Our goal is to make students and other learners competent in concepts and knowledge concerning the structure and function of cells and living organisms in health and disease.
Our staff’s teaching expertise covers a very wide array of topics. At the most detailed level of analysis, this includes molecular biology and cell biology, the use and relevance of model systems for human health and disease, and technical methods for biomedical research (with an emphasis on molecular imaging). At more general levels of analysis, we provide teaching in human physiology, anatomy, and embryology, as well as in the fields of neuropsychology and neuropsychiatry, mostly delivering knowledge and concepts that are clinically relevant or that contribute to a better understanding of health and disease. In addition to lecturing or practical training, several of our staff members coordinate and organize courses, programs, semesters, and even entire curricula. Much of our teaching is internationally oriented, and therefore in English.
Because the teaching landscape is undergoing very rapid changes, the BMS is involved in educational research and developing teaching innovations as well.
We offer three facilities that can be used for teaching and learning: the medical physiology lab, the molecular imaging center (including electron microscopy), the cognitive neuroscience imaging center, and the dissection room. The latter is closely connected, and heavily dependent on, the Groningen human body donation program.
BMS contributes to teaching programs across 4 RuG faculties (Medical, Behavioral and Social, Science and Engineering, University College). We take a major position in ‘lifelong learning’ through participation in PhD teaching programs (e.g. GSMS) and through organizing and facilitating high-end post-graduate clinical simulations (e.g. Simulation Center UMCG), and through our department also participates in the European Medical School Groningen–Oldenburg (EMS), a unique cross-border collaboration between UG and the Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg. Collectively, BMS staff contributes to the education and training of 3000 – 4000 learners annually.
The quality of teaching of BMS is underscored by several prizes and awards won by our members in recent years, including 'Best Teacher in Medicine', 'UMCG Teacher of the Year', and the 'UMCG Education & Training Prize'.
The education ambassador of the BMS is dr. Janniko Georgiadis.
The Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMS) encourages applications from bachelor and master students who wish to pursue an internship in one of our laboratories.
All students from a biomedical, biotechnological, medical, or pharmaceutical programme at a University or University of Applied Sciences (‘Hogeschool’) are welcome. Prospective students are invited to explore the BMS website to learn about the different activities of our department, read the list of available internships and motivate their interest in their choice in their application. Although some short-term internships may be available, we prefer rotations of at least 5 months. If you think you have a good idea for an internship, please let us know and contact the project leader of your choice.
The Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMS) offers an exciting environment to pursue a PhD degree in Medical Sciences and aims to train PhD students to become independent, creative and multi-skilled scientists. Students devote most of their time to their own research project and will be enriched by and will benefit from the complementary research activities in neighboring laboratories. A large variety of courses, all taught in English, is available for PhD students to acquire additional skills.
A PhD degree from one of the laboratories of the Department of Biomedical Sciences will optimally prepare students for the next phase in their University or professional career. PhD students will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Medical Sciences and defend their thesis at the University of Groningen. PhD projects in the Department of Biomedical Sciences typically last 4 years.
