Learning outcomes

1. The master is able to independently situate and evaluate a scientific problem and to formulate the hypothesis. He/she has the knowledge and skill required to test the hypothesis within the context of the contemporary scientific understanding and the (international) literature.

2. Moreover his/her scientific training allows the master to set up a problem-solving strategy of experiments and observations. He/she has the skills required to carry out these activities, as an individual or in team.

3. Through data analysis, using appropriate advanced techniques, the Master of Biology can provide a relevant answer to a question and propose solutions, in both an academic and applied context.

4. With the acquired skills the master can summarize, communicate and interpret his/her findings at different levels: to peers, to a broad public or to policy makers, both orally and in writing.

5. The master is aware of the relativity of things, of the border between objectivity and subjectivity, of the possibilities and limitations set by technology and knowledge. He/she acts as a thinking and reflecting scientist in all his/her activities.

6. The master can independently recognize and describe problems in relation to life and society. He/she is able to track and interpret relevant data with the appropriate methods. Of the greatest importance is the ability to value paradigms and theories and in particular to define the limits of their reliability.

7. The master has a thorough insight in living matter and in the relationship between biotic and abiotic matter. He/she has the attitude to continuously follow up the state of knowledge and the (international) developments in the subfield he/she has made his/her own and he/she learns to think, plan, experiment and conclude using state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies.

8. The master has the required social, management and communication skills to be able to work in a team, both within his/her discipline and in an interdisciplinary environment, to lead and execute experiments as well as to process and present data.

9. The master demonstrates professional responsibility. He/she will aim to communicate the fruits of his/her creativity at a high level in order to broaden the general knowledge.

10. The master can not only undertake actions in his/her mother tongue, but at least also in English, the international communication tool.

11. The master has a sense of social responsibility. He/she has a solid critical training. With the acquired communication skills he/she is able to relate his/her field (biology) to society, and give a two-way account in this relation. To optimally fulfill his/her role in society, the master specializes in one of the majors 'evolution and behaviour biology' or 'biodiversity: conservation and restoration'. Within the first he/she can also acquire additional skills in one of three possible professional profiles: research, education or entrepreneurship.