Medical Sciences

The language of instruction of this honours programme is Dutch. Visit the Dutch page for all information about this programme.

You are curious. You are not satisfied with existing knowledge, but want to investigate how the human body works. These are exactly the character traits of a scientist. But what does biomedical research entail? What does it exactly entail to be a scientist? This is what you will discover in the Honours Program Medical Sciences the opportunity to improve your academic skills and stimulate personal development.

First honours year: English Proficiency and research themes

English Proficiency

The honours program starts with an intensive, weekly English Proficiency course. This course will help you develop the academic writing and presentation skills necessary for your internship abroad.

Skills

In addition to the English course, you choose a ‘skills module’ in the first semester. Here you focus on further developing specific skills, such as storytelling, debating or creative writing.

Mini-internships: introduction to research programs

The second half of the Honours Program Medical Sciences is dedicated to mini-internships. You will be introduced to the 52 research programs of Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc). The programs range from Parkinson's disease to Atherosclerosis & Thrombosis. You will complete the mini-internships in small groups under the supervision of one or more researchers. This gives you a clear overview of ​​the research topics available.

Start of your research project

At the end of your first honours year, you will choose a research project from a list or contact the Spokesperson of a specific research program in which you would like to be involved. During your summer vacation you start with a two-week full-time internship in the department of your choice.

Second honours year: Individual trajectory

Internship at Radboudumc: preparing your research

The second honours year focuses on your individual research and continues the work done during the summer vacation. You work eight to ten hours in the department every week. You will become acquainted with your field of research and learn the techniques necessary to complete your research. During this period you also get to know your foreign supervisor.

Internship abroad: conducting your research

After your internship at the Radboudumc you will go abroad for twelve to twenty weeks. There you will conduct independent research in an inspiring research environment. Medical Science honours students go to institutes such as, Oxford University, Vall D'Hebron Research Institute Barcelona, ​​The Hospital for Sick Kids (Toronto), Harvard University (Boston) or the University of Western Australia (Perth). To make room for the honours internship, your regular program will be adjusted. This way you will be able to graduate on time.

Accompaniment

You will be supervised by the program director during the two years of the honours program. She guides the process, monitors your progression and coaches you where necessary. You can also contact the program director with your questions or concerns.

In addition, during the second honours year, you will also receive a personal supervisor - both in Nijmegen and abroad. These supervisors are experienced researchers from the Radboud umc and similar institutions abroad. During your research, you will have the opportunity to ask questions. Often these supervisors are PhD students in the research group where you are a guest during the mini-internships and often they are your daily supervisors.

Publication and Honors Certificate

Based on your research, you write a popular scientific article. This article will be published in a book, together with all articles by the Medical Sciences honours students in your year. Along with this you will write a final report on your research done abroad. As soon as you have successfully completed your popular science article, research report and, progress reports; you will receive your honours certificate.

Your beautiful popular science publication, honours certificate and all your experiences, both personal and academic, are an incredible kickstart for your (scientific) career.