FACULTY OF SCIENCE

The Faculty of Science is one of KU Leuven’s oldest faculties.Its origins can be traced back to the Artes Faculty of theOld University of Leuven, founded in 1425. It has existedas an independent faculty since the early nineteenth century.The Faculty consists of five departments: Biology, Chemistry,Earth and Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, andPhysics and Astronomy.

Research in the Faculty of Science addresses fundamentalquestions. Its curiosity-driven and often multidisciplinaryapproach is recognised around the world. Among its staffare some of Europe’s top scientists, including ERC grantholders in all five of its departments. The Faculty is alsovery active in international research infrastructures for basicscience, such as CERN, ESA, ESRF, and ESO. And withover 100 doctoral theses defended each year, the Facultyhas the highest PhD vs Masters ratio of the university.

The study programmes offered at the Faculty of Sciencetake an interdisciplinary approach and are stronglyembedded in the research carried out in the five departments.

Each of these departments conduct top research in thepure natural and mathematical sciences. The basic fieldsof mathematics, physics, computer science, chemistry,biochemistry, biology, geology and geography combinewith new domains of study located at the interplay ofthese fields, such as astronomy, biophysics, nanoscience,statistics, sustainable territorial development, etc.

Although the Faculty of Science takes the lead in basic,knowledge-driven research at the university, its researchersand students are always on the lookout for opportunitiesto innovate, develop and valorise their research. This enterprising attitude is omnipresent in both the laband the classroom. The Faculty also strives to implementinnovative teaching strategies. Students are continuouslymade aware of the relevance of fundamental scientificresearch and of novel education strategies as the necessaryand essential ingredients for innovation. The Faculty nurturesits links with society and with the corporate world.

Study programmes

Bachelor’s programmes (taught in Dutch)

n Biochemistry and Biotechnologyn Biologyn Chemistryn Informaticsn Geographyn Geologyn Mathematicsn Physics

ContactFaculty of ScienceKasteelpark Arenberg 11 box 21003001 LEUVEN, Belgiumsc.kuleuven.beinfo@wet.kuleuven.be

KU Leuven. Inspiring the outstanding.

Initial master’s programmes

n Applied Computer Sciences (Dutch only)n Astronomy and Astrophysicsn Biochemistry and Biotechnology (Dutch only)n Biologyn Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology (English only)n Chemistryn Geography (in collaboration with VUB, Brussels)n Geology (in collaboration with UGent, Ghent)n Mathematicsn Physicsn Bio-informaticsn Erasmus Mundus Master of Sustainable Territorial

Developmentn Erasmus Mundus Master of Theoretical Chemistry

and Computational Modellingn Nanoscience and Nanotechnologyn Statisticsn Tourism (Dutch only; in collaboration with other

universities and graduate schools)

Advanced master’s programmes

n Medical Radiation Physics (Dutch only)n Space Studiesn Artificial Intelligencen Financial and Actuarial Engineeringn Digital Humanities

LocationThe study programmes offered by the Faculty of Scienceare hosted at KU Leuven’s main campus in Leuven. Most of the bachelor programmes are also offered atKulak, KU Leuven’s undergraduate campus in Kortrijk. A number of the master’s programmes (Geography,Geology, Space Studies, and Tourism) are organised incollaboration with other universities, and some classesmay meet at these collaborating universities.

International orientationFor decades – even centuries – KU Leuven has welcomedinternational students seeking a high-quality, research-embedded education. Each year, the Faculty of Sciencewelcomes students from all over the globe, be it for asummer school, an exchange semester or for graduate or PhD studies. The Faculty also has a strong tradition in collaborating with universities abroad and has acommendable track record in stimulating research-basededucation in developing countries.

Science@Leuven FundMotivated and talented international students interested inparticipating in an international master’s programme offeredat the Faculty of Science are invited to apply for a scholarship:sc.kuleuven.be/scienceatleuvenscholarship

Figures

Bachelor’s students: 1400Master’s students: 1140Advanced Master’s students: 160PhD students: 610