Programme outline (Major Research Project)

Students of the Master's programme work on a Major Research Project in one of the research groups participating in the research school Cancer Genomics and Developmental Biology. It is also possible to conduct part of the Major Research Project outside Utrecht University, in an external institute in The Netherlands or abroad.

The students will participate in the research of one of the groups for a period of about 9 months, under the guidance of an experienced graduate student or post-doc. During the 2-year Master education track, a total of at least 10 weeks of theoretical courses organized by the different Master's Programmes is obligatory. Of those, 6 weeks should be comprised of courses organized by this specific programme if the annotation 'Cancer Genomics and Developmental Biology' is to be added on the Master Certificate.

During the Major Research Programme, students take part in all seminars organized by the research school Cancer Genomics and Developmental Biology, in addition to the monthly ABC seminars. Of the 9 months period, 4 weeks are reserved for the production of a written report on the practical work performed by the student. An oral examination on the theoretical background of the major research project may be required. Selected textbook chapters and published papers in high ranking international journals will generally constitute the study material for this exam.