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Why

The field of molecular biology is constantly evolving, with new technologies and insights emerging at a rapid pace. From innovative techniques such as DNA sequencing to impactful applications in healthcare and biotechnology, its influence is far-reaching. This programme equips you with a strong foundation in this dynamic discipline while helping you stay up to date with the latest developments.

Content

In this programme, you explore the world of molecular biology and gain insight into life functions at the cellular level. You learn how genetic information is stored, transmitted, and translated into proteins, and you develop an understanding of key processes such as DNA replication, gene expression, and the cell cycle.

You also examine the molecular basis of diseases, including cancer and infectious disorders, and are introduced to advanced laboratory techniques such as PCR and DNA sequencing. Together, these topics provide you with a strong theoretical foundation for understanding biological processes in a modern scientific context.

For whom

Are you interested in the biomedical or biotechnological field but lack the necessary background? Then this programme is for you!

The micro-credential Molecular Biology @home is designed for motivated learners without (recent) prior knowledge of molecular biology who want to build a solid scientific foundation.

This programme is also an excellent stepping stone for bachelor graduates aiming to progress to the Advanced Bachelor of Bioinformatics, but who do not yet possess a basic understanding of molecular biology.

In addition, this micro-credential offers a flexible and up-to-date learning opportunity for professionals with a higher education degree (at least a bachelor’s) who wish to refresh or expand their knowledge. It is particularly relevant for laboratory technicians, teachers, and professionals in healthcare or the pharmaceutical sector who want to stay up to date with modern techniques in DNA analysis and molecular genetics.

Studenten Biomedische Laboratoriumtechnologie tijdens practica

In this micro-credential, you take courses from the Advanced Bachelor of Bioinformatics, gaining officially recognised knowledge and skills.

This programme consists of 2 courses.

BIO 01 Molecular Biology – Basics

This course unit introduces the molecular foundations of life, with a focus on cells, biomolecules, DNA, and gene expression. You will explore key processes such as DNA replication, gene regulation, and the cell cycle, and gain insight into how genetic information is stored, transmitted, and translated into proteins. Differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems are highlighted throughout.

Learning outcomes:

  • Describe the structure of the cell and the different levels of biological organisation
  • Explain key genetic mechanisms, including DNA replication and gene expression, and compare these processes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
  • Apply molecular concepts to analyse biological processes and predict the impact of disruptions or errors

BIO 02 – Molecular Biology: Advanced

This course unit builds on the fundamentals and focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases such as cancer and infectious disorders. You will also be introduced to advanced techniques for analysing DNA, RNA, proteins, and metabolites. The course explores how genetic variation, chromosomal abnormalities, and microorganisms influence human health, and how laboratory methods are used to investigate these processes.

Learning outcomes:

  • Explain the molecular basis of cancer
  • Understand the principles, applications, and limitations of nucleic acid techniques, including PCR, FISH, sequencing, and metagenomics
  • Demonstrate knowledge of analytical techniques for proteins and metabolites, such as mass spectrometry, chromatography, proteomics, and metabolomics, and interpret their results

Dates and location

You can start the programme at any time, as it is fully online and self-paced. Upon enrolment, you gain access to all course materials, digital support channels, and recordings of previous sessions.

If you begin in September, optional contact sessions are organised every two weeks. These take place on Wednesday evenings from 18:00 to 20:00 at Campus Brugge Station (Building A, Spoorwegstraat 4, Brugge). You can attend on campus, join live online, or watch the recordings afterwards.

Time investment

Each course unit is worth 5 ECTS credits, with one credit corresponding to approximately 25 hours of study time.

Each unit concludes with an exam. Exam sessions are scheduled every six weeks. If necessary, a resit can be taken during the August examination period.

Result

Upon successful completion, you are awarded the corresponding credits and receive a certificate. This certificate provides direct access to the Advanced Bachelor of Bioinformatics.

Admission requirements

A higher education degree (minimum bachelor’s level) is required. No prior knowledge of molecular biology is necessary.

Support measures

This programme is currently under application for Flemish Training Leave (Vlaams Opleidingsverlof) and the SME e-wallet (KMO-portefeuille).

Cost

The fee for this micro-credential in the 2026–2027 academic year is € 451,40.

Steun­maatregelen

Enrolment

Enrolment for the coming academic year starts on July 1st. You can enrol at one of the Info Days on campus, by appointment at the student secretariat of the Howest campus where your programme takes place, or by using the online registration system.

Which documents will you need?

  • A copy of your ID (front and back) will be requested during online enrolment.
  • You will also need to upload a copy of your (higher education) diploma.

Online enrolment

After you've registered

  • After completing the online application, you will receive an e-mail with all the information needed to complete your enrolment.
  • Once your file has been checked and processed by Howest, you will receive your contract and the request for payment of tuition fees and extra study costs electronically.

Register now!

Have you decided? We look forward to welcoming you to our Howest community! 
You can find all information about registering via the link below.

Apply now

Studenten in pauze met koffie op de campus

FAQ

Can’t find what you’re looking for or do you have a specific question about this programme? Feel free to contact us.

Jasper Decuyper

Jasper Decuyper

Contact person

Contact

Completing the online registration implies that you are officially enrolled and commits you to paying the registration fee. After your file is processed, you will receive an email with an invoice for payment of the registration fee.

Most advanced programmes (such as micro degrees and post-graduate programmes) are not eligible for scholarships or reduced fees. That type of financial assistance is reserved for students within the standard programmes (bachelor's). However, there are other possibilities offered by the Flemish government such as Flemish educational allowance, KMO-portefeuille and study vouchers.

Yes, it is possible. Please send your account number and billing details to howestacademy@howest.be. The refund for the originally paid registration fee will only be made after registration of payment with the SME-wallet. You will therefore temporarily have a double payment pending.

If your training is partially or fully funded through financial assistance (SME, Flemish training leave, Flemish educational allowance, Flemish training vouchers), it is important to check the terms of the financial assistance programme concerning compulsory attendance. Students are responsible for having their attendance formally registered by the lecturers.

The coordinator of your course will indicate which platform will be used for short-term courses. For long-term programmes, your course material can be found on leho.howest.be. You can log in with the details you received from the registrar’s office after enrolment.

Send an e-mail to howestacademy@howest.be and you will get a quick reply.

For short-term postgraduate courses, direct registration via the webpage is final and binding. For diploma and credit courses such as bachelor’s, associates and microdegrees, pre-registration is not binding, but it assures you a place in the programme.

  • For associates degree:
    You are officially enrolled once you have completed your pre-registration online and signed it digitally. After processing and approval of your online registration by the registrar’s office, you will receive login details and an invoice for payment of the registration fee.
  • For microdegrees:
    You are officially enrolled after your pre-registration has been processed by the student registrar and after you have signed your programme contract. This can be done manually or digitally via the digital student learning platform: https://leho.howest.be/ (shortcut at the bottom -> ibamaflex -> important information).

Payment of the registration fee must be made no later than 1 October or - if the course starts at another time - within 15 days of registration. For payments made by invoice, the latest payment date mentioned on the invoice applies. Only in exceptional cases will instalment payments be allowed and only if an instalment plan has been submitted and agreed to by Howest's financial officer. Please contact us at howestacademy@howest.be for more information.

Ben je ingeschreven voor een bachelor-na-bachelor, een postgraduaat, een micro degree en/of een navorming? Dan kom je niet in aanmerking voor financiële ondersteuning in je studiekosten.

Heb je hier toch vragen rond? Neem contact op met de sociale dienst van Stuvo