/or descriptive scientific research is carried out on a biomedical/medical pharmaceutical
subject at the University, a company or a government organization. The research projects
generate the experience in each of the stages of research: planning, data collection, analysis,
writing and presentation. A research project should be carried out under the direct
supervision of an examiner. An examiner is a permanent member of the academic staff of the
FMNS or the UMCG, appointed by the Board of Examiners (see list of examiners on Nestor).
Depending on the chosen profile, a second research project can be part of the programme.
The second research project should cover a different subject and should be supervised by a
different supervisor. Only a second research project can be carried out outside the research
institutes related to the master programmes (for example abroad). A staff member appointed
by the Board of Examiners always carries the formal responsibility for external research
projects and is responsible for the final assessment.
Each research project is completed by a written report. To complete the student’s dossier for
the Board of Examiners, these reports should be handed in according to the instructions on
Nestor. Further guidelines for research projects and assessment are presented in chapter
B9.2 and on Nestor.
B9.1.2 Colloquium and Essay
The Master’s degree programme is concluded with an essay and a colloquium. A relatively
brief period (3.5 weeks) is available to study a biomedical or medical pharmaceutical subject
in which a certain aspect from the field is treated thoroughly. The results of the literature
research are written in an essay or presented in an oral presentation (colloquium). It is
important that the subjects of the essay and the colloquium do not overlap with other
individual study elements (as research project or internship).
To complete the student’s dossier for the Board of Examiners, the written essay should be
handed in according to the instructions on Nestor. Further guidelines for colloquium and
essay and the assessment are presented in chapter B9.3 and B9.4 and on Nestor.
B9.1.3 Internship
An internship (traineeship) is an essential part of the science, business and policy profile
(SBP-profile). The goal of the internship is to learn about the organization and methods of a
company or public authority where the results of biomedical or medical-pharmaceuticaloriented research are put into practice. An assignment is carried out in such an organization
and is always accompanied by external supervision. The ultimate responsibility lies at an
academic staff member from the FMNS or the UMCG who is appointed by the Board of
Examiners (see list on Nestor). Each internship is completed by a written report. To
complete the student’s file for the Board of Examiners, this report should be handed in
according to the instructions on Nestor.
B9.1.4 Research assignment
Short projects 5-20 EC may be done as elective. A request for such an assignment should be
made on a supplement of the yellow form stating the title, study load, learning objectives and
the way the study element is assessed. Examples are: analysis of a data set, gathering data in
the field, a literature study, preparation of a manuscript.
Guidelines for Research Project, Colloquium and Essay
109
B9.2 GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCH PROJECTS
The research projects generate the experience in each of the stages of research: planning,
data collection, analysis, writing and presentation. The emphasis of the first research project
is on proper training and guidance in each of these stages – more than on obtaining truly
breakthrough results. Thus the topics chosen are usually not technically risky, so that a clear
result can be reasonably expected. The second research project repeats all of the stages but
now with a great deal more independence of the student.
A research project comprises the following phases:
1. Planning and preparation of research: Students start discussing the project with the
supervisor, reading relevant literature, writing up a literature review and
methodological planning of the research project.
2. Data collection and analysis: Data will be collected according to the agreed research
plan.
3. Presentation: Towards the end/at the end of the research project a presentation is
given to a scientific audience (usually the research group).
4. Report: Results will be written up in a report which includes the literature review and
methodological plan written initially, and further a presentation and analysis of the
data obtained, and a discussion of the results in terms of the research question
addressed.
The responsible supervisor will keep track of progress of the work and in particular of the
writing in weekly sessions. He or she will keep track of attitude, motivation and quality of the
work during data collection, judge the quality of the report and the oral presentation and
give a motivated proposition for the grading.
The Course Committee has decided on the following regulations regarding both research
projects:
- The first research project always is an internal project. Internal projects must be
performed at the FMNS (life sciences related research institutes) or the UMCG under
the direct supervision of one of the examiners appointed by the Board of Examiners;
- Before starting both research projects you need approval for your project via a yellow
form, signed by your mentor and approved by the Board of Examiners;
- Before starting the second research project, the mark you received for your first
project must have been registered in ProgRESS WWW;
- A second research project may be external (performed in a research group not
directly related to the programme, outside the university or abroad);
- An external research project is conducted under the supervision of one of the
examiners of the master programmes. The examiner always is the first assessor.
External projects are assessed based on the advice of the second assessor (the daily
supervisor) about the daily performance of the student, the final report and the oral
presentation given in the group of the examiner in Groningen;
- Each research project should be concluded by a written report and an oral
presentation to the research group. The report and presentation are in English;
- The research project report should describe the whole research cycle according to a
so called IMRD structure (Introduction, Material and Methods, Results, Discussion).
It should include, either in supplemental form or in main text, descriptions of all
practical work, including pilots, failures, manuals, and recommendations for future
research. It should be written in a way that a student continuing this project can build
on this report, and use it as reference. This way, it can be assessed whether he/she
can effectively communicate acquired knowledge, insights and skills to others by
writing. Master students should not write their report in a condensed form suitable
for publication; this is an aim for the PhD programme. Master students who wish to
transform their report into a manuscript that can be submitted for publication may
request to do so as a 5 - 10 EC research assignment. The final assessment form is
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Study Guide 2015-2016
-
used to mark the research project and is signed by two assessors of which one or both
are examiners. An example of this form can be found on Nestor. The original
assessment form needs to be handed in at the student administration office.
To complete the student’s dossier for the Board of Examiners the final report should
be handed in according to the instructions on Nestor;
In addition, the following guidelines apply to the organization and implementation of both
projects:
- Before the start of the research project, clear agreements will be made with the
student, preferably in writing, about the schedule (starting date, completion date for
practical work and completion date for the research project). Notice the following
rule: 40 EC stands for 40*28 hours study load (1120 hours), divided by the 40 study
hours of a full time week gives 28 weeks. The other way round: 21 weeks of research
planned is (21*40)/28 = 30 ECTS;
- Regular progress meetings (at least every four weeks) with the direct supervisor will
take place, in which the student will be given clear feedback on his or her progress.
- Halfway through the project, the supervisor will complete a midterm assessment
form in the presence of the student. The form is then forwarded to the degree
programme coordinator for inclusion in the records of the Board of Examiners;
- Arrangements for extensions of 5 - 10 EC may be made during the midterm
assessment. After the midterm assessment extensions are not allowed;
- The practical work must be completed in good time so that the report can be written
within the total agreed period for the project. The time required will depend on the
nature of the research project, but as a rule it should take three to four weeks.
B9.2.1 Hints for the research report
Structure
The report on your research project should contain a title, an introduction to the research
question, followed by a chapter outlining the research methodology, a chapter presenting the
findings and finally a section which looks at the conclusions to be drawn from this, plus a
discussion (IMRD structure: Introduction, Material and Methods, Results, Discussion). The
literature cited should appear in a bibliography. For reasons of clarity, a table of contents
and an abstract are inclBuded, and optionally a preface/afterword and/or appendices.
Please take notice: Before you start with the full report, make an outline and discuss it in
detail with your supervisor! Hopefully, this will save you the disappointment of having to
radically restructure.
Title
The title should succinctly convey the topic of the research project; avoid unnecessary frills
('Some contributions to the knowledge of....' etc.). Where possible, use a subtitle. The title
should appear on the title page together with the author, date, research group and
supervisor. The sources for any figures on the title page should be reported on the inside
page.
Abstract
This is a very brief summary of the essence of the report (no more than half an A4 page).
Stick to the main points and avoid too much detail.
Table of contents
Make sure that the page numbers in the text are correctly listed in the table of contents. If
necessary, you can subdivide chapters into sections and subsections, but avoid a three or
four-step subdivision.
Guidelines for Research Project, Colloquium and Essay
111
Introduction
Here you should work from the literature towards the research question, using all the
information that is relevant to your argument. The source of cited literature should be given
in brackets. A good way to structure your introduction is to focus gradually on your
particular research topic against a background of the broader research area. The research
question will then follow logically from the introduction. Finally, you should formulate the
research question/hypothesis explicitly.
The introduction should outline in brief only the theory and literature that leads directly to the
research question. It is very important not to put everything relating to the topic in the
introduction.
Most important is to formulate a good research question. This should occur naturally to the
reader as a result of your presentation of the known facts. The research question can be of a
purely exploratory nature, or the arranging of known facts can produce a hypothesis to be
tested in your research. It is then important to predict as accurately as possible the outcome of
the research on the basis of this hypothesis. Comparing your predictions with the actual
findings will maximize the possibility of new insights.
Materials and methods
Here you explain how the experiments were carried out, how they were designed and what
the experimental set-up was. Use figures to supplement, shorten or clarify the text. Where
relevant, say when the experiments took place (refrain from describing your log in terms of
time investment). Demonstrate clearly (perhaps with an example) how and in what form you
collected and processed your data. Describe the statistical approach you used. If your
experimental set-up and methodology differed from the literature, you must describe them
in detail. If you used established methods, a brief description, with a reference to the
literature, will suffice.
Results
Present the findings in brief using the figures and tables. Emphasize the points that relate to
the research question, first the main points and then any interesting details. Figures and
tables form the basis of this part of the report. Present the results point by point and in a
logical sequence. Avoid giving the same information twice in a different form. Generally
speaking, tables should be used to make numerical comparisons and graphs to show or
compare trends. Be aware that an interpretation is already inherent in the way in which you
present and summarize the findings. This is where your conclusion begins to take shape. Be
meticulous about your statistical approach. Report the number of measurements, the
margins of error and whether certain trends or differences are significant.
Conclusions and discussion
First of all, take a positive global look at the results, and only then go into detail. State explicitly
the conclusions arising from the results and discuss or substantiate them from the literature.
Distinguish between direct conclusions and further interpretations. You may also point out
positive or negative aspects of the method used, and explore the question as to why you
arrived at these particular findings and whether they match your expectations. Finally, you
may make recommendations for further research. You can draw conclusions from the results,
stating your arguments for doing so. Where possible, test the conclusions against your own
expectations or the literature, being as specific as possible. Argued speculations may be
included, but avoid risky suggestions or vague assumptions.
If the results do not confirm your hypothesis, don’t immediately assume all manner of vague
‘errors of measurement’ or ‘inaccuracies’ (nor should you do so if the findings do match your
expectations). If there is a specific reason for this, try to assess the effects of a particular error
or anomaly on your results. Do not immediately start to qualify the results in favour of the
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Study Guide 2015-2016
hypothesis. If you have measured properly, accurately and reliably, your results are facts; the
hypothesis was only an intellectual construct.
Bibliography
This should contain all the cited literature. Follow the conventions used in recent editions of
reputable journals.
Appendices
It may be useful to include the raw data as appendices to the report. This allows the reader to
check your results or to process them in some other way. Present the raw data in the form of
graphs and tables that are referred to in the report. Each appendix should have an
identifying number or letter and a heading.
Preface/Afterword/Acknowledgements (optionally)
This is where you state the reasons for or objectives of the research which are not part of the
academic objective; words of thanks, etc.
Layout and appearance
A research report should be well presented so that it is inviting for the reader to read. The
separate chapters, sections and other parts should be clearly reflected in the titles and
headings. Pay attention to the layout of figures and tables (e.g. the space around them,
captions, the space they take up in relation to their significance, etc.).
General layout
Label all graphs, drawings, diagrams, figures etc. as ‘figures’ and number them consecutively.
In the text, refer to tables and figures by their number. The function of tables is the succinct
presentation of processed and organized data as pure findings, while graphs should give a
quick overview of the nature of the relationships investigated. Because an interpretation is
often implicit in the manner of presentation, you need to constantly ask yourself which of the
two types is most appropriate for particular findings. Often, graphs are the preferred form.
If you opt for tables, make sure that they are small, legible and clear. (Large quantities of data
can be included in tables in an appendix.) The caption (located above a table and below a
graph) should explain what the table or graph represents, usually without reference to the text.
Above the columns of a table and along the axes of a graph, state which variable is plotted and
the units in which that variable is expressed. The independent variable is set out along the
horizontal axis of a graph and the dependent one along the vertical axis. The scale division
along the axes always starts at zero, unless there are important reasons for doing otherwise
(logarithmic scale, temperature). The scale division should not be too crude, nor too fine, and
should present only round values. If the points on a graph suggest a clear relationship, you can
attempt to draw a smooth curve along the dots. Otherwise, straight lines connecting the dots
must suffice. Under no circumstances may a curve suggest a greater degree of relationship
than the measuring points warrant. Do not mention numbers in the text that are listed in
tables, unless for a specific reason. Round numbers in tables and text correctly.
Content
You must pay attention to language use, ease of reading (not too many repetitions, clear and
unambiguous sentences, etc.) and consistent subject-verb agreement. You should also
consider the academic content of the Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results and
Discussion:
- Have you included everything required to answer the research question?
- Have you made any claims that are not related to the research question, or that
cannot be supported by demonstrable findings?
- Are the text/figures/tables clear and unambiguous?
- Are your arguments organized in a manner that is academically convincing?
Guidelines for Research Project, Colloquium and Essay
113
B9.2.2 Hints for the oral presentation
The final oral presentation is an essential component of a research project, and thus counts
toward the final assessment. Through the presentation you learn to present your work orally
and to discuss it. It allows you to show the kind of work you have done, the origin of the
research question, your findings and what you have done with them. It also gives other
members of the research group an opportunity to give their input into your research and the
processing of your findings.
Since you may incorporate comments from the discussion into your report it is advised to do
your presentation before completing your report.
Structure
The following structure is customary for your presentation:
Title
This should be short, informative and catchy. Avoid unnecessary frills ('Some contributions
to the knowledge of....' etc.). You could consider a subtitle. Present the title on the first
PowerPoint slide to ensure that your audience knows what your presentation is about.
Introduction
Summarize in a few sentences the work of the research group with which you have done your
project. Focus gradually on your specific contribution and explain the relevance of your
research. Formulate the main research question.
Material and methods
Report on the materials (e.g. nature, origin and number of the organisms) as well as the
experimental set-up and techniques, and methods of analysis used, including the applied
statistics. Explain the methods that your audience needs to know in order to follow your
argument. Be aware of how familiar or unfamiliar your audience may be with the techniques
you have used.
Results
The experimental data should be arranged and presented concisely – first all the main
points, and then interesting details. Drawings, tables and graphs form the basis of this part
of your presentation. Be aware that an interpretation is already inherent in the way in which
you present and summarize the findings. Be meticulous about your statistical approach to
the data. Report the number of measurements, the margins of error and whether certain
trends or differences are significant. The effective application of statistical methods can
avoid considerable confusion in the discussion.
Discussion and conclusions
Here you discuss the conclusions to be drawn from the results, complete with the arguments
that you have used. In addition to the direct conclusions arising out of your findings, it is
often also possible to formulate interpretations derived from these. When presenting
interpretations, explain the assumptions that you have made. Test your conclusions against
the literature or your own expectations or hypotheses. If certain experiments failed or kept
failing during your research, try to outline the reasons for this. Negative results can also be of
considerable interest. Finally, show the extent to which your research question has been
answered and what the implications are for your line of research. Avoid the temptation to
make risky suggestions or vague assumptions. You could end by making suggestions for
further research.
Summary
A concise summary of the main conclusions from your research is very useful.
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Study Guide 2015-2016
Presentation
General tips
To make sure that you stick to your speaking time and that your presentation goes smoothly,
it is advisable to rehearse it several times in advance. Your research group will always make
space and an audience available for this purpose.
Be aware of the audience you are addressing – the presence of members of your research
group means that your presentation has to be pitched at an appropriate level. Work out in
advance how you intend to use the PowerPoint slides. Do not block the audience’s view of the
screen.
PowerPoint slides and illustrations
When using slides, be consistent in your layout, typography and, where applicable, use of
colour. Specific headings and/or colours should identify the different parts of your argument.
Do not put too much information on one slide. Make sure that the letters are large enough;
standard font sizes are usually too small! The illustrations (drawings, tables, graphs,
diagrams) must be essential; in other words, leave out any that are not strictly necessary.
Think hard about which illustrations you should include and what you wish to convey with
each figure or table. All figures and tables should have a caption explaining what they are
about, but you should also say it once more to your audience. Explain which variables are
plotted along the axes of a graph and the units in which they are expressed. Make consistent
use of references, abbreviations, etc.
The presentation
Almost everyone who speaks in public suffers to some degree from stage fright. One
advantage of this is that speakers do not approach their task too lightly. Proper preparation
is vital: know what you are going to say. It is important for both the audience and yourself
not to lose the thread of your argument. Staying on track can be difficult, particularly if you
are not entirely sure of yourself. Outline in brief the key steps of your presentation on the
PowerPoint slides. This will help the audience to follow your argument, and will allow you to
see at a glance where you have got to. If you are worried about forgetting your text
altogether, you could consider writing it out in full. Use the same words/sentences in your
text as on the slides and underline them so that you can always find your place. It may be
helpful to write your opening sentences out in full as the start is the most difficult and you
can then rest assured that it will go smoothly. Stand where everyone can see and hear you
properly. Look at the audience and try to appear relaxed. Pause briefly between the different
parts of your argument to accentuate the structure. Analyse the speaking style of people who
you consider to be interesting speakers – you can learn a lot from them.
Guidelines for Research Project, Colloquium and Essay
115
B9.2.3 Assessment of the research project
The research project is assessed by the supervisor appointed as examiner by the Board of
Examiners, in consultation with a second assessor (often the daily supervisor). The grade is
determined on the basis of the assessment form (an example can be found on Nestor). This
assessment form is completed and discussed with the student. After signing, the assessment
form also serves as evidence for passing the exam. Therefore, the original form is handed in
at the student administration office.
The emphasis in the assessment is on the scientific research skills of the student. The
supervisors assess the research carried out on the extent to which the student was able to
formulate a hypothesis, did preliminary literature-search, proposed a research method and
planned to carry it out. In addition, the student is judged on how he/she was able to
communicate on the research undertaken and the results obtained. Key points covered in the
assessment of the report/presentation are:
- Is the design and content of the report academically sound – in other words, is there
a clear line leading from the introduction to the research question and via materials
and methods and findings to conclusions/discussion?
- Is there an effective division into introduction, materials and methods, findings and
conclusions/discussion?
- Is the report well presented? Does it have a clear structure? Are the figures etc. clear?
Is the text easy to read?
- Are the separate parts well organized in terms of content? (i.e. are the arguments
well-structured and substantiated?)
- Are the bibliography and appendices complete?
B9.3 GUIDELINES FOR THE COLLOQUIUM
The Course committee has decided on the following regulations for the colloquium:
- The colloquium has an entry requirement. Before it can be started, at least one
research project must have been completed. Be aware of the fact that you need
approval for your colloquium via a yellow form, signed by your mentor and approved
by the Board of Examiners;
- The colloquium is presented in English;
- A compulsory element of a colloquium is an abstract of the colloquium as well as a
list of relevant literature;
- The colloquium presentation should be 30-45 minutes. Thereafter there is sufficient
time scheduled for discussion;
- The audience should be at least ten persons including two staff members. At least one
of them is appointed as examiner by the Board of Examiners of the master’s
programme. Both staff members will assess the colloquium and decide upon the final
grade.
B9.3.1 Structure of the colloquium
A colloquium is an oral presentation that discusses research developments in a particular
area. It should be a captivating academic survey that emphasizes recent discoveries while
also touching on the key unresolved research issues. It should place the research whenever
possible in a social context, paying attention to its ethical implications. The colloquium topic
is selected in consultation between student and supervisor.
The information for the colloquium comes from a literature survey. The key issue is to distil a
coherent and intelligible account from an often overwhelming array of findings and theories.
Because it is similar to a review article, a colloquium shares the same features and structure:
- Introduction outlining the research question (and the social context of the research);
- Presentation and discussion of research findings, models and theories in the
literature;
- Comparative discussion of the presented information. Try to provide your own
synthesis which opens up new perspectives;
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Study Guide 2015-2016
-
Conclusions and perspectives. Include your own (critical) opinion on issues described
in the literature. Where possible, discuss the ethical implications.
A compulsory element of a colloquium is an abstract of the colloquium as well as a list of
relevant literature. Depending on what you agree upon with your supervisor, this one-page
(max.) summary and references may be used for example as a hand-out or for advertising
your colloquium.
Your colloquium should take 30 to 45 minutes. It is followed by a discussion, which first of
all addresses the content of your presentation and then the way you have conducted your
presentation. The discussion is primarily intended for your own benefit, so listen carefully
and make the most of it! Your supervisor will introduce the topic and the speaker, and will
lead the subsequent discussion.
The audience should be at least ten persons including two staff members who will decide
upon the grade. The student is responsible for the minimum amount of public.
The precise format of the colloquium will depend on the research group. Check this with
your supervisor. Arrange the title of your colloquium and the delivery date with your
supervisor. Ask him or her about the customary scheduling procedure (with regard to the
date) in the research group and make the necessary arrangements/announcements.
B9.3.2 Hints for planning and presentation of the colloquium
Planning of the colloquium
Literature survey
Publications are the source of information for a colloquium. The primary objective of a
colloquium, in addition to giving a presentation, is to carry out an independent literature
search. Sometimes, your supervisor will provide you with one or more key articles. But you
will have to find the rest yourself. The library has various reference journals and digital
search facilities for this purpose. As a rule, you will need to collect most of the literature in
the first week.
Supervision
With regard to content, the supervisor for whom you are presenting will supervise the
colloquium. Go over the content with him or her at least one week before the presentation.
Both you and your supervisor are responsible for this meeting to happen. Make sure that you
have prepared a draft PowerPoint presentation and/or other aids, and arrange to go over
them together several days before the presentation.
You are strongly advised to carry out a trial run! This rehearsal will give you an idea of the
time that you need etc., which can only benefit your presentation. Once again, do this well in
advance so that there is still time to make changes.
Presentation of the colloquium
The colloquium must focus at a broad audience at the level of a research group within the
master’s programme. You will need to co-ordinate this effectively with your supervisor and
schedule it in time with the relevant research group. After all, you will be encouraged if the
room is full for your colloquium. It may also be interesting for members of other research
groups and/or family, friends and acquaintances to attend. You may advertise the
colloquium by way of posters stating the time and place and briefly outlining the content.
Ask your supervisor about the customary procedure in the research group and make the
necessary arrangements.
General tips
Be aware of the audience you are addressing; outsiders may also be present. Although you
should try to adapt your presentation to the level of your audience, you also need to ensure
that there is sufficient depth and academic content. Work out in advance how you intend to
Guidelines for Research Project, Colloquium and Essay
117
use PowerPoint slides in your presentation. Make sure that you don’t stand between the
projection screen and the audience, so that everyone has a clear view of your slides.
PowerPoint slides, illustrations
When using slides, be consistent in your layout, typography and, where applicable, use of
colour. Specific headings should identify the different parts of your argument. Do not put too
much information on one slide. All the illustrations (drawings, tables, graphs, diagrams) you
include must be essential; in other words, leave out any that are not strictly necessary. Think
hard about what you wish to convey with each figure or table. Make sure that all letters in
headings, the text and captions are large enough; standard font sizes are usually too small!
The captions for figures and tables must explain what the illustration is about, but you
should also explain it once more to your audience. Explain which variables are plotted along
the axes of a graph and the units in which they are expressed. Make consistent use of
references, abbreviations, etc. Make sure that your presentation/PowerPoint slides are well
organized!
The presentation
Almost everyone who speaks in public suffers in some degree from stage fright. One
advantage of this is that speakers do not approach their task too lightly. Proper preparation
is vital: know what you are going to say. It is important that neither you nor your audience
loses the thread of your story. Staying on track can be difficult, particularly if you are not
entirely sure of yourself. Outline in brief the key steps of your presentation on the
PowerPoint slides. This will help the audience to follow your argument, and will let you see at
a glance where you have got to. If you are worried about forgetting your text altogether, you
could consider writing it out in full or using the printed PowerPoint slides with speakers’
notes as a guide. Use the same words/sentences in your text as on the slides and underline
them so that you don’t get confused after looking up at the audience. Use the written text as a
support during your presentation; don’t just rush.
Stand where everyone can see and hear you properly, making sure that you don’t obstruct
the screen. Pause briefly between the different parts of your argument to accentuate the
structure. Bear in mind that written and spoken language are two different things; do not
slip into a lofty, poetic style. Analyse the speaking style of people who you consider to be
interesting speakers – you can learn a lot from them.
The content
Alongside these more general matters, there are some specific points to bear in mind when
presenting your colloquium:
- Clearly define the problem area in your introduction. This is particularly important in
a literature survey, which often covers a broad area. Explain how the topic is relevant,
and why it is so interesting;
- Research findings form the basis of your argument and should therefore make up a
significant part of the presentation. If at all possible, tell your story using specific
examples from the research and illustrate them with clear, relevant figures and/or
tables, accompanied by titles and keys;
- It is often necessary to copy from figures and tables so that you can leave out
information that is superfluous to your argument. Typical of how you shouldn’t go
about things is a table with hundreds of figures, only two of which you actually use in
your argument. If you take figures from publications, make sure that the keys are
clearly legible. Captions in academic articles are often in a small font size, and
therefore illegible on a PowerPoint slide. Give the source for each figure (author,
year)!
- Show where there are gaps in knowledge and make suggestions for further research.
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Study Guide 2015-2016
B9.3.3 Assessment of the colloquium
The colloquium is assessed by an examiner appointed by the Board of Examiners in mutual
agreement with another staff member who attended your presentation. The assessment
covers the following points:
1. Preparation
- Initiative and independence;
- Ability to be critical;
- Own input.
2. Quality of the abstract
3. Presentation
- Scientific content
 Definition of topic/problem;
 Relevance of subtopics /questions;
 Analysis and interpretation of results;
 Ability to be critical;
 Selection and use of references/sources.
- Presentation skills
 Use of language, posture, interaction with audience, etc.;
 Clarity and relevance of texts, figures and slides;
 Argumentation skills;
 Defence (handling of questions).
The examiner will base the decision of the grade for the colloquium on the above points. The
assessment is completed filling a regular pass sheet (usually available at the office of the
secretary of your examiner). After signing, this form also serves as evidence for passing the
essay. Therefore, the original form is handed in at the student administration office.
B9.4 GUIDELINES FOR THE ESSAY
The master's essay is a written discussion based on a scientific problem and an objective
literature research. The student shows with the essay that he/she is able to take a scientific
position based upon findings from a literature survey. Furthermore, he/she is able to present
logical arguments in writing. Therefore, good writing skills are part of the assessment of the
essay. The student will need to:
- Formulate a question on a scientifically sound way;
- Do a literature survey;
- Present findings and conclusions through a scientific text (size essay: 4500 - 6500
words, excluding the list of references);
- Take and justify an arguable position or vision.
The information is acquired by means of a literature survey, which entails making the best
possible selection from the sometimes overwhelming quantity of sources and data. You, the
student, must then distil this into a comprehensible account at an appropriate academic
level. You should pitch your essay at the beginners’ level of one of your co-students. Ensure
that your report has sufficient depth and is up-to-date. Explain technical terms and
abbreviations clearly and concisely the first time you use them (for more general tips, refer to
the Colloquium section).
Guidelines for Research Project, Colloquium and Essay
119
B9.4.1 Structure of the essay
Like the colloquium, the essay is similar to a review article, and should be structured
accordingly:
Title
The title should succinctly convey the topic of the essay; avoid unnecessary frills ('Some
contributions to the knowledge of....' etc.). Where possible, use a subtitle. The title should
appear on the title page together with the author, date, research group and supervisor. The
sources for any figures on the title page should be reported on the inside page.
Abstract
This is a very brief summary of the essence of the essay (no more than half an A4 page). Stick
to the main points and avoid too much detail.
Table of contents Make sure that the page numbers in the text are correctly listed in the table
of contents. If necessary, you can subdivide chapters into sections and subsections, but avoid
a three or four-step subdivision.
Introduction containing the research question
A good way to structure your introduction is to focus gradually on your particular research
topic against a background of the broader research field. Because the topics addressed often
cover a very broad area, there is a risk of becoming bogged down in the sheer quantity of
data and theories. It is therefore important to delineate your topic as clearly as possible in
the research question.
Presentation and discussion of research findings, models and theories from
the literature
Because research findings and the theories and models arising out of them form the basis of
the subject matter addressed in an essay, they must occupy a key position in your argument.
Illustrate them with relevant figures and tables and explain them briefly in the text. If you
are able to synthesize the data in such a way that it opens up new perspectives, that’s even
better.
Comparative discussion of the information/conclusions and speculations
There are different ways of presenting discussions, conclusions and speculations. There are
essentially two types of literature review, depending on the quantity and scope of the topics
addressed. The first entails a full presentation of the studies to be compared, followed by a
discussion and conclusions. The second involves an arrangement and discussion of the
separate studies according to topic, followed by the formulation of final conclusions, possibly
with a discussion. The main thing is that the reader should be able to follow your line of
argument, which above all must remain clear and easy to follow. Do not be afraid to express
your own (critical) opinion on matters discussed in the literature.
Bibliography
This must include all the sources that you have cited. Follow the conventions used in
reputable academic journals.
B9.4.2 Hints for planning, layout and appearance of the essay
Publications are the source of information for an essay. The objective of an essay is to carry
out an independent literature search and to present a written report. In general, your
supervisor will provide you with one or more key articles: you will have to find the rest
yourself. The library has various reference journals and computer search facilities for this
purpose. As a rule, you will need to collect most of the literature in the first week. You are
advised to schedule regularly meetings with your supervisor for feedback and questions.
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Study Guide 2015-2016
An essay should be well presented so that it is inviting for the reader to read. The separate
chapters, sections and other parts should be clearly reflected in the titles and headings. Pay
attention to the layout of figures and tables (e.g. the space around them, captions, the space
they take up in relation to their significance, etc.).
Assessment of the essay
An examiner appointed by the Board of Examiners assesses the essay. The assessment covers
the following points:
1. Preparation
- Initiative and independence;
- Ability to be critical;
- Own input.
2. Essay itself
- Scientific content
 Definition of topic/problem;
 Relevance of subtopics /questions;
 Analysis and interpretation of results;
 Ability to be critical;
 Selection and use of references/sources.
- Layout and appearance
 Use of language;
 Clarity and relevance of texts, figures and tables;
 Argumentation skills;
 Physical appearance.
The examiner will base the decision of the grade for the essay on the above points. The
assessment is completed filling a regular pass sheet (usually available at the office of the
secretary of your examiner). After signing, this form also serves as evidence for passing the
essay. Therefore, the original form is handed in at the student administration office.
To complete the student’s dossier for the Board of Examiners the final report should be
handed in according to the instructions on Nestor.
B9.5 PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism is not accepted at this university nor elsewhere in the scientific community. In all
cases in which plagiarism is found or suspected, the examiner will inform the Board of
Examiners. When the Board decides that plagiarism has occurred they will sanction in
accordance with the "Regulations and Guidelines". In general, this will mean that a student
is excluded from participation in examinations or other forms of testing of the concerning
module for the current academic year.
Plagiarism means using ideas and formulations conceived by others without stating the
source. Examples of plagiarism include copying an assignment from a fellow student or
senior student, cutting and pasting text from the internet without stating the source of the
text, submitting the same assignment more than once, copying an essay from a student at
another university or copying part of a book or article. Of course, using source material is
allowed, as long as the source is stated in the acknowledgement of sources. When in doubt
the text “Avoiding plagiarism and documenting sources” (H.R. Fowler and J. E. Aaron. The
Little, Brown Handbook. 9th ed. New York: Pearson Longman, 2004) might give
suggestions. This text is available on Nestor (forms and documents). Be sure to acknowledge
your sources carefully. This checklist for avoiding plagiarism is also from the Little, Brown
Handbook:
Guidelines for Research Project, Colloquium and Essay
121
Type of source
Are you using:
- Your own independent material,
- Common knowledge, or
- Someone else’s independent material?
You must acknowledge someone else’s material.
Quotations
- Do all quotations exactly match their sources? Check them.
- Have you inserted quotation marks around quotations that are stated in your text?
- Have you shown omissions with ellipsis marks and additions with brackets?
- Does every quotation have a source citation?
Paraphrases and summaries
- Have you used your own words and sentence structures for every paraphrase and
summary? If not, use quotation marks around the original author’s words.
- Does every paraphrase and summary have a source citation?
The Web
- Have you obtained any necessary permission to use someone else’s material on the
Web?
Source citations
- Have you acknowledged every use of someone else’s material in the place where you
use it?
- Does your list of works cited include all the sources you have used?
C
Rules and
Regulations,
Addresses
Rules, Regulations and Addresses
125
C1
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Many things treated in this Study Guide are based on formal documents approved on the
basis of the Higher Education Act by the Board of the University, the board of the faculty,
the faculty counsel or by the Board of Examiners. In case of doubt or in case of conflicts it
is advisable the refer to these formal documents. Of importance are the following.
The master’s degree programmes are recorded in the Official Registry CROHO [Centraal
Register Opleidingen Hoger Onderwijs]. The registration numbers are:
Biology
66860
Marine Biology
60609
Ecology & Evolution
60365
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
60612
Biomedical Sciences
66990
Medical Pharmaceutical Sciences
60611
C1.1 STUDENT CHARTER
The Student Charter
The Student Charter provides an overview of the rights and obligations of both students and
the University. It is based on national legislation, particularly the Higher Education and
Research Act (WHW), supplemented by regulations that are specific to the University of
Groningen. These latter regulations are set out in the appendices to the Student Charter.
The Act stipulates that the Student Charter comprises two sections: a university-wide section
and a programme-specific section.
 The university-wide section describes the rights and obligations that apply to the
University as a whole, such as registration and protection of rights. You can find this
section on myuniversity (myuniversity.rug.nl> students > regulations, complaints and
participation > regulations > student charter). The university-wide section of the
Student Charter does not literally quote the articles from acts and regulations but
describes them as clearly as possible. The various topics are accompanied by links to
the relevant articles of the act or regulation in question.
 The programme-specific sections describe the rights and obligations that apply to
specific degree programmes. These sections include the Teaching and Examination
Regulations (OER)*, Rules and Regulations for examinations and final assessment
and other regulations and provisions set by the various degree programmes and
faculties. You can consult your programme-specific section at the faculty Education
Offices and in the Study Guides.
* Both available via Nestor.
Applicability
The Student Charter applies to academic year 2015-2016. The university-wide section of the
Student Charter is approved annually by the Board of the University and endorsed by the
University Council. In the event that the Charter challenges or contradicts any legal
regulations, these legal regulations will take priority.
Publication
At the start of the academic year all students will be sent an e-mail by the Board of the
University informing them where they can find the Student Charter on the internet and
where they can consult a hardcopy of the Student Charter.
126
Rules, Regulations and Addresses
Using the Student Charter
All students are expected to be familiar with the contents of the Student Charter. Not
complying with the rules in the Charter may affect your rights, for example the right to
financial support from the Graduation Fund.
Some of these regulations may not be as hard and fast as they sound. Rules and regulations
are by definition general in character, and this Student Charter is no exception. This means
that the applicability of these regulations in concrete situations and individual instances is
not always a predictable and straightforward matter. Students who have registered for the
first time this year may find that the regulations that apply to them are different to those for
students who have reregistered. Make sure you are provided with the right information by
your faculty and/or University Student Desk and read the Student Charter and the associated
regulations carefully.
Items in the Student Charter
The university-wide section of the Student Charter contains information on the rights and
obligations of students regarding the following items:
- Admission;
- Registration and deregistration;
- Tuition fees;
- Teaching, including the binding study advice;
- Examinations and final assessments;
- Financial assistance;
- Consultative participation;
- Rules of behaviour;
- Legal rights.
C1.2 TEACHING AND EXAMINATION REGULATIONS (OER)
The Teaching and Examination Regulations is established by board and council of the
faculty. It contains a number of regulations with respect to structure and content of the
degree programmes, form and frequency of examinations, admission regulations,
tutoring, cum laude, etc.
The OER can be found at:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/fwn/reglementen/oer-en/
C1.3 RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS
The Rules and Regulations of the Board of Examiners contain a number of additional
regulations concerning examinations: e.g. registration for examinations, procedures for
exemptions, assessment, fraud, cum laude, etc.
The Rules and Regulations of the Boards of Examiners of the degree programmes of the
Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences can be found at:
 myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/fwn/reglementen/renr
Rules, Regulations and Addresses
127
C2
ADDRESSES CENTRAL BODIES UNIVERSITY OF
GRONINGEN
C2.1 GENERAL ADDRESSES
Board of the University (CvB)
Postal address:
P.O. Box 72, 9700 AB Groningen, the Netherlands
Telephone:
(050) 363 5285
University Council (U-raad)
Postal address:
P.O. Box 72, 9700 AB Groningen, the Netherlands
Telephone:
(050) 363 8535
E-mail:
uraad@rug.nl
Website:
www.rug.nl/uraad
Legal Affairs Office (ABJZ)
Postal address:
P.O. Box 72, 9700 AB Groningen, the Netherlands
Telephone:
(050) 363 5440
Website:
myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/medewerkers/organisatie/bvdu/abjz/
Donald Smits Center for Information Technology (CIT)
Visiting address:
Zernikeborg, Nettelbosje 1
Postal address:
P.O. Box 11044, 9700 CA Groningen, the Netherlands
Telephone:
(050) 363 9200
E-mail:
secretariaat-cit@rug.nl
Website:
www.rug.nl/cit
CIT Helpdesk
Telephone: (050) 363 3232
E-mail:
servicedesk.cit@rug.nl
Health, Safety and Environment Service (AMD)
Visiting address and postal and address:
Visserstraat 49, 9712 CT Groningen, the Netherlands
Telephone:
(050) 363 5551
E-mail:
amd@rug.nl
Website:
www.rug.nl/amd
Office of the Confidential Advisor
Marijke Dam, Confidential Advisor
Visiting and postal address:
Visserstraat 47, 9712 CT Groningen, the Netherlands
Telephone:
(050) 363 5435
E-mail:
j.m.dam@rug.nl
Website:
www.rug.nl/vertrouwenspersoon
Complaints Committee for harassment, sexual harassment and aggressive,
violent or discriminatory behavior (SIAGD)
Postal address:
Antwoordnummer 172, 9700 AB Groningen, the Netherlands
128
Rules, Regulations and Addresses
C2.2 ADDRESSES FOR STUDENTS
University Student Desk (USD)
Visiting address:
Broerstraat 5
Postal address:
P.O. Box 72, 9700 AB Groningen, the Netherlands
Telephone:
(050) 363 8004
Website:
www.rug.nl/insandouts
www.rug.nl/usd
or myuniversity > frequently asked questions
International Service Desk (ISD)
Visiting address:
Broerstraat 5
Postal address:
P.O. Box 72, 9700 AB Groningen, the Netherlands
Telephone:
(050) 363 8181
E-mail:
isd@rug.nl
Website:
www.rug.nl/isd
Student Service Centre
Visiting address:
Uurwerkersgang 10
Postal address:
P.O. Box 72, 9700 AB Groningen, the Netherlands
Telephone:
(050) 363 8066
E-mail:
ssc-secretariaat@rug.nl
Website:
www.rug.nl/ssc
NEXT Career Services
Visting address:
Uurwerkersgang 10
Postal address:
Postbus 72, 9700 AB Groningen
E-mail:
next@rug.nl
Website:
www.rug.nl/next
Central Portal for the Legal Protection of Student Rights (CLRS)
Postal address:
P.O. Box 72, 9700 AB Groningen, the Netherlands
Website:
www.rug.nl/clrs or
myuniversity > frequently asked questions
University Funds Committee (UFC)
Postal address:
P.O. Box 72, 9700 AB Groningen, the Netherlands
E-mail:
ufc@rug.nl
Rules, Regulations and Addresses
129
C3
FACULTY ADDRESSES
C3.1 BUILDINGS
-
-
-
Linnaeusborg (buildings U, 5171–5174): Centre for Life Sciences,
Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen; telephone reception (050) 363 2021.
Open: 8:00 – 20:00.
Bernoulliborg (building V, 5161): ESC – Mathematics – Computing Science
Artificial Intelligence, Nijenborgh 9, 9747 AG Groningen; telephone reception
(050) 363 6868.
Open: 8:00 – 20:00.
Nijenborgh 4 (buildings X, 5111–5121): Chemistry–Physics–Environmental
Sciences – Industrial Engineering and Management – Nanoscience,
Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen; telephone reception (050) 363 4133.
Open: 8:00 – 20:00.
Kapteynborg (building J, 5419): Astronomy, Landleven 12, 9747 AD Groningen;
telephone secretary (050) 3634074
Open during office hours, ring the bell to enter the building
ADL1 (buildings 3211–3217/3219): ESD, Medical Sciences, Dentistry and
Pharmacy, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen; telephone reception
(050) 363 8000.
Open: Mon–Thurs: 8:00 – 20:30; Fri: 8:00 – 17:30.
For a map, route description and more information about the buildings, see:
 www.rug.nl/fwn/organization/locaties
See Chapter C4 for maps of the buildings of the faculty.
C3.2 LIBRARY
Central Medical Library
Location:
Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen
Winkelstraat 1 or Poortweg 12, 4th floor, Y 4.202
Telephone:
(050) 363 3048 and/or (050) 361 2596
E-mail:
cmb@umcg.nl
University Library Zernike
Location:
Nettelbosje 2, 9747 EA Groningen
2nd floor of the Duisenberg building
Telephone:
(050) 363 3708
E-mail:
zernike-bibliotheek@rug.nl
C3.3 EXCHANGE OFFICE
Henriëtte Mulder and Eloïse Daumerie
Location:
Bernoulliborg, Nijenborgh 9, room 5161.0050,
E-mail:
exchange.science@rug.nl
Margriet Hulshof
Location:
E-mail:
See:

Antonius Deusinglaan 1, room 3213.0017
m.a.hulshof@rug.nl
myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/fwn/studerenbuitenland/algemeneinformatie/contactexchange
130
Rules, Regulations and Addresses
C3.4 EDUCATION SUPPORT DESK
ESD Zernike
Location:
Opening hours:
Phone:
ESD ADL
Location:
Opening hours:
Telephone:
E-mail:
Bernoulliborg, Nijenborgh 9, building 5161, first floor
10:30 – 12:00 (all week days)
13:00 – 15:00 (not on Wednesday and Friday)
(050) 363 4422 (9.00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 16.00)
UMCG, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, building 3214, ground floor
12:00 – 14:00
(050) 363 3315 or (050) 363 3343
(9.00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 16.00)
esc.fwn@rug.nl
Rules, Regulations and Addresses
131
C4
LOCATIONS
C4.1 ZERNIKE
N
Linnaeusborg
Nijenborgh 7
9747 AG Groningen
tel. 050 363 2021
5174
Zernikeplein
Bernoulliborg
Nijenborgh 9
9747 AG Groningen
tel. 050 363 6868
5171
5172
ingang
V
5161
U
ingang
5173
Zernikelaan
Nijenborgh
5118
5114
5113
5112
ingang
Blauwborgje
Tentamenhal
Nijenborgh
5111
5115
5116
5117
5121
X
Chemie–Fysica–Milieukunde
Nijenborgh 4
9747 AG Groningen
tel. 050 363 4133
Translation:
 Ingang=Entrance
 Chemie-Fysica-Milieukunde = Chemistry – Physics – Environmental Sciences – Industrial
Engineering and Management – Nanoscience
 Tentamenhal= Examination building, Aletta Jacobs
132
Rules, Regulations and Addresses
C4.2 ADL
N
ADL2
Ant. Deusinglaan 2
9713 AW Groningen
phone 050 363 3270 / 8000
Bloemsingel
3111
entrance
Oostersingel
entrance
3226
3211
3221
3212
3219
3214
3213
3216
3215
Medical Sciences,
Dentistry and
Pharmacy (ADL1)
3217
Ant. Deusinglaan 1
9713 AV Groningen
phone 050 363 8000
University Medical Center
Groningen (UMCG)