Biology

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

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Deze opleiding

What are the effects of climate change on marine life? What causes a disease like cancer and how can you prevent or cure it? What happens in the brain while you are asleep?

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locatieGroningen
diplomaBSc
typeregulier, 180 EC
start1 september
taalvolledig English
opleidingsduur3 jaar voltijd
accreditatiesNVAO
croho-code56860
numerus fixusnee
honoursnee

The field of Biology is concerned with how plants, animals and humans are made up and how they function. The difference with biology at secondary school is that this degree programme involves more exact science: you will study more mathematics, physics and chemistry. Scientists are expanding their horizons more and more. As a biologist, you will increasingly work together with scientists of other disciplines. This interaction will provide you with useful knowledge.

Choose the Major that suits you best!

Many universities offer degree programmes in Biology. The big advantage of studying in Groningen is that you can choose the exact specialization that suits you best. After the broad-based first semester, which comprises course units that cover virtually all aspects of biology, you will choose a specialization that you are interested in, for example Ecology and Evolution or Biomedical Sciences.

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

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


Waarom aan de University of Groningen?

  • The degree programme offers a wide choice of specializations that you can major in. During the first semester you will follow a broad based programme, after which you can make your definitive choice.
  • The biomedical science programmes have close ties with the University Medical Center Groningen. If you choose one of these programmes, you will spend a lot of time at the UMCG, for practicals, among other things.
  • Groningen also offers a unique Master's degree programme in Marine Biology.
  • Our faculty is the home of the 2016 Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry, Ben Feringa, and the Nobel Prize winner in Physics, Frits Zernike.


Studieprogramma

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opbouw
The first, broad-based semester is identical for all students and helps you to familiarize yourself with the various fields within the domain of biology. After this semester, you will choose a Major. During the first three semesters, you will follow many compulsory course units. Afterwards, you will be able to choose from many electives and set out your own route to gaining your degree. How much electives you can choose depends on your major of choice.

During the first semester of the third year, you will follow a Minor to broaden or deepen your knowledge. Your Bachelor's degree programme will be finished with a Bachelor's project within your chosen Major. The vast majority of your lecturers are involved in research in some way. Their research will help you to become acquainted with the many current developments in the field of life sciences.

Every year consists of 60 ECTS (study credit points). Most courses are good for 5 ECTS.

Please be advised that students of the Faculty of Science and Engineering are expected to adhere to our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, ensuring seamless integration of personal electronic devices for academic purposes. For more detailed information on our BYOD policy, please visit our webpage.


periode
12
Basic Cell and Molecular Biology
Biostatistics 1
First year symposium
Genetics, Ecology and Evolution
Lab course
Microbiology
Physiology
Behavioural Neurosciences
Biochemistry and Cell Biology in Ecology and Evolution
Cell Biology and Immunology
Ecophysiology of Plants and Animals
Evolutionary Ecology
Metabolism
Molecules of Life
Research Skills in Ecology and Evolution 1,2 & 3
Research Skills in Life Sciences 1,2 & 3

majors

major Integrative Biology

This Major is an excellent choice for students who are looking for multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives in biology.

You will use these perspectives to unravel the complexity of biology. The Major offers a great deal of options to choose from, so you can compile a personal study programme that is perfectly tailored to your own interests.

major Ecology and Evolution

This Major is designed for students who are interested in studying organisms in their natural habitats.

You will learn how different species interact with their environment and their ecological partners, and how this network supports biodiversity, resilience and ecosystems.

major Behaviour and Neurosciences

This Major is for students who want to know how the brain works and/or why animals and humans behave the way that they do.

It will help you to understand how all kinds of factors affect behaviour, such as nurture conditions, the environment and endogenous aspects.

major Molecular Life Sciences

This Major is perfect if you are interested in the molecular processes on which all life forms are based.

You will learn about the functioning of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells in their environment. You will also learn about the tools that you need to study these processes, such as computational tools to analyse the increasingly large and complex datasets that are generated in modern biological research.

major Biomedical Sciences

This Major focuses on human beings as a biological creature.

Medical biologists want to understand the biological basis of diseases in humans and how these diseases develop until observable complaints occur. Their aim is to develop better diagnostic and therapeutic programmes.

Onderwijs

taal van onderwijs100% en
avondonderwijsn.v.t.
afstandsonderwijsn.v.t.
study abroad
Students have the possibility to study abroad during their minor programme (30 ECTS) in the first semester of the third year of the Bachelor's degree programme.
bindend studieadvies
  • minimaal 45 EC in de eerste 12 maanden


You will be offered study advice after first year of study. You can expect a positive result if you have earned more than 45 ECTS credit points (out of a total of 60 ECTS). If you have earned fewer than 45 ECTS and are issued a negative result, you will not be allowed to continue with your degree programme.
You will receive preliminary study advice in December to make sure that you know where you stand. Please contact your study advisor as soon as possible if you have any questions about the BSA system.

N.B. Some degree programmes use a tutoring system; please check with your study advisor.

Toelating en kosten

startmomenten

1 september 2025

aanmelding deadline : 1 mei 2025
wettelijk tarief : € 2601 (€1301 in het eerste jaar)
instellingstarief : € 13500
niet-EU/EER studenten : € 19800

1 september 2026

aanmelding deadline : 1 mei 2026
collegegeld nog niet bekend

toelaatbare profielen
VWO N&Taangevuld met Biologie
VWO N&Gaangevuld met Natuurkunde
toelatingseisen

aanvullende vakeisen
All other profiles and their equivalents must be supplemented by Mathematics A or B, Physics, Chemistry and Biology

taaltoets
Language proficiency certificate for English (except for applicants with a Dutch pre-university education (VWO) as well as the exemptions listed on the language exemptions webpage). More info: https://www.rug.nl/fse/education/admission-application/apply-bsc/language

De stad

studievereniging

GLV Idun
Groninger LevenswetenschappenVereniging Idun is the study association for Biology, Life Science & Technology, Biomedical Engineering, and their connecting master programs.
The association organises various activities, from social activities, like our weekly drinks, or even traveling abroad. In addition, Idun also organizes career/education-related activities like company visits and lunch lectures. GLV Idun contributes to a fun student time by bringing students together, and preparing her members for their career ahead!

aan het woord: studenten en docenten

Marloes Eerelman
I look forward to applying what I have learned thus far in a new environment.

During high school, I developed an interest in the antibiotic crisis and became increasingly curious about the underlying biological mechanisms of this problem. Biology with the major biomedical sciences or medicine seemed like a good next step for me. I ended up studying neither. The biology programme in Groningen has a broad first year with mandatory course units before you pick a major. During this time I took some courses in molecular biology that convinced me to take the Molecular Life Sciences (MLS) major instead...
Most of the time, my coursework was divided into full-time 3 week courses. I have experienced the pros and cons of this model. On the one hand, it allowed me to focus on one subject at a time. On the other hand, there is little time for relaxation during the course and you must start studying on day 1 if you want to succeed. There is less lab work in the programme than I anticipated. Most of my days involve a 2-hour lecture and 4-6 hours of independent study, with the occasional lab or tutorial. I enjoy spending those hours in the University library, in one of Groningen’s cozy cafes or on campus.Next semester I am going on an international exchange programme through the international office of our faculty. I look forward to applying what I have learned thus far in a new environment.


lees verder ...
Ella Rees-Baylis
Ecology and Evolution is really fascinating

Studying Biology in Groningen attracted me because you get lots of choice in relation to which areas of biology you''d like to study. This flexibility was important for me as I did not know what aspect of biology I wanted to major in. But from trying all the various courses in the first semester, I decided to major into Ecology and Evolution, which is really fascinating, as you get to study ecology on the molecular levels but also in terms of large ecosystems over lifetimes.Also, Groningen is an amazing city, plus I feel particularly welcomed as an international student...


lees verder ...
Jorn Claassen
Jorn Claassen, student Biology

Keuzehulp

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Studievergelijker

1/7 University of Groningen
Biologie
€ 303 gemiddelde kamerhuur
141 eerstejaars
56% vrouw
? uur contacttijd/week
100% Engelstalig
> bekijk opleiding
2/7 Leiden University
Biologie
€ 350 gemiddelde kamerhuur
101 eerstejaars
50% vrouw
? uur contacttijd/week
50% Nederlandstalig
50% Engelstalig
> bekijk opleiding
3/7 Utrecht University
Molecular Life Sciences
€ 336 gemiddelde kamerhuur
245 eerstejaars
54% vrouw
? uur contacttijd/week
100% Nederlandstalig
> bekijk opleiding
4/7 Utrecht University
Biologie
€ 336 gemiddelde kamerhuur
245 eerstejaars
54% vrouw
? uur contacttijd/week
100% Nederlandstalig
> bekijk opleiding
5/7 University of Amsterdam
Biologie
€ 424 gemiddelde kamerhuur
42 eerstejaars
47% vrouw
? uur contacttijd/week
65% Nederlandstalig
35% Engelstalig
> bekijk opleiding
6/7 VU University Amsterdam
Biologie
star Keuzegids topopleiding 2018
€ 424 gemiddelde kamerhuur
25 eerstejaars
?% vrouw
? uur contacttijd/week
80% Nederlandstalig
20% Engelstalig
> bekijk opleiding
7/7 Wageningen University
Biologie
star Keuzegids topopleiding 2020  84
€ 282 gemiddelde kamerhuur
168 eerstejaars
49% vrouw
? uur contacttijd/week
60% Nederlandstalig
40% Engelstalig
> bekijk opleiding
disclaimer: bovenstaande cijfers en beoordelingen zijn aangeleverd door de opleidingen zelf. Wij kunnen de juistheid niet garanderen.
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Na de studie

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Beroepsperspectief / arbeidsmarkt

When you study Biology, you develop a scientific way of thinking that will help you to solve biology-related questions and problems. This analytical perspective is useful in all kinds of jobs, so you will have plenty of career options after graduating.

Many options

A biology degree gives you a wealth of excellent options. Some biologists become policy advisors in an organization or company, or find a job as a press officer, teacher, educational consultant or scientific journalist. A small number of biologists work in the corporate sector, for example as clinical research associates. In short, you will be eligible for a wide range of positions in all kinds of companies and organizations.

Want to become a researcher?

A lot of biologists work as researchers, either for a short while or as a long-term career. The type of research will depend on the discipline in which you specialize and the themes that play a role in your working environment. There are various types of research. For example, you could study the brain at the University Medical Center Groningen, or help to unravel the structure of genes in a laboratory. You could study the effects of gas drilling on the marine environment for the NAM, or coordinate research on the influence of large grazers on vulnerable ecosystems for a conservation organization. Or you could gather information about forgotten crops that could thrive with little or no pesticides in our changing climate. These are all examples of research. What you achieve with this research will depend on yourself and the world around you. It’s up to you!



aansluitende masteropleidingen

instellingopleidinginstroomeisen
Radboud University NijmegenAdaptive Organisms+ aanv. eisen
Wageningen UniversityAnimal Sciences+ aanv. eisen
Wageningen UniversityAquaculture and Marine Resource Management+ aanv. eisen
VU University AmsterdamArtificial Intelligence+ aanv. eisen
University of GroningenBehavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences research+ aanv. eisen
Radboud University NijmegenBehavioural Science (research) research+ toelatingsgesprek
+ motivatiebrief
Utrecht UniversityBio Inspired Innovation researchgeen aanvullende eisen
Wageningen UniversityBiobased Sciencesgeen aanvullende eisen
Wageningen UniversityBioinformatics+ aanv. eisen
VU University AmsterdamBioinformatics and Systems Biologygeen aanvullende eisen
University of AmsterdamBioinformatics and Systems Biology (joint degree)+ aanv. eisen
University of AmsterdamEcology and Evolution+ aanv. eisen
University of GroningenEcology and Evolution+ basiskennis
+ motivatiebrief
VU University AmsterdamEcology and Evolutiongeen aanvullende eisen
University of AmsterdamFreshwater & Marine Biology+ aanv. eisen
University of AmsterdamGeneral Biology+ aanv. eisen
University of AmsterdamGreen Life Sciences+ aanv. eisen
Wageningen UniversityBiologygeen aanvullende eisen
Radboud University NijmegenBiology+ aanv. eisen
Leiden UniversityBiology+ aanv. eisen
University of GroningenBiologygeen aanvullende eisen
Utrecht UniversityBiology of Disease researchgeen aanvullende eisen
Leiden UniversityBiology and Business Studies+ aanv. eisen
Leiden UniversityBiology and Science Communication and Society+ aanv. eisen
Leiden UniversityEvolutionary Biology+ aanv. eisen
Radboud University NijmegenBiomedical Sciences+ aanv. eisen
University of GroningenBiomedical Sciences+ aanv. eisen
VU University AmsterdamBiomolecular Sciencesgeen aanvullende eisen
University of GroningenBiomolecular Sciences+ aanv. eisen
Wageningen UniversityBiotechnology+ aanv. eisen
Utrecht UniversityCancer, Stem Cells and Developmental Biology researchgeen aanvullende eisen
Wageningen UniversityClimate Studies+ aanv. eisen
University of GroningenClinical and Psychosocial Epidemiology researchgeen aanvullende eisen
Radboud University NijmegenCognitive Neuroscience (research) research+ motivatiebrief
+ toelatingsgesprek
University of AmsterdamComputational Science+ aanv. eisen
Radboud University NijmegenConservation and Restoration Ecology+ aanv. eisen
University of GroningenCPE Track Health Systems and Prevention researchgeen aanvullende eisen
University of GroningenCPE Track Lifecourse Health Development researchgeen aanvullende eisen
Wageningen UniversityDevelopment and Rural Innovation+ aanv. eisen
Utrecht UniversityDrug Innovation researchgeen aanvullende eisen
Wageningen UniversityEarth and Environment+ basiskennis
+ motivatiebrief
+ toelatingsgesprek
+ cijfergemiddelde
University of AmsterdamEnvironmental Management+ aanv. eisen
University of AmsterdamGeo-ecological Dynamics+ aanv. eisen
University of GroningenEducatie en Communicatie in de Bètawetenschappen full-time,part-time educational+ aanv. eisen
Radboud University NijmegenEducatie in de Bètawetenschappen educational+ aanv. eisen
University of GroningenEnergy and Environmental Sciences+ aanv. eisen
Utrecht UniversityEnergy Science researchgeen aanvullende eisen
Radboud University NijmegenEnvironment & Sustainability+ aanv. eisen
Utrecht UniversityEnvironmental Biology researchgeen aanvullende eisen
Utrecht UniversityEpidemiology researchgeen aanvullende eisen
Radboud University NijmegenFilosofie van een bepaald wetenschapsgebiedgeen aanvullende eisen
Wageningen UniversityForest and Nature Conservation+ aanv. eisen
Wageningen UniversityGeo-information Science+ aanv. eisen
Maastricht UniversityGlobal Healthgeen aanvullende eisen
Maastricht UniversityGovernance and Leadership in European Public Healthgeen aanvullende eisen
Utrecht UniversityHistory and Philosophy of Science researchgeen aanvullende eisen
Radboud University NijmegenHuman Biology+ aanv. eisen
Maastricht UniversityHuman Movement Sciencesgeen aanvullende eisen
University of GroningenHuman Movement Sciences+ 30 EC pre-master
Delft University of TechnologyIndustrial Ecology+ aanv. eisen
Utrecht UniversityInfection and Immunity research+ aanv. eisen
Utrecht UniversityInnovation Sciences research+ aanv. eisen
University of GroningenInnovative Medicinegeen aanvullende eisen
Utrecht UniversityLeraar VHO biologie full-time,part-time educational+ 60 EC pre-master
Leiden UniversityLeraar VHO in Biologie educational+ 60 EC pre-master
Utrecht UniversityLeraar VHO scheikunde full-time,part-time educational+ 90 EC pre-master
University of AmsterdamLerarenopleiding Biologie educational+ 60 EC pre-master
University of AmsterdamLerarenopleiding Biologie part-time educational+ 60 EC pre-master
VU University AmsterdamManagement, Policy Analysis and Entrepreneurship in the Health & Life Sciences+ aanv. eisen
University of GroningenMarine Biology+ aanv. eisen
Radboud University NijmegenMedical Biology+ aanv. eisen
Radboud University NijmegenMedical Epigenomics+ aanv. eisen
University of GroningenMedical Pharmaceutical Sciences+ aanv. eisen
Radboud University NijmegenMicrobiology+ aanv. eisen
Utrecht UniversityMolecular and Cellular Life Sciences researchgeen aanvullende eisen
Radboud University NijmegenMolecular Mechanisms of Disease research+ cijfergemiddelde
+ toelatingsgesprek
+ motivatiebrief
Erasmus University RotterdamMolecular Medicine research+ motivatiebrief
+ toelatingsgesprek
University of GroningenMolecular Medicine and Innovative Treatmentgeen aanvullende eisen
Radboud University NijmegenNeurobiology+ aanv. eisen
VU University AmsterdamNeurosciencesgeen aanvullende eisen
Utrecht UniversityOne Healthgeen aanvullende eisen
Tilburg University Individual Differences and Assessment+ aanv. eisen
Utrecht UniversityScience and Business Management researchgeen aanvullende eisen
Utrecht UniversityScience Education and Communication educationalgeen aanvullende eisen
Radboud University NijmegenScience in Society+ aanv. eisen
Radboud University NijmegenScience, Management and Innovation+ aanv. eisen
Utrecht UniversitySustainable Business and Innovation+ aanv. eisen
Utrecht UniversityToxicology and Environmental Health researchgeen aanvullende eisen
bron: doorstroommatrix.nl

Potentiële beroepen

beleids- of projectmedewerker
docent
ecoloog
gezondheidstechnoloog
microbioloog
milieuadviseur
onderzoeker
wetenschapsjournalist
bron: StudieData

Contact

Ask Our Students!

Like to talk about the programme and student life with someone currently studying Biology?

E: biostudents@rug.nl
studyscience@rug.nl Study Science

For general questions for all prospective students

E: studyscience@rug.nl
Academic Advisors FSE
W: Academic Advisors FSE
Meer informatie?
Bezoek de website van deze opleiding.

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