Books and other materials
What materials do you need?
In order to follow and pass the courses in the Bachelor programme in Biology, you need some study books as well as a lab coat and lab goggles. Due to the 'Bring Your Own Device' policy of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, it is also necessary to have a laptop that meets certain requirements. Aside from this, there are of course the regular living expenses that you should be aware of.
Study Books
The study association GLV Idun has partnered with a book supplier to make the process of buying your study books easier and cheaper for you. By ordering through the link below, you’ll find all the books you need for the upcoming block already posted and available at a discounted price.
Biology Year 1 - first block: https://www.indexbooks.nl/BL9006809
Not in Groningen during the holidays ? No problem! You can reserve your books in advance and have them delivered to a postal point in Groningen at a time that suits you.
Of course, you can also choose to purchase the books and materials independently. To find out which books you need, please consult our online course catalogue Ocasys.
Lab Coat & Goggles
You can order these materials via GLV Idun as well. To be able to place an order, you have to become an Idun member first. You can sign up for GLV Idun by visiting https://www.idun.nl/become-a-member and following all the steps.
Ordering lab coats and goggles via GLV Idun can be done during the Introduction Day (August 29). There will be a lab coat fitting moment, where you can try on a lab coat, get advice on what size to get, and order them directly. This way you can pick up your lab coat on time for your first lab classes.
Not present during the Introduction Day?
You can order your lab coat and lab goggles by sending an email to bestuur@idun.nl before the 1st of September. If you have correctly followed all the steps to become a member, you are good to go and can send your order to bestuur@idun.nl.
In your email, please mention the size of the lab coat and whether you would want normal safety goggles or over safety goggles (which are goggles that fit over your normal glasses). The lab coats are sold for €22,50, the normal safety goggles for €5,25, and the over goggles for €8,25. Below you can find the size chart for the lab coats. Keep in mind that the lab coat should fall over the knees and should fall over the wrists. If you are in doubt about what size to get, we would advise you to choose 1 size larger.
Important: Lab coat sale via GLV Idun only available before September 1!
GLV Idun only organizes a lab coat sale before the start of the year. Therefore really make sure to order your lab coat either during the Introduction day or by sending an email before the 1st of September!
Size Chart for Lab coat
|
Size
|
Length
|
Sleeve length
|
Waist
|
Chest circumference
|
|
XXS
|
106
|
65
|
98
|
100
|
|
XS
|
114
|
65
|
100
|
106
|
|
S
|
115
|
65
|
106
|
110
|
|
M
|
116
|
68
|
112
|
114
|
|
L
|
119
|
69
|
128
|
130
|
|
XL
|
117
|
69
|
142
|
148
|
|
XXL
|
114
|
70
|
148
|
152
|
Laptop and Living Expenses
Laptop
Aside from the study books and lab materials, you also need a laptop in order to follow our programme. All information regarding this 'bring your own device' policy, as well as laptop requirements set by the Faculty of Science and Engineering, can be found on the website Hardware and Software. Purchasing hardware and software can be done with an educational discount via SURFspot.
Living Expenses
Via this website, you can find an overview of an estimate of the costs of living in the Netherlands, including a rough estimate of the expenses we expect you to make for the study programme.
| Last modified: | 01 July 2025 12.44 p.m. |