Discover

Discover
the cellular basis of human disease
Research Masters programme in
Molecular Mechanisms of Disease
• Two-year international MSc
• Honours programme with strict selection (only 30 places)
• Multidisciplinary research
• Collaboration with international institutes
• Tailor-made training and supervision
This programme is accredited by the NVAO, the Dutch-Flemish accreditation organisation,
which is a member of ECA, the European Consortium for Accreditation.

Understanding the cellular
basis of disease
The regulation of cellular processes is crucial for human
development, and maintenance of health throughout life. It is
evident that cellular malfunction is the cause of common multifactorial
diseases such as diabetes, immune and inflammatory
disorders, renal disease, cardiovascular, metabolic and
neurodegenerative diseases as well as obesity and cancer.
In the fight against such diseases, the Nijmegen Centre for
Molecular Life Sciences (NCMLS) Graduate School – which is
part of Radboud University Nijmegen and Radboud University
Nijmegen Medical Centre – plays a key role. A major goal of
the NCMLS is to generate basic research knowledge in the
Molecular Life Sciences and to translate this into clinical
applications, in order to improve diagnostics and develop
new treatments.
The NCMLS offers an exclusive Research Masters programme
in Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (MMD), which is provided
by top researchers and clinicians. The three main themes are:
• Infection, immunity and tissue repair
• Metabolism, transport and motion
• Cell growth and differentiation
An inspiring and challenging programme
This unique programme develops disease-related basic research
in cellular and molecular biology and translates it into clinical
experimental research in patients. Designed to meet the needs
of talented students with the drive, motivation and ambition
to push their scientific careers forward, it represents a unique
opportunity to work on a research project and to build up an
international research network.
Highly selective
This extremely competitive programme provides a sound
balance of theory and practice. We enrol just 30 students
per year, each of whom is allocated a personal mentor as well
as a research supervisor. This selective approach guarantees
excellence, especially during the research training period.
According to one of our international partners, Prof. André
Terzic, MD PhD of the prestigious Mayo Clinic in the USA, the
programme offers a focused combination of didactic and practical
components suited to optimally synthesize current discoveries,
conceptual breakthroughs and technological advancement –
mandatory for the effective education of the new vanguard of
multidisciplinary investigators.
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Curiosity-driven research
and education
Learning about science in a true research setting
‘I believe that young scientists should be trained in a true research
setting. We offer a multifaceted education in molecular life sciences
related to disease, with a strong emphasis on molecular medicine, cell
biology and translational research. Central to the research school – and
this Masters programme – is our commitment to fundamental research
and its application to novel diagnostics and therapeutics.
Here you’ll get the experience of being part of a leading-edge research
environment and you’ll be trained – and supervised – by excellent
researchers and enthusiastic clinical experts in themes ranging from
infection, immunity and tissue repair, metabolism, transport and
motion to cell growth and differentiation. You’ll also be introduced
to state-of-the-art technology such as molecular imaging, genomics,
proteomics, bioinformatics and cellular therapy.
Collaboration is the key
‘The most successful studies in molecular life sciences are based on
collaboration. With the elucidation of the human genome sequence
and sequences of various model organisms, together with the use of
proteomics to unravel molecular pathways, research opportunities in
molecular life sciences have increased tremendously.
So welcome to the only truly integrative programme of its kind in
Europe. If you’re talented, motivated and looking for thorough,
fundamental, interdisciplinary research training in this area of
expertise, Nijmegen is the place to be.’
Professor Carl Figdor, Director of the Nijmegen Centre for Molecular
Life Sciences and Professor of Tumour Immunology
To understand the molecular mechanisms of disease, collaborations
between scientists and clinicians are of the utmost importance. This
programme gives you an opportunity to experience top-notch research
and to participate in multidisciplinary international teams. You will be
introduced to a range of exciting scientific themes, which will open up
a variety of potential career paths, while giving you the opportunity to
refine your problem-solving capabilities.
There is ample time for practical research training, both here in
Nijmegen and at our international partner institutes. You will learn
how to communicate the results of your research to diverse audiences
and you’ll be trained in writing scientific papers. You will also attend
Master classes led by internationally acknowledged experts in the field.
These are just a few of the things that make this specialised training an
excellent choice for top students with the ambition to participate in an
international PhD programme.’
Professor Frans Cremers, Scientific Programme Director and Professor in
Ophthalmogenetics
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stanleyson hato (25), a junior scientist at the ncmls
‘Young researchers are taken
seriously here’
‘I’m from the island of Curaçao, which is part of the Dutch Antilles in the Caribbean.
I came here to study Biology and, for my first internship, I joined the Department of
Molecular Biology soon after it had moved into this fabulous new building.
For my second internship I chose a medically applied direction, joining the Department
of Tumour Immunology in the same building. I’ve just started working at the Department
of Medical Microbiology, in the Virology section. I’m investigating how certain viruses
manipulate host cells and circumvent their antiviral mechanisms.
The main strength of studying here is the multidisciplinary collaboration, which leads to
innovation through the integration of ideas. If you feel a particular avenue of inquiry is
interesting but outside of your own field, you can always find experts close by who are only
too willing to help. This was the idea behind the NCMLS building, and I've seen it grow.
They take young researchers like me seriously here. You feel you have a real influence on
the direction of research. For example, right now I'm writing a proposal for funding the
PhD project I intend to work on.’
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The MSc programme
The MMD programme, which starts each September, is modular
in structure, lasts 24 months and is worth 120 European credits.
Its main goal is to prepare talented, motivated students for
independent research projects, and it provides the basis for
an international PhD degree. There is a strong international
component and an emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach to
answering research questions related to molecular mechanisms
of disease.
Theme 1 Infection, immunity and tissue repair
Sub-themes • Infection and autoimmunity
• Immune regulation
• Tissue engineering and pathology
viral infections and cancer. You also become familiar with
technology platforms which link basic science, technology and
disease such as genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, cellular
therapy, tissue engineering and molecular imaging. These platforms
are at the forefront of European research in several areas.
International experience
Students participate in exchanges with a number of collaborating
institutes and formal NCMLS partners, including the University
of Southern Denmark, the University of Münster, the Rudolf
Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine at Würzburg (both
in Germany), the University of Milano-Bicocco in Italy and the
Mayo Clinic in the USA.
Theme 2
Sub-themes
Theme 3
Sub-themes
Metabolism, transport and motion
• Energy and redox metabolism
• Membrane transport and intracellular motility
Cell growth and differentiation
• Functional genomics
• Neural development
• Signalling networks
• Protein structure and design
Excellent career prospects
This MSc enables you to move rapidly into an international PhD
programme, giving you a more mature perspective and a broader
range of experimental approaches than is possible within a
standard MSc programme. You are also prepared for further
training as a PhD-level researcher. MMD graduates are exempted
from certain elements of the NCMLS PhD programme. For
example, the orientation course taught during the MSc phase
and the main research project can be incorporated into a PhD
project, thus shortening the PhD period by at least 46 EC.
After a number of theoretical components, you choose one of
these three main themes and then specialise in a sub-theme for
the research training period. The general modules are scheduled
mainly in the first year, while the focus in the final year is on
individual research project work leading to your MSc thesis.
There is considerable demand for specialists in fundamental
molecular biology and cell biology as well as in its application
to the treatment of diseases such as cancer, autoimmune and
inflammatory disorders, and metabolic and neurodegenerative
disorders.
Translational research and technology platforms
You are exposed to basic science and links are made to translational
research in the treatment of disease. This is crucial when
studying the molecular mechanisms of the following diseases:
autoimmune and inflammatory disorders (such as rheumatoid
arthritis), renal disease, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic
disorders, microbial infection (including malarial infections),
Graduates are equipped with highly specialised knowledge of
multidisciplinary research not only in the mechanisms of
disease, but also in state-of-the-art diagnostic methods
and technologies. During the programme you develop a highly
critical, independent approach to problem solving. You will
also acquire the basic management skills needed to lead R&D
projects in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
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adriana salcedo (28), a phd student at the ncmls
‘The driving force behind my research?
Fighting malaria’
‘I come from Colombia, where I got my BSc in Medical Microbiology. Since I was young, I've
wanted to go to Europe because of its rich mixture of languages and cultures. Finally, I got the
chance with a Nuffic scholarship to study for an MSc in Biotechnology in the Netherlands.
Right now, I'm working on my PhD in the Molecular Biology lab of the NCMLS. My subject?
Malaria and, in particular, getting a better understanding of gene expression in the parasite
Plasmodium falciparum. I come from a developing country, and I know people personally who
have been sick with malaria. So, the driving force behind my research is to help develop ways
to fight this killer disease.
Besides all that, this is a very stimulating environment to work in. It's multicultural and multidisciplinary
– even within my lab, where two thirds of the people come from abroad. There's
freedom of ideas and freedom to choose your own direction. You really experience the creativity.
It's a great place to learn and, if you feel like me about this, you have the opportunity to make a
genuine contribution to society.’
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Master classes are given by leading
authorities in their fields from
renowned international institutes
Programme design
Orientation (3 EC)
This is an introduction to the NCMLS scientists, their working
environment, the main research themes and many of the
research techniques and technologies used within the graduate
school.
European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)
The workload of an academic year is equivalent to 60 European
credits (EC). This system allows you to check whether the courses
you have followed in a particular year (along with other activities
that earn credits) meet the European requirements.
International Master classes (6 EC)
This unique component is dedicated to topics within the three
main themes. Distinguished researchers from international
partner universities present the latest research developments
in their field. Six new Master classes are provided over the two
years. These ensure that the programme is continually updated,
keeping abreast with the latest research developments and
introducing you to new and challenging research topics and
questions.
Excellence in communication for scientists (1 EC)
This module focuses on the principles and practice of scientific
writing and presentation skills.
Core Fundamental courses (9 EC)
The three core theme courses Infection, immunity and tissue
repair; Metabolism, transport and motion; and Growth and
differentiation are each worth 3 EC. Researchers from various
disciplines within these themes collaborate closely in
addressing molecular topics related to the mechanisms of
several diseases.
The knowledge transfer, ethics and communication courses are
distinctive in providing a combination of theoretical knowledge,
practical experience and proficiency in scientific communication.
The entire programme is carried out in English.
Knowledge transfer (8 EC)
These courses help to strengthen your scientific communication
and learning skills. You participate in seminars, forums and
conferences related to your particular specialisation (theme and
sub-theme choice) with prominent national and international
scientists. Some of these courses can also be followed at
international partner institutes during the second research
training period.
Translational Research (3 EC)
This component makes the link between basic research and
its application in developing diagnostics and treatments in
a clinical setting.
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Science and Society (1 EC)
This course trains awareness of the societal impacts of
advances in Molecular Life Sciences and encourages you to
reflect on and discuss related ethical issues.
“A very attractive
multidisciplinary approach
to education in the
biomedical life sciences.
This integrated approach is
necessary in order to
deliver talented young
researchers to the next
phase of their career”
(University of Münster)
Research training (79 EC)
After completing the fundamental core courses, you start a
minor research project on a sub-theme within one of the
NCMLS research groups (34 EC). You learn how to conduct
research under the supervision of internationally prominent
researchers. You then write a report in the form of a scientific
article, which may be published. During the second year, you
embark on a major research project at an international partner
institute (45 EC). This centres on a subject within your main
specialisation, preferably one related to the topic of your minor
research. The results, which should be of publishable quality,
are presented in a final thesis at the end of the programme.
Elective courses (10 EC)
You submit a proposal on the courses you would like to
follow within this flexible part of the programme. You may,
for example, choose to follow components of other related
MSc programmes.
Tailor-made training
Intensive training in basic research techniques is given during
the first few weeks of each research training period. You are
guided throughout the practical training period by a supervisor
and throughout the entire programme by a mentor, who
stimulates you to explore your abilities and develop general
research competencies, including reflection, work organisation
and mid-and long-term planning. Together with these coaches,
you draw up a personal training and supervision plan, which
includes not only practical research but also workshops designed
for and by PhD students as well as seminars and forums within
the institute. Such a broad and interdisciplinary approach to
research is particularly important in the international scientific
arena.
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mabel van den hoven (26), a phd student at the ncmls
‘Part of a leading-edge research
environment ’
‘I studied Medical Health Sciences in Nijmegen, majoring in Pathobiology. Now I work in the
Nephrology research lab in the NCMLS. This is a small lab in a highly specialised area, with
around 10 people working on four different topics. My research focuses on the mechanisms in
diabetes that lead to kidney disease. The ultimate aim is to find inhibitors which can interrupt
this process.
I really like the challenging environment in the lab, as well as in the NCMLS as a whole. You
feel part of a leading-edge research environment. As a junior researcher you have a great deal
of independence but we also work closely together. Contact with colleagues from different
disciplines makes the work exciting.
There's a good mixture of practice and theory here in Nijmegen, and you learn how to set up
experiments. What's more, you’re exposed to exciting new ideas through lectures, workshops
and forum evenings that are led by experts in their field. That's why I think an MSc in Molecular
Mechanisms of Disease is an excellent preparation for going on to do substantial research for
a PhD.’
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General information
Admission requirements
This programme was designed for high-calibre students with
a background in life sciences such as Cell Biology, Molecular
Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or
Molecular biology. Most applicants intend to follow a PhD programme,
but feel that before doing so they need to deepen their
knowledge and broaden their research and communication skills.
You have a BSc honours degree (or equivalent) and a strong
motivation to pursue a career in research related to the
molecular mechanisms of disease. If your degree is related to,
or one of the subjects listed above and you are among the top
10% of your BSc class, then we have a challenging programme
that will meet or exceed your expectations. A fluent active and
passive command of English is essential.
To find out if you have the right academic background, please
contact Study Advisor Mrs. Margit Sivirsky by sending her an
e-mail at MMD@ncmls.ru.nl.
How to enrol
Applications should be made by 15 th April for non-EEA students
and 1 st June for EEA students. Students with, or expecting, the
equivalent of at least an upper-second class honours degree
(e.g. cum laude) in an appropriate discipline are invited to apply.
Application
You can download and fill in an application form from:
www.ru.nl/master/NCMLS-MMD.
Please send the following documents:
• application form and letter of motivation
• certified copies of your university and pre-university
diplomas (plus English transcripts)
• copy of your English language test (TOEFL: 600 or above
or equivalent test; native speakers and those who studied
BSc in the Netherlands are exempt)
• a copy of your passport
• your Curriculum Vitae
• two letters of recommendation from previous supervisors
Send the application form and documents to:
Radboud University Nijmegen
Central Students’ Office
PO Box 9102, 6500 HC Nijmegen
The Netherlands
We will first determine whether you meet the university’s
general requirements. Potential students will then be asked
for an interview (in person or by telephone) with the Selection
Committee, who will consider whether you are qualified to be
admitted to the Masters programme. You may also be asked to
meet further conditions. For further details of the application
procedure (including how to do the TOEFL test), see
www.ru.nl/master/NCMLS-MMD.
Costs
The MMD programme has been accredited by the Dutch
authorities. This means that Dutch students enrolled in this
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programme may apply for a government scholarship. For more
details, please go to www.ib-groep.nl. For foreign students
there is the possibility of a scholarship (eg. Huygens).
For more details, please go to www.nuffic.nl/scholarships.
to good public transport connections, cities such as Brussels,
Paris, London, Dublin, Cologne and Frankfurt are only a few
hours away. Within the town itself, however, the best way to
get around is by bicycle.
Students from the European Economic Area (EEA) which
includes the 27 EU countries plus Iceland, Lichtenstein and
Norway, pay the same tuition fee as Dutch students (for the
academich year 2007/2008 : € 1,538 per year). For students
from outside the EEA, the fee was € 8,000 per year in 2006/
2007 (plus a one-off handling charge of € 75). The tuition fee
for 2007/2008 has yet to be decided. For more information, see
www.ru.nl/master/NCMLS-MMD.
Students from abroad should also take living costs into account,
bringing the total cost of studying in Nijmegen to approximately
€ 8,000 a year excluding tuition fees. When applying for a
residence permit at the Dutch consulate in your country of
origin, you must be able to prove that you have sufficient funds
to cover this amount. All foreign students need a residence
permit to study in the Netherlands, and those from outside the
EU are not allowed to work during this period.
Studying in Nijmegen
Located on a green campus in the oldest city in the Netherlands,
Radboud University Nijmegen is a welcoming, forward-looking,
research-based centre of learning that covers the full range of
academic disciplines. It has excellent study facilities and libraries,
new sport facilities and a lively student culture. Almost all of
the teaching staff are involved in both education and research.
This combination offers a dual advantage: research facilities that
attract the brightest and the best, and a stimulating learning
environment that provides access to the latest findings. It’s also
a friendly place to study: students and lecturers know each
other by first name. Each year around 2,000 students graduate
and 185 postgraduates are awarded doctorates.
The town dates back to Roman times, when it was known as
Novio Magus. With a population of 150,000, it has a rich social
and cultural life, including a variety of film, theatre and music
venues, international festivals and sports events. Nijmegen is
easily accessible from all parts of the Netherlands, and, thanks
How to find accommodation
As in the rest of the Netherlands, student housing in Nijmegen
is scarce. There are three ways to find accommodation:
• through the Radboud University External Relations
Department: + 31 24 36 12061 (Monday - Friday
10.00 - 12.00) or housing@er.ru.nl
• through the Nijmegen Foundation for Student
Accommodation (www.sshn.nl)
• or by renting a house or room privately
Check out www.ru.nl/master/NCMLS-MMD for more
information.
Important addresses
MMD Research Masters programme
Scientific programme director: Prof. Frans Cremers
Study Advisor Mrs. Margit Sivirsky
E: MMD@ncmls.ru.nl
T: +31 (0)24 361 89 44
I: www.ru.nl/master/NCMLS-MMD
Central Students’ Office
PO Box 9102, 6500 HC Nijmegen, the Netherlands
T: +31 (0)24 361 23 45
E: balie@dsz.ru.nl
I: www.ru.nl/master
Foundation for Student Accommodation
PO Box 1175, 6501 BD Nijmegen, the Netherlands
T: +31 (0)24 359 49 23
E: info@sshn.nl
Additional information
On accreditation: www.nvao.net
On Nijmegen: www.nijmegenonline.nl
On studying in the Netherlands: www.studyin.nl
On language requirements:
www.ru.nl/prospectivemaster/admission/master/language
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Date of pubication: February 2007
This brochure is a publication of Radboud University
Nijmegen | Coordination: Communications Office
Text: Michael Gould Associates (in collaboration with
Dr Margaret Mullally, Assistant Scientific Director
NCMLS) | Design: Nies en Partners bno, Nijmegen
Photography: Dick van Aalst, Bert Beelen, Erik van
’t Hullenaar, Frank Muller | Printed by: Thieme
MediaCenter, Nijmegen
While this brochure was prepared with the utmost care,
no representation of accuracy or completeness is made.
We welcome your comments.
Central Student’s Office,
PO Box 9102, 6500 HC Nijmegen,
E-mail: balie@dsz.ru.nl