Masterprogrammet i molekylärbiologi

Masterprogrammet i molekylärbiologi

If you are studying Molecular Biology you are learning about fundamental processes required for cellular life.

Molecular Biology focuses primarily on processes within living cells but also on mechanisms behind communication between cells. Processes like inheritance, gene expression, signal transduction, as well as the effect of mutations on different processes are corner stones in Molecular Biology. Research in Molecular Biology covers a vast area from basic principles for propagation of simple viruses to mechanisms behind the development of a fertilized egg into a mature organism. Applications of Molecular Biology are first and foremost found in Medicine and Biotechnology. For example, modern techniques have revolutionized the ability to diagnose different diseases, to connect culprits to the scene of a crime and, to genetically engineer economically important crops, and other organisms for the production of novel medical drugs, but have also allowed us to consider more controversial applications like changing our own genes. If you are studying at the Master's Programme in Molecular Biology you can select courses from different areas in Molecular Biology to receive a Degree of Master of Science (Two Years) in Molecular Biology.

Microbiology deals with organisms that are so small that one needs microscopes to be able to see them. Microorganisms are found inside and on our bodies, and everywhere around us, and are the basis for all life on Earth. They are important, for the food we eat, to sustain the ecological balance in nature, as well as for the degradation of toxic substances in the environment. Research on microorganisms has contributed considerably to the understanding of important cellular processes in humans, animals and plants, and has also allowed us to control diseases caused by microorganisms. Microorganisms are being exploited in Biotechnology to produce for example medical drugs and can be designed to be active ingredients in functional food, or to remediate pollutants from the environment. In some of these areas, research performed at Umeå University has been very successful.

Genetics is based on genetic variation. The majority of species exhibit a great genetic variation, which in most cases results in a selective advantage to some individuals within each species. However, genetic variation can also be a disadvantage to some individuals, for example when the variations lead to genetic diseases. The genetic variation among plant and animal species is interesting since it allows the selection of wanted traits such as high productivity or resistance to diseases. Research in Genetics helps us to understand biological processes like development, growth and ageing, and gives us new methods for diagnoses, prognoses and treatment of different diseases, but also for medical and other industries.

The autumn admission to The Master of Science Programme in Molecular Biology commences with a course in Molecular Genetics, whereas the spring admission starts with a course in Tumour Biology. However, students starting with the spring semester are supposed to also take the course in Molecular Genetics during their second semester. Apart from this, students are free to select from a number of different courses in Molecular Biology or in other subjects as long as they fulfil the requirements to obtain The Master of Science Degree in Molecular Biology. The programme finishes with a Degree Thesis in Molecular Biology.

The individual courses in the programme usually consist of nine weeks of full-time studies. The teaching forms used include lectures, group exercises, seminars, laboratory exercises, and tutorials. Current questions in Molecular Biology often with relevance to Biomedicine are covered. The laboratory exercises entail modern experimental techniques to solve relevant questions in Molecular Biology.

Students holding a Master of Science Degree in Molecular Biology are attractive for employers at for example pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies such as AstaZeneca and Pfizer, usually with research, development or marketing. Other employment possibilities include management, investigations, scientific journalism, and research. Students that have completed one year of studies at the advanced level at The Master of Science Programme in Molecular Biology may also be eligible to apply for Ph. D. positions in relevant areas.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 6.5 and no individual score below 5.5. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum score of 575 and a minimum TWE score of 4.5). TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum score of 90 and a minimum score of 20 on the Writing Section) is required.

Applicants who have at least two years of university studies in Australia, Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand, or the USA fulfil the requirement for English B. A Bachelor's degree or Bachelor of Engineering degree (equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, 180 ECTS) from an internationally recognised university is required. Additional requirements are: Thirty ECTS-credits in Chemistry, with a minimum of 7,5 ECTS-credits in Biochemistry; practical experience of laboratory work, corresponding to a minimum of 30 ECTS-credits; 45 ECTS-credits in Life Sciences, including a minimum of 7.5 ECTS-credits in each of Genetics and Microbiology, and in total a minimum of 15 ECTS-credits in Plant- and Animal Physiology, and Cell- and Molecular Biology. In addition a Degree Thesis of 15 ECTS-credits in any of the following areas is required: Animal Physiology, Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Genetics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or Plant Physiology. If you are still working towards your undergraduate degree, you need to include with your application a document from your current University, outlining when you are expected to graduate as well as a course outline for the last semester.

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