Universiteit Leiden

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Science Based Business

BSc. Minor

In the minor Science, Business, and Innovation you develop insights and skills in the area of management, business development and entrepreneurship. Focus is on innovation and entrepreneurship on the interface of science and business. The curriculum is furthermore orientated towards the application of theories and concepts in practical assignments.

© Rita van de Poel

Upon finishing this minor, you will have developed

  • basic knowledge of business administration with focus on issues in the development of research-driven projects;
  • insights into the relationships between science, research and business;
  • views on career perspectives on the interface of science and business;
  • skills in applying concepts and theories that are of importance in developing strategic, marketing, project management and financial aspects of research-driven entrepreneurship;
  • experience with recognizing and assessing business opportunities and innovation processes.

The program is in particular suitable for science students considering a career in business. Not only science-driven companies, also consultancies, banks and the government recruit people who combine a science background with commercial insight. It is suitable as well for students from other disciplines who want to learn about management and entrepreneurship in science-driven business. It may also help those who doubt about the choice between pursuing a science or business career and the master degree they want to pursue after receiving their BSc.

The programme for the 30 EC Minor Science, Business, and Innovation consists of management courses and courses in innovation & entrepreneurship:

This is a 10-week full-time programme for 3rd year bachelor students who wish or consider to pursue a career outside the domain of (fundamental) scientific research or who want to broaden their horizon, e.g. having in mind later career opportunities that may require knowledge of fundamental business principles and training of managerial skills.

The management courses familiarize students with the basic managerial toolbox and provide an introduction to key concepts and frameworks across the following management subfields: strategy, marketing, finance, and technology & operations management. It has been set up based on what alumni and managers of science-based organizations perceive to be most important for science students.

  • Strategy (4 EC, level 300)
  • Marketing (3 EC, level 300)
  • Foundations of Financial Management (4 EC, level 300)
  • Technology and Operations Management (4 EC, level 300)

The management courses are offered during the first block of the first semester.

In this integrated 10-week full-time programme you develop knowledge and skills relating to the commercialisation of technology generated in research.

The entrepreneurship courses familiarize students with the basic 'entrepreneurial toolbox' and covers 1) how to frame, find and assess entrepreneurial opportunities for new technology ventures; 2) how to navigate entrepreneurial projects in large and established (technology-based) companies; and 3) how to manage innovation processes and practices.

  • Entrepreneurial Opportunities (5 EC, level 300)
  • Corporate Entrepreneurship (5 EC, level 300)
  • AI for Business (5 EC, level 300)

The entrepreneurship courses are offered during the second block of the first semester.

The registration for the minor in academic year 2022-2023 is closed.

You can find more information in the e-Prospectus. Please also find the (preliminary) schedule and instructions for registration on the right side of this page.

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