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Education programmes

Future transdisciplinary researchers and professionals not only require cognitive skills, but an understanding of the social dynamics and psychological processes in organisations and society as well. They need to be able to deal with different personalities and cultures, and to adjust their strategies accordingly. Therefore, the Athena Institute offers various (faculty- and university-wide) educational programmes at the interface of life sciences and social sciences, and of theory and practice.

Athena Graduate School 

The Athena Institute's PhD programme is part of the Athena Graduate School. Here, we aim to provide a stimulating scientific environment in which young researchers, experienced staff and international scholars mutually inspire one another. Find more information on the Athena Graduate school webpage. 

Master's programmes

Full Master programmes
The Athena Institutes coordinates two full Master's programmes:

International Public Health Track
We offer an International Public Health track to all master students in Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences and MPA.

Studypath in Science, Society and Communication
The Athena Institute offers a study path for Faculty of Science students at VU Amsterdam (18EC or 48EC with an internship).  

Specialization in Science in Society or Science Communication
We offer two specializations for VU students in Biomedical Sciences (54EC).  

Major with UvA Faculty of Science (FNWI) students
We offer two majors for UvA Faculty of Science (FNWI) students (60EC). 

Bachelor's programmes

Major: Sustainable Health & Care
Athena offers the major Sustainable Health and Care for Health & Life Sciences students at the VU.

Minor
The minor Global Health is a university-wide minor, open to all VU students. 

Course: History of Science
We offer History of Science courses, specified for students in Earth Sciences, Pharmaceutical Science, Medical Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence.

Courses 

Interdisciplinary Community Service Learning is a university-wide course, open to student's of any Master's programme. 

Science and Society in Historical Perspective is open to Faculty of Science students. 

Many of our Science, Society and Communication courses can be followed as an elective by all students from any faculty and university. More information below. 

Science Society and Communications courses for all students

  • Period 1 (September-October)
    • Research Methods for Complex Problems (6EC): AM_1182 
      • Students learn about the principles of doing qualitative research into peoples’ perspectives, ideas, concerns and dreams.
    • Analysis of Governmental Policy* (6EC): AM_470571 
      • Students learn to conduct qualitative research by means of interviews. 
    • The Art of Science Communication (6EC): AM_470587
      • Students learn about principles for communicating about science with different audiences
    • Managing Science & Technology in Society (6EC): AM_470586  
      • Students learn about the reciprocal interactions between science, technology development and society.

    * Courses with * have specific entry requirements. Please check the study guide for more information on that.

  • Period 2 (November-December)
    • Science Journalism and Exhibition Design (6EC): [course code will follow]
      • Students learn to translate scientific research into communication products and experiences.
    • Communication, Organisation and Management (6 EC): AM_470572   
      • Students learn to be a consultant and give strategic advice to an organisation. 
    • Business Management in Health and Life Sciences (6EC): AM_470584  
      • Students learn to set-up a business plan, and prepare themselves for the (job) market 
    • Health, globalisation and human rights (6EC): AM_470818
      • Students learn about the major developments in global health
    • Policy, Politics and Participation* (6EC): AM_470589  
      • Students learn to facilitate focus group conversations and develop policy recommendations.

    * Courses with * have specific entry requirements. Please check the study guide for more information on that.

  • Period 3 (January)
    • Ethics and Science in Dialogue (6EC): [course code will follow]
      • Students learn to design and facilitate a dialogue about the ethical aspects around science / technology development
    • Epidemiology and Clinical Trials (6EC): [course code will follow]
      • Students learn how clinical trials work
    • Management of Innovative Technologies in Community Based Health Care (6EC): AM_1181  
      • Students analyse a specific innovation and make a redesign for it.

  • Period 4-6 (February-June)
    • Interdisciplinary Community Service Learning 2 (6EC): AM_1253
      • Students collaborate with residents of a neighbourhood in Amsterdam to work on a challenge that residents face.

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