MSc in Medical Biology - Specialisation in Medical Epigenomics

Radboud University

Our skin cells, liver cells, and blood cells all contain the same genetic information. Yet these are different types of cells, each performing their own specific tasks. How is this possible? The explanation lies in the epigenome: a heritable, cell-type specific set of chromosomal modifications, which determines cell identity and regulates gene expression. Radboud University is world-leading in studying the epigenome and proudly offers the only Dutch Master’s specialisation on this topic.

What will you learn?

In this specialisation, you’ll look at a cell as one big and complex system. You’ll study epigenetic mechanisms during development and disease from different angles. This includes studying DNA and RNA by next-generation sequencing (epigenomics) and analysing proteins by mass spectrometry (proteomics). In addition, you‘ll be trained to design computational strategies that allow the integration of these multifaceted, high-throughput data sets into one system. You will learn how to work with state-of-the art technology in combination with biological software tools to study complete networks in cells in an unbiased manner.

Career prospects

Master’s specialisation in Medical Epigenomics

As a Master’s student of Medical Epigenomics you’re trained in using state-of-the art technology in combination with biological software tools to study complete networks in cells in an unbiased manner. For example, you’ll know how to study the effects of drugs in the human body.

When you enter the job market, you’ll have:

• A thorough background of epigenetic mechanisms in health and disease, which is highly relevant in strongly rising field of epi-drug development;
• Extensive and partly hands-on experience in state-of-the-art ‘omics’ technologies: next-generation sequencing, quantitative mass spectrometry and single cell technologies;
• Extensive expertise in designing, executing and interpreting scientific experiments in data-driven research;
• The computational skills needed to analyse large ‘omics’ datasets.

With this background, you can become a researcher at a:

• University or research institute;
• Pharmaceutical company, such as Synthon or Johnson & Johnson;
• Food company, like Danone or Unilever;
• Start-up company making use of -omics technology.

Apart from research into genomics and epigenomics, you could also work on topics such as miniaturising workflows, improving experimental devices, the interface between biology and informatics, medicine from a systems approach.

Alternative future jobs include:

• Biological or medical consultant;
• Biology teacher;
• Policy coordinator, regarding genetic or medical issues;
• Patent attorney;
• Clinical research associate.