Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology - Master Programme

Technical achievements have made it possible to relatively quickly read the entire genetic make-up of organisms – the genome. Academia and industry are now faced with the challenge of interpreting all this information and ascertaining the various functions of the genes. Our Master’s programme enables you to take part in this development.

Molecular genetics integrates biology with chemistry, physics and technology. As a Master’s student you will obtain specialised knowledge in gene technology, cell biology, molecular biology and biotechnology. There is also a great deal of focus on components that prepare you for professions in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and food industries in areas such as patents, innovation, legislation related to molecular biotechnology and start-up of biotechnical companies. The programme also provides extensive experimental experience and valuable knowledge in experimental design and analysing results. You will practice both oral and written presentations and obtain ample experience in working in groups.

Teaching takes place on modern premises and in laboratories with advanced equipment. The Master’s programme has a high proportion of face-to-face teaching, including group studies and laboratory work. The programme is conducted in an international environment and has strong ties with research. All of the teaching staff are researchers, and as a result the teaching is continuously adapted based on current research. The Department of Biology has several world-leading research teams and conducts both basic research and applied research. The language of instruction is English.

Programme structure

In the first semester you start wit a compulsory course on molecular genetics of eukaryotes plus one elective course on immunology or molecular microbiology. In the spring semester you will take two compulsory courses – one on molecular biotechnology and one on genetic analysis – as well as an elective course, i.e. bioinformatics.

If you would like to immerse yourself in bioinformatics, you can take courses on sequence analysis and programming in Python in the third semester. You can also take certain biomedicine courses. The degree project is worth 30, 45 or 60 credits and is conducted in a research team at either the Faculty of Science or the Faculty of Medicine, or at a pharmaceutical or biotechnical company, for example. If you decide to do a degree project worth less than the maximum number of credits, you can do a second project. You can also do an internship, which can provide valuable professional contacts during the programme.

Career prospects

After graduation you will be well-equipped for third cycle studies in both Sweden and abroad. The labour market in business and industry is also growing. Both large and small companies are investing in genetic analysis and development of new drugs as a result of new research findings in molecular genetics. Technical applications are found in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and food industries, where molecular biology also contributes to the development of environmentally friendly products and helps create a sustainable society.