Genetics and Biology of Ageing and Regeneration

This master’s programme addresses the growing medical and societal challenges associated with an ageing population by training specialists in the biology and genetics of ageing and tissue regeneration. You will study how cellular and molecular mechanisms maintain tissue function, how their breakdown contributes to age-related disease, and what preventive or therapeutic strategies are being developed. The curriculum blends lectures, method-focused seminars and hands-on research projects to give a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory experience.

Teaching and supervision come from internationally active researchers in genetics and ageing biology, and the programme benefits from close ties with leading research centres, creating an interdisciplinary environment with a broad range of current ageing-research topics. Graduates are prepared either to continue into doctoral research or to take up roles in the life-science sector; the programme emphasizes experimental design, contemporary lab techniques, data analysis and scientific communication—skills valued in both academia and industry.

Application and entry — check the official programme page for exact, up-to-date criteria:

• Prepare university degree documents (typically a relevant Bachelor's or equivalent)
• Academic transcripts and curriculum vitae
• Statement of motivation and/or research interests
• Proof of English language proficiency where required
• Letters of recommendation or references, if requested
• Observe application deadlines and visa/immigration requirements for international students

For precise admission requirements, application procedures and deadlines, consult the programme’s official website or the university’s admissions office.

Overview The programme is an interdisciplinary, research-focused Master's that combines fundamental biology with biomedical applications using modern laboratory technologies. It begins with compulsory teaching that establishes molecular-level understanding of ageing and regeneration: the lecture Principles of Molecular Genetics, Development, and Ageing and the seminar Modern Techniques and Approaches in Genetics, Ageing, and Development. This groundwork prepares you to analyse biological systems and to use up-to-date experimental and conceptual approaches.

Core and elective coursework Beyond the mandatory pair, you select two additional lecture modules from options such as Computational Biology; Ecology, Evolution, and Environment; Molecular Plant and Microbial Sciences; Neuroscience; and Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine to broaden your perspective. You then choose two advanced subject modules that combine theory with substantial hands-on lab work. Example topics offered include Post-translational Regulation of Proteins; Mitochondria and Neurodegeneration; Cell Death in Inflammation, Immunity, and Disease; Molecular Mechanisms of Human Diseases; and Proteostasis in Health and Disease—all aimed at deepening practical skills and conceptual knowledge.

Research projects and thesis A strong emphasis is placed on independent experimental research: every student completes two individual project modules (each at least seven weeks long, comprising six weeks of bench work and one week to prepare an oral presentation and written report). The programme culminates in a written Master’s thesis lasting a minimum of six months that covers both experimental research and the writing process, followed by an oral defence. Both project modules and the Master’s thesis may be carried out at the university, at external institutions, or abroad, supporting international and collaborative research experience.

Key learning outcomes Students graduate with:

• A thorough, molecular-level understanding of the genetics and biology of ageing and regeneration
• Practical laboratory competence with state-of-the-art techniques and experimental design experience
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex biological data and to integrate interdisciplinary perspectives
• Experience in scientific communication through written reports, a thesis, and oral presentations
• Preparedness for research careers or further doctoral studies in basic and biomedical sciences

Requirements (key components)

• Mandatory lecture: Principles of Molecular Genetics, Development, and Ageing
• Mandatory seminar: Modern Techniques and Approaches in Genetics, Ageing, and Development
• Choose two additional lectures from: Computational Biology; Ecology, Evolution, and Environment; Molecular Plant and Microbial Sciences; Neuroscience; Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine
• Choose two advanced subject modules with practical components (examples: Post-translational Regulation of Proteins; Mitochondria and Neurodegeneration; Cell Death in Inflammation, Immunity, and Disease; Molecular Mechanisms of Human Diseases; Proteostasis in Health and Disease)
• Two individual research projects (each ≥ 7 weeks total: ≥ 6 weeks experimental work + 1 week for oral presentation and written report); projects may be at the host university, external labs, or abroad
• Master’s thesis (minimum 6 months, including experimental research and writing) followed by an oral defence; thesis may be completed at the university, an external institution, or abroad

Graduates are prepared for research careers in academia (PhD programs) and for positions in the life sciences industry, including biotech and pharmaceutical research & development. The programme’s strong practical training and institutional links also suit roles in translational research, experimental design, and laboratory leadership.

The combination of advanced laboratory skills, experience in contemporary techniques and project-based research makes alumni competitive for doctoral funding or for applied research roles in companies and research institutions focused on ageing, regenerative medicine and age-related diseases.