FAQ
If you have a question about the content of the program, please consult the GSLS Students' site first.
Furthermore you can find some frequently asked questions below:
Which courses can or should I choose from?
For the 15 EC of Mandatory Theoretical component you need to choose from the CSDB program-related courses, while a maximum of 4.5 EC could be spend on program-related courses of other GSLS Master’s programs.
Please note that if you choose the Bioinformatics Profile in the second year, you will have to use a certain amount of bioinformatics courses within the Profile component. In that case, these courses will not count for your Mandatory Theoretical component.
When will the courses take place next academic year?
Each year in April/May we decide on the course schedule for our program-realted courses in the following academic year. We aim at scheduling all courses around the same time each year, however this can not be guaranteed. Three of our courses are running every second year:
- Developmental Genetics
- Model Organisms Genetics
- Zebrafish in Development, Organogenesis and Disease
How can I spend my Electives?
For the 12 EC of Elective component you could take extra program-related courses as well as general elective courses. In addition, you may use these credits for extension of your Profile (applies specifically to the Bioinformatics, Complex Systems and General Research Profiles) or to perform a mini-project.
What do I need to include in my research report?
Check the available guides. In short, an abstract, plain language summary, introduction, materials & methods, results, conclusion & discussion and references sections should be included. Discuss with your supervisors about the content and format of the report.
What should be arranged for a project abroad?
Have a look at this page to see which steps are needed.
I am confused with the different supervisor roles, can you explain?
- Internal projects (UU/UMCU/Hubrecht/PMC): the group leader will serve as Examiner and assesses practical work, final presentation and report. The Second Reviewer is a senior scientist who is not involved during the project, but he/she will need to grade both your final presentation and report at the end of your internship.
- External projects (abroad/elsewhere in the Netherlands/company): the group leader will serve as Supervisor host institute and assesses practical work, final presentation and report. You need to find yourself a staff member from Utrecht (UU/UMCU/Hubrecht/PMC) who will serve as Examiner. He/she will grade your final presentation and report, and is resposible for registration of the assessment. The Examiner should either (digitally) attend your final presentation at the host institute, or you will have to give a separate presentation in the group of your Examiner.
Is it possible to involve the same Examiner for another project?
Yes, this is allowed. However, across the various research projects (Major Research Project & Profile Project) and Writing Assignment you will need at least two different Examiners.
What is the assignment related to the seminars again?
- LS seminars: 1000-1500 words reflection. Check how many seminars and (if applicable) career events you should attend in total. Requirements depend on when you started the Master's program. The exact assignment can be found at the Life Sciences Academy page on Blackboard or ULearning.
- CS&D seminars: max. 1 A4 reflection of at least 10 attended seminars.
When and how do I have to hand in my seminar reflections?
At least two weeks before your intend to apply for graduation, unless you specifically discussed otherwise. Please send in the LS and CS&D seminar reflections by email in two separate files.
What do I need to do in order to graduate?
Check the steps for graduating. You need to stay enrolled in the Master's program until your diploma is confirmed by the Board of Examiners, while the graduation ceremony usually takes place in one of the following months (you may choose a later moment if that suits you better).