Molecular Biology

Overview

Key facts

You will get a good basis for further doctoral studies and work with research and development, either at a university or in a biotech or pharmaceutical company.

The autumn admission to The Master of Science Programme in Molecular Biology offered by Umea University begins with a course in Advanced Molecular Biology. If you choose to start in the spring semester you begin with Molecular Genetics and take Advanced Molecular Biology during your second term. Apart from this, you 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. For example, you can take courses in Biochemistry, Infection Biology or Plant Molecular Biology.

Theory mixed with practical problem solving

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.

Thesis project in a research group

The programme finishes with a thesis project in Molecular Biology. You can do your project either in a research group at Umeå University, for example in the departments of Molecular Biology, Chemistry or Plant Physiology, but other arrangements with research intense organizations like biotech companies are also possible.

Strategic research

Umeå University hosts many prominent research groups conducting strategic molecular research of international significance within areas of microbiology, cell biology, chemical biology, genetic model organisms, immunology, systems biology, sensory systems, cancer biology, developmental biology, medical biology and immunology. Importantly, many of our graduate alumni continue wiht a PhD programme here or elsewhere. However, molecular biology is a very broad discipline whereby this education also provides ideal training even for those wishing to pursue careers outside of academia.

Career Opportunities

With a Master of Science Degree in Molecular Biology you are attractive for employers at, for example, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, usually within research, development or marketing. Other employment possibilities include management, investigations, scientific journalism, and research.

Further studies?

Following your degree you are eligible to apply for PhD positions in relevant areas.