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Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

Hieronder staan het programma en de vakomschrijvingen van Pre-master/Fast-track for MSc BCN - Biology - BMS Klik op de naam van een vak in een schema om naar de omschrijving te gaan.

Periode	Type	Code	Naam	Taal	ECTS
»
hele jaar	verplicht	WBBY901-05	Bachelor's Thesis Life Sciences	Engels	5
semester I a	verplicht	WBBY002-05	Bioinformatics	Engels	5
	verplicht	WBBY004-05	Genes and Evolution	Engels	5
	verplicht	WBBY007-05	Medical Structural Biology	Engels	5
	verplicht	WBBY008-05	Molecular Genetics	Engels	5
	verplicht	WBBY070-05	Systems Ecology & Ecological Interactions 1	Engels	5
	verplicht	WBBY071-05	Systems Ecology & Ecological Interactions 2	Engels	5
semester II a	verplicht	WBBY072-05	Cell Migration and Communication	Engels	5
	verplicht	WBBY038-05	Evolutionary Ecology	Engels	5
semester II b	verplicht	WBBY050-05	Bio-organic Chemistry	Engels	5
	verplicht	WBBY053-05	Enzymology and Thermodynamics	Engels	5

Opmerkingen	NOTE The list is a complete list of all courses included in the different Biology oriented premaster's programmes. The content and number of ECTS of a Premaster’s programme is depending on the background of the student. Please check the letter you received for the course programme of your premaster's programme.

Toon korte vakomschrijvingen

Bachelor's Thesis Life Sciences

WBBY901-05

The Bachelor’s thesis comprises a literature search in the research area of the Major that the student is taking. It is written in conjunction with the Bachelor’s project. Students should be able, under the supervision of a lecturer, to:
• formulate a research question scientifically
• carry out a literature search
• present findings and conclusions in a scientific text (length of thesis: 10-15 pp, 4,500-6,500 words)
• adopt a reasoned position or view and justify it

Learning outcomes. Students should:
• be able to delineate and formulate their own research question and justify it on the basis of relevant scientific literature, having practised collecting information rapidly and systematically by consulting persons or written sources
• be able to indicate the boundaries of a literature search
• be able to document, reorganize and analyse information and relate it to other information
• have been trained to gauge the value of information, taking a critical attitude
• be able to develop clear argumentation to support a position or view that is supported in a relevant and effective manner by scientific literature
• be able to write a clear, critical and logical scientific text of substantial length in clear, appropriate and academic language
• be able to reflect critically on their own academic work and adapt their approach if necessary.

Faculteit	Science and Engineering
Voertaal	Engels
Docent(en)
Toetsvorm	Verslag (R)
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	Students must satisfy the following requirements in order to qualify for supervision and assessment of the final-year thesis for the degree programme: - They must have completed all course units from the propaedeutic phase - They must have earned at least 60 ECTS credit points from the post-propaedeutic phase of the programme
Opmerkingen	More information about the Bachelor Thesis can be found on the Student Portal under the heading "Bachelor's Thesis".

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Bioinformatics

WBBY002-05

This course presents an introduction to bioinformatics, to bioinformatics tools and databases. The databases used in the course are those in which genomes, genes, mRNAs, proteins, protein patterns, gene variants and gene/protein expression are stored. The bioinformatics tools will be used to perform sequence alignments, create phylogenetic trees, predict genes/exons/introns, metagenomics, and to model biological processes on the basis of -omics datasets. Furthermore, databases will be used to study genetic variation and complex diseases.

Faculteit	Science and Engineering
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. A. de Jong
Docent(en)	dr. A. de Jong Guest lecturer PhD. D. Incarnato
Onderwijsvorm	Hoorcollege (LC), Werkcollege (T)
Toetsvorm	Opdracht (AST), Practisch werk (PR)
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	Basic genetics and statistics knowledge, as acquired in the first year of the BSc Biology and LST, is expected PLEASE NOTE This course unit is only accessible to students enrolled in the Bachelor's programmes Biology or old curriculum Life Science & Technology. Students following other degree programmes cannot follow this course unit and will be unenrolled in Progress.
Opmerkingen	All course elements are mandatory; No more than 10% missing out will be allowed but should be repaired, preferably during the course. Guest lecturers: Dr A.M.W.H. Thunissen and Dr Patricia Sieiro Alvarez

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Bio-organic Chemistry

WBBY050-05

The aim of this course is to gain insight in a number of important reactivity principles in Bio-organic Chemistry. A focal point is the understanding and the application of several reaction types that form the basis of cell metabolism, and to get insight in the structure and reactivity of molecules. Function and reactivity of molecules is discussed in the context of the living cell.

Faculteit	Science and Engineering
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	prof. dr. ir. A.J. Minnaard
Docent(en)	prof. dr. ir. A.J. Minnaard MSc. N.R.M. Reintjens
Onderwijsvorm	Hoorcollege (LC), Werkcollege (T)
Toetsvorm	Schriftelijk tentamen (WE)
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	Prior knowledge: Molecules of Life. It is not permitted to take this course unit together with Organic and Biosynthesis and Pharmaceutical Biosynthesis (Pharmacy) in a single Bachelor’s programme because of too much overlap in the curriculum. PLEASE NOTE Students from other degree programmes than Biology and/or Life Science & Technology who would like to participate in this course unit need to have obtained a pass for the course Molecules of Life or a similar course. Students are obliged to contact one of the academic advisors before enrolling in this course in order to check whether they have met de entrance requirements. After this contact, students also have to request admission from the Board of Examiners Biology/Life Science & Technology. Failing to follow this entire procedure before the official enrollment deadline, results in immediate unenrollment without prior notification. Students from the Bachelor's degree programmes Biology and Life Science & Technology take priority over students from other degree programmes when the course has a maximum capacity.
Opmerkingen	The final mark is the mark of the exam. It is estimated that 50% of the exam is testing whether the student can reproduce the content of the course, 40% whether the student can apply the content (solving problems), and 10% whether the student has deeper insight and abstraction. The exam plus grading scheme are sent to the ESC. A typical exam contains 100 points.

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Cell Migration and Communication

WBBY072-05

The aim of this course is to integrate knowledge from previous courses in order to achieve a more thorough molecular understanding of complex biological systems and behaviour.

Signal transduction in membranes:
Deepen the understanding of the concepts of channels and the electrical properties of membranes. An overview will be provided of the different gating mechanisms of channel proteins, the electrophysiology methods to probe the activity of channel proteins, the structural basis for the ion selectivity of channel proteins and the role of ion channels in the propagation of nerve impulses in neurons. The lectures also provide an overview of the structure and dynamics of biological membranes, and the mechanisms of solute and ion transport in generating electrochemical gradients.

Receptors and Signal transduction:
How can cells sense their environment and process incoming signals precisely. An overview will be provided of receptor classes and concepts of signal transduction and integration. Major classes of transmembrane and nuclear receptors in eukaryotes and bacteria will be discussed. Molecular concepts of downstream signaling in time and space, signal amplification, signal specificity and signal adaptation will be discussed. Molecular details of smell and vision (eukaryotic systems) as well as sensing of chemical gradients (chemotaxis in bacteria) will be discussed.

The cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix:
The composition, assembly and dynamics of cytoskeleton,as well as the function and regulation of actin, microtubules and intermediate filaments in cell organization, polarization and migration will be discussed. The main groups of cell-cell adhesion complexes will be discussed with a focus on epithelial cells. An overview of the main families of extracellular matrix will be provided, and their roles in cell behavior and tissue organization will be addressed. The protein complexes that mediate cell adhesion to extracellular matrix will be discussed.

Faculteit	Science and Engineering
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. M.H.K. Linskens
Docent(en)	PhD. S.K. Billerbeck prof. dr. B. Poolman prof. dr. G. van den Bogaart
Onderwijsvorm	Hoorcollege (LC), Werkcollege (T)
Toetsvorm	Meerkeuze toets (MC), Schriftelijk tentamen (WE)
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	Prior knowledge: Basic Cell and Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Cell Biology and Immunology, Molecular Genetics, and Immunology PLEASE NOTE This course unit is only accessible to students enrolled in the Bachelor's programmes Biology or old curriculum Life Science & Technology. Students following other degree programmes cannot follow this course unit and will be unenrolled in Progress.

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Enzymology and Thermodynamics

WBBY053-05

The course unit consists of the components thermodynamics and reaction kinetics. Both parts are based on the basic concepts of physical chemistry, which are then developed within the context of biological systems.
Thermodynamics starts by studying the overall picture of internal energy and the first law of thermodynamics, based on forms of energy, work and heat. Chemical reactions and thermodynamic techniques (e.g. the standard state) are introduced by means of enthalpy. The second law of thermodynamics as well as entropy and free energy are studied by looking at processes in biological systems.
The reaction kinetics component first considers basic concepts such as reaction speed, rate law, rate constant, rate equation and transition state. The concept of catalysis is then used to define the rate equation of an enzyme-catalysed reaction.

Faculteit	Science and Engineering
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	prof. dr. D.J. Slotboom
Docent(en)	prof. dr. G. Maglia, PhD.prof. dr. D.J. Slotboom
Onderwijsvorm	Hoorcollege (LC), Werkcollege (T)
Toetsvorm	Schriftelijk tentamen (WE)
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	The course units assumes prior knowledge and skills, acquired from the following other course units and/or degree programmes : Molecules of life, Metabolism, Basic cell and molecular biology, Biostatistics 1, Modelling Life PLEASE NOTE Students from other degree programmes than Biology and/or Life Science & Technology who would like to participate in this course unit need to have basic knowledge of biochemistry and mathematics (wiskunde b). Students are obliged to contact one of the academic advisors before enrolling in this course in order to check whether they have met de entrance requirements. After this contact, students also have to request admission from the Board of Examiners Biology/Life Science & Technology. Failing to follow this entire procedure before the official enrollment deadline, results in immediate unenrollment without prior notification. Students from the Bachelor's degree programmes Biology and Life Science & Technology take priority over students from other degree programmes when the course has a maximum capacity.

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Evolutionary Ecology

WBBY038-05

The aim of this course is to provide a thorough understanding of evolutionary ecology. The course will address the process of
adaptation by natural selection from a theoretical and practical aspect. Much attention will be paid to natural patterns, formulation
of hypotheses on their evolutionary basis, and the use of techniques to investigate these. The course material will also pay
attention to general research techniques, including designing experiments, data analysis, and computer simulations.

• Selection theory: levels of selection, genetic conflict, population genetic selection models, quantitative genetics of selection,
optimality approach
• Life history evolution: reproductive value (fitness currencies), reproductive effort, parental investment, current vs future
reproductive success, quantity vs quality of offspring, sex ratio evolution, frequency dependent selection (evolutionarily stable
strategies)
• Causes and consequences of sex: two-fold cost of sex, explanations for the evolution of sex, sexual selection (Fisherian, good
genes, direct benefits), sexual conflict, optimal sex allocation.
• The habitat template: niches, optimal foraging and prey choice and interference competition.

Learning outcomes knowledge:
Understanding the process of adaptation by natural selection. Assess and apply the selection theory. Distinguish levels of selection,
understand and apply the optimality approach. Knowledge of a number of natural systems. In that context, foraging, competition,
niche, dispersal, migration, patterns in parental investment, causes and consequences of sex, among other topics, will be addressed
extensively.

Faculteit	Science and Engineering
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	prof. dr. S. Verhulst
Docent(en)	prof. dr. L.W. Beukeboom prof. dr. ir. J. Komdeur prof. dr. M.E. Maan prof. dr. I.R. Pen prof. dr. ir. C. Smit dr. E.J. Stamhuis prof. dr. G.S. van Doorn prof. dr. S. Verhulst
Onderwijsvorm	Hoorcollege (LC), Opdracht (ASM), Practisch werk (PRC)
Toetsvorm	Practisch werk (PR), Schriftelijk tentamen (WE)
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	PLEASE NOTE This course unit is only accessible to students enrolled in the Bachelor's programmes Biology or old curriculum Life Science & Technology. Students following other degree programmes cannot follow this course unit and will be unenrolled in Progress.
Opmerkingen	The students pass the course when scoring a minimum of 5.5 on the exam. The exam covers all topics of the course. It is an 'open book' exam: all lectures (PDF) and additional study material offered during the course is available during the exam. This course provides the basis for later course in the ecology and evolution BSc track.

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Genes and Evolution

WBBY004-05

The course unit will introduce students to population genetic processes in relation to evolution on the microscale. These principles
will be illustrated in computer practicals. Students will also be introduced to neutral and adaptive evolution, as well as molecular and genome evolution. Various advanced phylogenetic principles will be explained and illustrated in computer practicals.

The topics covered in this course unit are:
– population genetic processes (mutation, genetic drift, migration and selection, random mating, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, linkage, non-random mating, inbreeding)
– selection models (linear selection, overdominance, frequency-dependent selection, selection at various levels, complex selection)
– effects of population genetic processes on the dynamics of genetic variation
– fragmentation, gene flow/migration and genetic differentiation between populations (F-statistics)
– molecular and genomic evolution (intron-exon structure, gene duplication, concerted evolution, transposable elements)
– phylogenetic analysis (neutral theory, molecular clock, speciation)
– molecular techniques (microsatellite analysis, analysis of genetic data and structure, DNA sequencing, QTL analysis)

Faculteit	Science and Engineering
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	prof. dr. B. Wertheim
Docent(en)	prof. dr. L.W. Beukeboom dr. E. Geuverink
Onderwijsvorm	Hoorcollege (LC), Practisch werk (PRC), Werkcollege (T)
Toetsvorm	Schriftelijk tentamen (WE)
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	Genetics, Ecology & Evolution PLEASE NOTE Students from other degree programmes than Biology and/or Life Science & Technology who would like to participate in this course unit need to have basic knowledge and understanding of evolution and genetics (as taught in the BSc course Genetics, Ecology and Evolution - WBBY005-05). Students are obliged to contact one of the academic advisors before enrolling in this course in order to check whether they have met de entrance requirements. After this contact, students also have to request admission from the Board of Examiners Biology/Life Science & Technology. Failing to follow this entire procedure before the official enrollment deadline, results in immediate unenrollment without prior notification. Students from the Bachelor's degree programmes Biology and Life Science & Technology take priority over students from other degree programmes when the course has a maximum capacity.
Opmerkingen	All practicals (computer & wet-leb) are mandatory. There are no exemptions for students that do a re-sit for the course (i.e. that did not pass the written exam earlier): they need to re-do the practicals & assignments, also if these were passed in an earlier edition of the course. In case of illness or a fail to a practical part, there is an opportunity during the course for repair Maximum capacity: 80 students When we cannot do the experiment (wet-lab practical) due to Covid-19 restrictions, we will offer an online alternative, using experimental data from previous years.

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Medical Structural Biology

WBBY007-05

In this course students will get an overview of techniques used for structural characterization and analysis of protein-drug interactions. This will be preceded with an overview of general principles of structural organization of proteins and nucleic acids, as well as their interactions with ligands. Topics will include structures of soluble and membrane-embedded proteins; RNA and DNA; basic principles of drug-protein interactions; basic information about viruses and vaccine development; biophysical methods to characterize drug-protein complexes (X-ray crystallography, cryo-Electron Microscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), and an introduction into drug design.

Faculteit	Science and Engineering
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	prof. dr. A. Guskov
Docent(en)	PhD. A.A. de Bruyn-Rybczynska prof. dr. A. Guskov dr. A.M.W.H. Thunnissen
Onderwijsvorm	Bijeenkomst (S), Hoorcollege (LC), Werkcollege (T)
Toetsvorm	Schriftelijk tentamen (WE)
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	Basic knowledge of structures, chemical properties, and roles of the most important classes of biomolecules: DNA, RNA, and proteins acquired from ‘Molecules of Life’ and ‘Biochemistry’ courses PLEASE NOTE Students from other degree programmes than Biology and/or Life Science & Technology who would like to participate in this course unit need to have basic knowledge on proteins and nucleic acids. Students are obliged to contact one of the academic advisors before enrolling in this course in order to check whether they have met de entrance requirements. After this contact, students also have to request admission from the Board of Examiners Biology/Life Science & Technology. Failing to follow this entire procedure before the official enrollment deadline, results in immediate unenrollment without prior notification. Students from the Bachelor's degree programmes Biology and Life Science & Technology take priority over students from other degree programmes when the course has a maximum capacity.
Opmerkingen	Computer based tutorials are mandatory, the seminar is not mandatory. The seminar is a mock examination. The tutorials are designed to assist learning as visualising the structures enables a deeper understanding of principles of structural organization of proteins and nucleic acids and drug - protein (nucleic acids) interactions. Guest lecturers: Patrick van der Wel, Christina Batista Paulino

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Molecular Genetics

WBBY008-05

This is a follow-up course of the first-year courses Basic Cell and Molecular Biology, and Genetics, Ecology and Evolution. It covers the main concepts of molecular genetic mechanisms in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Genome organization and integrity, DNA damage and repair, homologous- and site-specific recombination, gene regulation, plasmid biology, genomics and -omics techniques will be further deepened, while also the genetic organization and life cycle of retroviruses, temperate and virulent bacteriophages will be dealt with. Resistance mechanisms against bacteriophages and the subsequent development of genetic engineering and gene editing technology (CRISPR-Cas) will be exemplified. The importance of molecular genetics in developments in Biotechnology, System- and Synthetic Biology and the impact that molecular genetic techniques have in fundamental research, medicine, agriculture and society at large will be discussed.

Overall, the Molecular Genetics course unit will prepare students for (and will provide the necessary background knowledge to understand the topics treated in) the upcoming course unit(s) of the BScs Biology and Life Science & Technology, such as: Bioinformatics (semester Ia), Genes and Behaviour (semester Ib), Evolutionary Processes (semester IIa), Human Genetics and Genomics (semester IIa), Epigenetics and Gene-editing (semester IIa), Evolutionary Medicine (semester IIa), Practical Carrousel (semester IIa), Evolutionary and Ecological Genomics (semester IIb).

Faculteit	Science and Engineering
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	PhD. D. Incarnato
Docent(en)	PhD. P. Alvarez Sieiro PhD. D. Incarnato
Onderwijsvorm	Hoorcollege (LC)
Toetsvorm	Schriftelijk tentamen (WE)
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	The course units assumes prior knowlegde and skills, acquired from the first-year courses Basic Cell and Molecular Biology; Genetics, Ecology and Evolution. In particular, basic knowledge of the structure of nucleic acids and proteins, as well as of the mechanism of action of key enzymes (polymerases, restriction endonucleases, etc.) is needed. PLEASE NOTE This course unit is only accessible to students enrolled in the Bachelor's programmes Biology or old curriculum Life Science & Technology. Students following other degree programmes cannot follow this course unit and will be unenrolled in Progress.

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Systems Ecology & Ecological Interactions 1

WBBY070-05

Faculteit	Science and Engineering
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	prof. dr. J.T.M. Elzenga
Docent(en)	dr. ir. E.W. Meijles dr. J. Stefels dr. M. van Rijssel
Onderwijsvorm	Hoorcollege (LC), Practisch werk (PRC)
Toetsvorm	Practisch werk (PR), Schriftelijk tentamen (WE)
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	Participation in Systems Ecology & Ecological Interactions 1 is a compulsory entrance condition in order to follow Systems Ecology & Ecological Interactions 2. Please contact the course coordinator if you have to resit the old curriculum course unit "Systeemecologie". An exception will be made for you if this is the case. PLEASE NOTE Students from other degree programmes than Biology and/or Life Science & Technology who would like to participate in this course unit are obliged to contact one of the academic advisors before enrolling in this course in order to check whether they have meet de entrance requirements. After this contact, students also have to request admission from the Board of Examiners Biology/Life Science & Technology. Failing to follow this entire procedure before the official enrollment deadline, results in immediate unenrollment without prior notification. Students from the Bachelor's degree programmes Biology and Life Science & Technology take priority over students from other degree programmes when the course has a maximum capacity.
Opmerkingen	Presence during practicals is mandatory. If only a small part of the practical is missed an alternative assignment can be given. If more than two modules (of 4 hours) a ‘fail’ will be given. When you need to follow the old curriculum course unit "Systems Ecology", please follow Systems Ecology & Ecological Interactions 1 When you need to follow the old curriculum course unit "Ecological Interactions", please follow Systems Ecology & Ecological Interactions 2 (see also "entrance conditions") Capacity: 60 students Major students take priority over minor students in case the capacity is exceeded. In this case, minor students might not be able to participate in the excursion to Schiermonnikoog as there are only limited spots available at Schiermonnikoog.

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Systems Ecology & Ecological Interactions 2

WBBY071-05

Systems ecology/ Ecological interactions covers the different scales of processes in ecological systems:
System Ecology is focused on the large scale units the biomes, and studies the interaction between organisms and their physical environment in an integrated manner. It introduces the different ecosystems that occur in the oceans and on the continents. The characteristics of these systems are determined by the interaction between the physical and chemical environment and the organisms that have adapted to it. Interactions take place at different scales in time and space and have consequences for the element cycles and energy flows through the different ecosystem compartments.
Ecological Interactions provides a theoretical and conceptual basis of ecological interactions at the level of individual, population and community of life, and does so in an evolutionary framework. The emphasis is on patterns and mechanisms of physiology and behavior.
-Distribution and numbers: physiology and life history
-Interactions with the environment (Ecophysiology): energetics, water balance, heat balance, defense against diseases, changing circumstances.
-Interactions within species (Population dynamics): number regulation, density dependence, dispersion and migration, exploitation
-Interactions between species: herbivory, competition, facilitation, predation, predator prey relations -Life communities: structure, dynamics, succession, food webs, trophic cascades, multiple stable states.
Knowledge and insight: Understanding processes that can explain the patterns in distribution and numbers. Understanding of eco-physiological adaptation to the environment as well as population-dynamic aspects, of the role that interactions between species play and how they affect the community
of life.

Faculteit	Science and Engineering
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	prof. dr. ir. C. Both
Docent(en)	dr. M.W. Dietz prof. dr. J.T.M. Elzenga prof. dr. R.S. Etienne dr. ir. E.W. Meijles prof. dr. H. Olff dr. J. Stefels prof. dr. B.I. Tieleman
Onderwijsvorm	Hoorcollege (LC), Practisch werk (PRC)
Toetsvorm	Practisch werk (PR), Schriftelijk tentamen (WE)
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	Participation in Systems Ecology & Ecological Interactions 1 is a compulsory entrance condition in order to follow Systems Ecology & Ecological Interactions 2. Please contact the course coordinator if you have to resit the old curriculum course unit "Systeemecologie". An exception will be made for you if this is the case. PLEASE NOTE Students from other degree programmes than Biology and/or Life Science & Technology who would like to participate in this course unit are obliged to contact one of the academic advisors before enrolling in this course in order to check whether they have meet de entrance requirements. After this contact, students also have to request admission from the Board of Examiners Biology/Life Science & Technology. Failing to follow this entire procedure before the official enrollment deadline, results in immediate unenrollment without prior notification. Students from the Bachelor's degree programmes Biology and Life Science & Technology take priority over students from other degree programmes when the course has a maximum capacity.
Opmerkingen	Presence during practicals is mandatory. If only a small part of the practical is missed an alternative assignment can be given. If more than two modules (of 4 hours) a ‘fail’ will be given. When you need to follow the old curriculum course unit "Systems Ecology", please follow Systems Ecology & Ecological Interactions 1 When you need to follow the old curriculum course unit "Ecological Interactions", please follow Systems Ecology & Ecological Interactions 2 (see also "entrance conditions") Capacity: 64 students Major students take priority over minor students in case the capacity is exceeded. In this case, minor students might not be able to participate in the excursion to Schiermonnikoog as there are only limited spots available at Schiermonnikoog.

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