Are you a current student? For the programme of this academic year, check the course guide.
Curriculum of Science in Society
During your first year, you focus on either Biology, Computing Science, Mathematics, Medical Biology, Molecular Sciences or Physics and Astronomy, depending on the Master's programme that you follow. The specific content of Science in Society starts in the second year of your Master’s programme, which consists of compulsory courses, electives and a research project.
About this study curriculum
The course overview is an indication of the study programme of the academic year 2024-2025. Are you a current student, please consult the online course guide for your course overview.
Course overview
This course overview lists the courses of the SiS-specific part of your Master’s, i.e. the second year of the Master’s. The first year curriculum depends on which Master's you choose. You can find the first-year course overview for each Master's at the bottom of this page.
The structure of your SiS year is as follows:
- Compulsory courses (18 EC)
- Profile (9 EC)
- Elective (3 EC)
- SiS Research Project (30 EC)
- P1
- P1
- P1
- P2
- P2
Science and Societal Interaction profile
Minimum 9 EC- P1
- P2
- P2
Philosophies and Worldviews profile
Minimum 9 EC- P1
- P2
- P2
* This course is a non-binding choice in terms of the profile you follow. After the first period, you can still switch to the other profile.
Science and Society electives - Societal
Total number EC: 3 EC- P2
- P2
- P2
- P2
Science and Society electives - Philosophy
Total number EC: 3 EC- P2
- P2
- P2
- P2
Choose the elective course that best matches your interest within your selected profile. You can pick from the list of elective options that aligns with either the Philosophies and Worldviews or Science and Societal Interaction profile. If you need help deciding on your elective or have any questions, feel free to reach out to the SiS coordinator for guidance and support.
- P3
- P4
Your Master's thesis consists of an individual research project. In the research project, you’ll perform an empirical or philosophical research project on a chosen issue at the interface of science and society. Preferably, the topic of your project will also be related to your main Master’s programme (Biology, Molecular Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, etc.). A research project includes:
- A project proposal
- Empirical or philosophical research with a theoretical framework
- A scientific thesis as end product
Extras
In addition to the courses and projects described above, the Science in Society specialisation offers three other types of meetings you are welcome to attend:
- During the ISIS colloquia, ISIS members present their own research or external experts are invited from various disciplines and backgrounds (science, social science, science studies and philosophy), to discuss issues at the interface of science, technology, and society. These colloquia are usually organised once a month on a Tuesday and held during the lunch break.
- A series of meetings organised for all Science in Society students and teachers in which students develop their ideas for graduation topics. This includes a final presentation day.
- During an annual excursion, we visit (several) sites, from museums to (non) governmental institutes, which are related to science and communication. We explore and discuss practical aspects of science communication at the visited site with the practitioners working there, and you will be able to explore your further career paths. Every year, students choose a new location.
Specialisations
This is an overview of the first-year curriculum if you combine Science in Society with one of the Master's specialisations in Biology. The SiS-courses and activities start in the second year (see above).
The following components are part of the programme when you take the Master's specialisation in Science in Society within the Master's in Biology:
- Compulsory courses (15 EC)
- Philosophy course (3 EC)
- Electives (3 EC)
- Review article (6 EC)
- Research internship (33 EC)
Please note: this course overview gives an indication of the study programme. For more information about current courses, timetables, and literature, please have a look at the online course guide:
This is an overview of the first-year curriculum if you combine Science in Society with one of the Master's specialisations in Computing Science. The SiS-courses and activities start in the second year (see above).
The following components are part of the programme when you take the Master's specialisation in Science in Society within the Master's in Computing Science:
- Compulsory courses (18 EC)
- Specialisation electives (24 EC)
- Philosophy course (3 EC)
- Free electives (9 EC)
- Research seminar (6 EC)
Please note: this course overview gives an indication of the study programme. For more information about current courses, timetables, and literature, please have a look at the online course guide:
This is an overview of the first-year curriculum if you combine Science in Society with the Master's specialisations in Mathematics. The SiS-courses and activities start in the second year (see above).
The following components are part of the programme when you take the Master's specialisation in Science in Society within the Master's in Mathematics:
- Track electives (24 EC)
- Mathematical electives (26 EC)
- Master's seminar (3 EC)
- Philosophy course (3 EC)
- Free electives (3 EC)
- Professional preparation (2 EC)
Please note: this course overview gives an indication of the study programme. For more information about current courses, timetables, and literature, please have a look at the online course guide:
This is an overview of the first-year curriculum if you combine Science in Society with one of the Master's specialisations in Medical Biology. The SiS-courses and activities start in the second year (see above).
The following components are part of the programme when you take the Master's specialisation in Science in Society within the Master's in Medical Biology:
- Compulsory courses (15 EC)
- Philosophy course (3 EC)
- Electives (3 EC)
- Review article (6 EC)
- Research internship (33 EC)
Please note: this course overview gives an indication of the study programme. For more information about current courses, timetables, and literature, please have a look at the online course guide:
This is an overview of the first-year curriculum if you combine Science in Society with one of the Master's specialisations in Molecular Sciences. The SiS-courses and activities start in the second year (see above).
The following components are part of the programme when you take the Master's specialisation in Science in Society within the Master's in Molecular Sciences:
- Compulsory courses (15 EC)
- Philosophy course (3 EC)
- Electives (9 EC)
- Free electives (3 EC)
- Research internship (29 EC)
- Career orientation (1 EC)
Please note: this course overview gives an indication of the study programme. For more information about current courses, timetables, and literature, please have a look at the online course guide:
This is an overview of the first-year curriculum if you combine Science in Society with one of the Master's specialisations in Physics and Astronomy. The SiS-courses and activities start in the second year (see above).
The following components are part of the programme when you take the Master's specialisation in Science in Society within the Master's in Physics and Astronomy:
- Specialisation electives (23 EC)
- Philosophy course (3 EC)
- Free electives (3 EC)
- Research internship (30 EC)
- Professional preparation (1 EC)
Please note: this course overview gives an indication of the study programme. For more information about current courses, timetables, and literature, please have a look at the online course guide: