2026-2027

Master 120 in Molecular Microbiology

  • Schedule
    regular course
  • ECTS Credits 120
The faculty
Master in molecular microbiology

Overview

Studying microbes is crucial to tackle future challenges to human and animal health (multidrug and antibiotic resistance; microbiota dysbiosis; emerging microbial pathogens), pollution (bioremediation; green energy) and biotechnology (synthetic microbiology and micro-biotechnology; food microbiology).

Unique in Belgium, the Master in Molecular Microbiology (MMM) provides the opportunity to study the microbial world in the context of basic and applied research, allowing you to face all these important challenges of the 21st century.

Master in molecular microbiology

Your objectives

  • to understand and tackle a large diversity of molecular processes underlying microbial interactions with their environment;
  • to manage the technical and conceptual aspects of a research project in Molecular Microbiology (project design, experimental strategies, critical data analysis, discussion and communication);
  • to show a deep interest for international mobility and collaboration with international research groups.

Why join the MMM?

  • The MMM is offered entirely in English, thereby facilitating and promoting international student mobility.
  • You will learn cutting-edge approaches to cellular and molecular microbiology, biochemistry and bioinformatics applied to microbes.
  • You will have access to dynamic research groups in Molecular Microbiology.
  • Invited lecturers will introduce you to the worlds of industry and hospitals.
  • The MMM is part of a European joint programme in Molecular Bacteriology.

 

Why study at UNamur?

  • UNamur values active learning and the availability of the academic staff is always greatly appreciated by students.
  • UNamur is easily accessible: 5 minutes’ walk from the train station, 1 hour from Brussels National Airport or Brussels South Airport by public transportation.
  • UNamur is located in the centre of the pleasant and peaceful city of Namur, with its array of cultural and sports activities and its proximity to beautiful countryside.

The programme

The Master in Molecular Microbiology (MMM) is a research-oriented (120 credits) Masters programme offered entirely in English. The integration of the MMM within a European joint programme in association with 

  • Aix-Marseille University,
  • Marburg Phillips-Universität,
  • Université de Toulouse Paul Sabatier,
  • Tartu University,
  • Radboud University,
  • Lausanne University,

promotes international mobility and provides access to a wide range of scientific expertise at two of the most prestigious European Microbiology Research Institutes.

Le bachelier en sciences biologiques

Semester 1 

The first semester is devoted to general and specialised microbiology courses taught by scientists from academia and from industry who address the essential elements of Molecular Microbiology with a particular emphasis on bacteriology.

You will have the opportunity to use active learning methods such as Problem-Based Learning (PBL), inverted classrooms and integrated practical courses. You will also be offered the possibility to attend local and national scientific conferences.

Semesters 2-4 

The last 3 semesters are dedicated to research projects in several research groups within UNamur and at partner laboratories.

During the second semester, the emphasis is put on acquiring technical skills in Molecular Microbiology and the basics of scientific writing. These skills will be further developed during the third semester in the context of your Master thesis, when you will improve your autonomy and scientific communication.

During the last semester, you will have the opportunity to achieve a professional internship in industry or in an academic research laboratory abroad.

Master in molecular microbiology

Information

Programme Coordinator

Gipsi Lima Mendez: gipsi.limamendez@unamur.be 

Other master's programs in biology

The University of Namur offers the following master’s programs:

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Admission requirements

Si vous avez un diplôme belge

ACCÈS DIRECT



  • bachelier en sciences biologiques ;
  • master en sciences biologiques.

ACCÈS SUR DOSSIER



  • bachelier en sciences biomédicales ;
  • bachelier en médecine vétérinaire ;
  • bachelier en sciences de l'ingénieur, orientation bioingénieur.
  • titulaire d'un diplôme délivré hors Union européenne.

Pour les admissions en master, il y a lieu de prendre contact avec le service des inscriptions.

Si vous avez un diplôme non belge

If you have a degree from an institution outside of Belgium, you will need to complete and return the admissions request form before 30 September (31 March for students from outside the European Union). Your level of English (minimum B2) must be confirmed by an official English certificate or through the online interview with the jury.

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Students with a first degree obtained in Belgium

DIRECT ACCESS



  • Bachelor in Biology;
  • Master in Biology;

ACCESS BY APPLICATION



  • Bachelor in Biomedical Sciences;
  • Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine;
  • Bachelor in Engineering orientation Bioengineering;
  • Holder of a diploma delivered outside of European Union.

For admission to Masters degrees, please contact the Admission Service.


Students with a first degree obtained outside of Belgium

ACCESS BY APPLICATION

If you have a degree from an institution outside of Belgium, you will need to complete and return the admissions request form before 30 September (31 March for students from outside the European Union). Your level of English (minimum B2) must be confirmed by an official English certificate or through the online interview with the jury.

Aims and objectives

Studying MICROBES is crucial to tackle future challenges to human and animal health (multi-drug and antibiotic resistance; microbiota dysbiosis; emerging microbial pathogens), pollution (bioremediation; green energy) and biotechnology (synthetic microbiology and micro-biotechnology; food microbiology).

Unique in Belgium, the Master in Molecular Microbiology (MMM) provides the opportunity to study the microbial world in the context of basic and applied research, allowing the student to face all these important challenges of the 21st century.

Objectives:

  • to understand and tackle a large diversity of molecular processes underlying microbial interactions with their environment;
  • to manage the technical and conceptual aspects of a research project in Molecular Microbiology (project design, experimental strategies, critical data analysis, discussion and communication);
  • to show a deep interest for international mobility and collaboration with international research groups.

Description

The Master in Molecular Microbiology (MMM) is a research-oriented (120 credits) Masters programme offered entirely in English. The integration of the MMM within a European joint programme in association with Aix-Marseille University and Marburg Phillips-Universität promotes international mobility and provides access to a wide range of scientific expertise at two of the most prestigious European Bacteriology Research Institutes.

Semester 1

The first semester is devoted to general and specialised microbiology courses taught by scientists from academia and from industry who address the essential elements of Molecular Microbiology with a particular emphasis on bacteriology. The student will have the opportunity to use active learning methods such as Problem-Based Learning (PBL), inverted classrooms and integrated practical courses. The student will also be offered the possibility to attend local and national scientific conferences.

Semesters 2-4

The last 3 semesters are dedicated to research projects in 2-3 research groups within UNamur and at partner laboratories.

During the second semester, the emphasis is on acquiring (1) skills in writing a CV and a motivation letter and preparing an interview in English and (2) technical skills in Molecular Microbiology and the basics of scientific writing. The focus remains on these skills during the third semester in the context of your thesis, during which you will develop your autonomy and scientific communication.

During the last semester, the student will have the opportunity to carry out a professional internship in industry or in an academic research laboratory abroad.  

Terms and conditions of organisation

Lectures during the first semester are organised according to a specific sequence starting with a Microbiology Basics course, which aims to fill potential gaps in students background knowledge. You will then attend core Microbiology courses before beginning topics in Bacteriology. This sequence will gradually bring the focus towards more specialised courses.

Teaching methods

  • The MMM is offered entirely in English, thereby facilitating and promoting international student mobility.
  • The student will learn cutting-edge approaches to cellular and molecular microbiology, biochemistry and bioinformatics applied to microbes.
  • The student will have access to dynamic research groups in Molecular Microbiology.
  • Invited lecturers will introduce the student to the industry and to the hospital world.
  • The MMM is part of a European joint programme in Molecular Microbiology.

Assessment

Various evaluation methods are used such as multiple-choice tests, oral evaluations, conference reports, analyses and presentations of scientific articles, literature reviews, poster presentations and group presentations.

International mobility and openness

The integration of the MMM within a European joint programme in association with Aix-Marseille University, Marburg Phillips-Universität, Université de Toulouse Paul Sabatier, Tartu University, Radboud University and Lausanne University, promotes international mobility and provides access to a wide range of scientific expertise at two of the most prestigious European Bacteriology Research Institutes. 

Career Opportunities in Molecular Microbiology

The Master’s program in Molecular Microbiology opens the door to careers in many research fields related to microbiology: 

  • your three semesters of hands-on research experience will provide you with the necessary qualifications for a future career in research; 
  • you will develop a strong network of contacts in industry and hospitals, which will allow you to connect with these communities.