Biology
Do you want to understand how climate change affects marine life? Are you curious about the causes of diseases like cancer, or what happens in the brain during sleep? Do you see yourself working with other scientists to help solve the world's biggest biological challenges? Then Biology at the University of Groningen is the right choice for you.
During this programme, you’ll learn how living systems work, from molecules to ecosystems. You’ll combine biology with mathematics, physics, and chemistry to answer questions about health, biodiversity, and the environment. From your second year, you’ll specialize and build the skills to contribute to science and society — whether in research, conservation, healthcare, or biotechnology.
The degree programme offers a wide choice of specializations that you can major in. During the first semester you will follow a broad based programme, after which you can make your definitive choice.
The biomedical science programmes have close ties with the University Medical Center Groningen. If you choose one of these programmes, you will spend a lot of time at the UMCG, for practicals, among other things.
What to expect from the Bachelor's programme in Biology
- Explore all areas of biology in your first semester — from ecology to molecular life sciences.
- Shape your own programme with a specialisation and Major that fits your interests
- Gain hands-on experience in labs and fieldwork, and work with experts from different scientific fields.
The second year is when you make your definitive choice of Major. You can choose from the following five Majors:
- Ecology and Evolution
- Molecular Life Sciences
- Behaviour and Neurosciences
- Biomedical Sciences
- Integrative Biology
- Transcript of Records – If you have not yet completed Secondary School, you must upload a transcript showing your current grades. You can find the transcript template here.
- Secondary School Leaving Certificate – If you have already completed Secondary School, you do not need to upload a separate transcript. Simply upload your Secondary School Leaving Certificate to the application.
An additional documents, Statement of Education / Course description, may be required depending on the programme you apply for at this university.
If any document is required, it will appear in the Documents section of the Kastu application form once you start your application.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending on your nationality and the country where you completed your previous education.
You may not need to take IELTS or TOEFL. University usually allow you to prove your English proficiency in one of the following ways:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- A national English examination listed on your secondary school leaving certificate
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An International Baccalaureate (IB) or European Baccalaureate (EB) diploma
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme, your secondary school qualification and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Sufficient background knowledge in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics is required.
Job examples:
- Researcher
- Environmental advisor
- Health advisor
- Ecologist
- Microbiologist
- Policy advisor
- Science communication or journalism
- Teacher/lecturer
