Why this programme
Sustainable Bioscience is about understanding and solving global issues like the impact of climate change on food security and health. You will explore how natural systems work and how we can use them in a sustainable way.
Why is Sustainable Bioscience special?
Sustainable Bioscience uses science and technology to solve big real-world problems. You will learn to mix biology with tech, earth science, and social views to help tackle issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food sustainability. It’s hands-on, collaborative, and focused on impact. You will learn to think in systems, work across disciplines, and explore cool careers like sustainable food design or restoring nature. This isn’t just about being a scientist; it is about becoming a changemaker who can connect the dots and help build a better future for people and planet.
During the programme, you will learn through answering questions such as
- How can we use natural resources within planetary boundaries to meet society’s needs?
- How can we use what we know about plants, nature, and the environment to grow food more sustainably?
- How can we make sure people around the world get healthy, safe food without harming the planet?
Concentrations
The programme offers three concentrations, so you can focus on the area of Sustainable Bioscience that interests you most.
Planetary Systems
Explore global issues like climate change and biodiversity loss and how they impact nature and human health. Study Earth as one connected system and learn how nature and society interact through eco, bio, and environmental science lenses.
Agricultural Systems
Study plant biology, soil health, greenhouses, biotech, and sustainable food systems. Learn how crops grow in different environments and how science and technology can improve farming. This concentration links biology, climate, and innovation to build resilient agriculture.
Food Systems
Learn how food shapes health, sustainability, and society. Through nutrition science, food tech, and consumer behaviour, you explore how to create safe, healthy, and sustainable food. This concentration connects biology with health and innovation in the food industry.
Research-Based Learning
In Sustainable Bioscience, you learn by doing. Working on small research projects, you build skills through real-life challenges. As you go, the challenges grow, and you get to explore, research, and create real solutions. It all leads up to your own final research project: the bachelor thesis.
Research-based learning encourages you to:
- Formulate questions with yet unknown answers.
- Make your own discoveries by studying new techniques and processes with a scientific attitude.
- Design solutions for the challenges in the transition towards sustainable agriculture.
Testimonials
Lara Sofia Maus
Student at Maastricht Science Programme and student representative during the approval of Sustainable Biosience.
"When I was looking to start a bachelor’s, I was hoping to find one in environmental science and sustainability which recognises the importance of a humanitarian perspective. It was important for me to also have flexibility in the course selection with some guidance, both of which you will find in this program and more. And I mean you can’t beat studying in a greenhouse!"
Cristina Sîreţanu
Student at University College Venlo and student representative during the approval of Sustainable Biosience.
“A campus surrounded by nature and innovation creates the ideal environment to study Sustainable Bioscience.”
Julia Parrotta
Student at University College Venlo and student representative during the approval of Sustainable Biosience.
“It is nice that in the first year of the programme you learn foundational knowledge so that in the second year you have the freedom to focus more on your area of interest. The courses reflect very nicely with the location of the programme, with access to new labs, a greenhouse, and close proximity to private companies, offering exposure and potentially leading to opportunities.”
Dive Deeper
Get some in-depth information:
- Problem Based Learning in more detail
- Read about research at the System Earth Science research institute
- Read about research at the Brightlands Future Farming Institute
- Read an article about UM’s research on food forests
- Did you know that University College Venlo has a related programme with more emphasis on health and social sciences and less on technology?