Master's Programme in Biomedicine
Academic year 2023/2024
- 120 credits
- Autumn 2023, Uppsala, 100%, Campus
- Autumn 2023, Uppsala, 100%, Campus
- Programme syllabus and outline
Are you interested in biomedical research? Do you want to use your knowledge in biomedicine to develop new medicines? As a student at the Master's Programme in Biomedicine at Uppsala University, you will obtain in-depth knowledge about some of our major diseases and the brain, both healthy and diseased. You will follow the process of developing new drugs, from finding new targets to the final product. This will prepare you for a career in research, clinical trials and drug development, amongst other things.
Why this programme?
The theme of the Master's Programme in Biomedicine is: "From the ailing body and the ailing brain to the discovery and development of new drugs". The focus is on research-oriented questions for application in academic research and the pharmaceutical or life science industry.
With a focus on the link between pathophysiology and drug development, and by offering opportunities for specialisation and advancement in your field of interest, the programme provides an excellent base for future work in science, both academically and within the life science industry. Practical experience with experimental strategies and scientific thinking is an integral part of this Master's programme and you will get in close contact with exciting research projects.
As a student in the Master's Programme in Biomedicine, you will develop your creativity and problem-solving ability through seminars, journal clubs and experimental projects.
Student profile
- You acquired a broad theoretical base during your Bachelor's studies in biomedicine, medicine, pharmacy, biology or another life science area and now you want to expand your skill set in understanding and curing diseases.
- You are naturally curious and have an analytical attitude that makes you able to apply your theoretical knowledge to solve problems.
- Your university was well equipped so you have good practical experience of working in a lab and can stay safe while doing so.
- You are able and willing to express your thoughts in writing and speaking and expect to contribute as much to the educational experience of others as you expect to learn from their experience and knowledge.
- You can critically analyse and reflect on problems and are creative and innovative enough to come up with your ideas.
- You enjoy problem-solving and teamwork and your natural curiosity drives you to seek a deeper understanding, not just to learn the facts.
- A PhD education is a distinct possibility in your future so you would value coming in close contact with current research and prominent researchers in your field. Starting to work in the life science industry right after graduation is also something you might be considering.
Degree
The programme leads to a Master of Medical Science (120 credits) with Biomedicine as the main field of study. It is also possible to graduate after one year and obtain a Master of Medical Science (60 credits).
Name: Ines Berrojo
From: Portugal & Spain
How did you choose your programme?
I was looking for different Master's Programmes at the time, and Biomedicine piqued my interest due to its focus on research and on neurobiology.
What is it like to be an international student?
Coming from the south of Europe it is quite a different change of culture, as well of weather. I personally was affected a lot by the darkness in winter but I loved the Swedish spring and summer. However, the university made it very easy to adapt ourselves and our environment.
What is the best thing about studying at Uppsala University?
There is a lot of SciLife companies and research groups, which we will likely come into contact with during our education.
Do you remember your first impression with Uppsala? Please tell!
When I came to Uppsala I fell in love with the city immediately, I loved the parks and the environment full of students.
Describe what a normal day is like for you?
My first year, was during the pandemic and therefore we were not allowed on campus. However, now I'm doing my thesis work, so a normal day for me is to get to university, have a meeting with my supervisor, and then do the experiments I need during the day. Occasionally, as I am part of the Medical Master Council, I attend some meetings in the afternoon.
What is your reason for studying and your ultimate goal?
My ultimate goal is to become a professor. I would like to be part of teaching in a university and be able to influence the education of scientists in the future, as well as research those topics that fascinate me.
Describe the student life!
Despite being in the pandemic during the first, I was still able to make a lot of friends, within and outside my class. My best experience was being a buddy for the first years, in which I got to know a lot of people from the first year, as well as to attend the nation's parties from time to time.
Two quick questions:
What is your favourite place in Uppsala?
Helga Trefaldighets kyrka. Is a small church next to the cathedral, and it is very cozy, and many people overlook it.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hopefully will be in my Ph.D. studies.
Fall 2021.
Programme
The first semester in The Master's Programme in Biomedicine starts with the course Homeostasis and Endocrine Disorders with a focus on Major Diseases, 15 credits, which provides in-depth knowledge about the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms of some of our most prevalent diseases with a focus on endocrine disorders. Then follows the course Advanced Neurobiology, 15 credits, which describes the biology and functions of the brain and covers areas such as cognition, behaviour, pain and neurodegeneration. During the first semester, you will follow a seminar series with a focus on, for example, presentation technique and ethics.
During the second semester, you will apply your knowledge from the previous semester with a focus on identifying new targets for pharmacological treatments. The first half of the second semester consists of an eligible period. The first course, Drug Discovery and Development, 7,5 credits, provides a comprehensive view of the process of drug development. You will follow the different phases in the development of new drugs. The second course, Computational Medicinal Chemistry, 7,5 credits, discusses the early phases of drug design with a focus on structure-effect relationships and interactions between drugs and targets. This course can be exchanged for the course Molecular Neurodegeneration, 7,5 credits, which gives you a chance to learn more about the molecular mechanisms and treatment options relevant to neurodegenerative diseases.
You can choose to take Immunology, 15 credits, instead of the first courses in the second semester. This will give you a profound knowledge of the structure and function of the immune system. If you wish to finish your studies with a one-year Master's degree, you will do a 15-credit Master's thesis during the first half of the semester instead of these courses.
You will then take the course Preparation for Research with Focus on New Drug Targets, which provides insights into how new targets for drugs are identified and evaluated. This course takes you through the exciting steps of unravelling the function of new genes, from bioinformatics to expression and functional studies.
The third semester offers the opportunity to specialise by applying for a choice of courses comprising 30 credits in total, for example, the course Clinical Drug Development, 30 credits, which focuses on how clinical trials are planned and performed. You may also choose other courses offered by Uppsala University or other universities in or outside Sweden. Many students choose to do an experimental project, which allows them to gain practical laboratory experience and learn how to plan and execute a scientific project. This semester is very well suited for exchange studies.
During the fourth semester, you will do a Master's project of 30 credits in the specialisation of your choice. You can also choose to conduct a 45-credit thesis starting in the middle of the third semester.
Courses within the programme
Semester 1
Homeostasis and Endocrine Disorders with a focus on Major Diseases, 15 credits
Advanced Neurobiology, 15 credits
Semester 2
Drug Discovery and Development, 7.5 credits followed by either Computational Medicinal Chemistry, 7.5 credits or Molecular Neurodegeneration, 7,5 credits
or
Preparation for Research with Focus on New Drug Targets, 15 credits
Semester 3
Elective courses, 15 or 30 credits, for example, research projects or Clinical Drug Development.
Semester 4
Master Project, 30 or 45 credits
Learning experience
The Master's Programme in Biomedicine includes scheduled lectures, laboratory practicals, seminars, problem-oriented group assignments and demonstrations. The curriculum requires full-time studies.
The first year consists mainly of theoretical courses. A seminar series with lectures about, for example, presentation techniques, research ethics and bioethics is given during the first semester. You will have more opportunities for practical laboratory work during the second year, primarily through the Master's project, but also by choosing to do experimental projects during the elective third semester.
The programme takes place in Uppsala and is taught in English.
Career
The Master's Programme in Biomedicine prepares you for professional work within various sectors of society, for example in:
- research
- drug development
- production
- evaluation
- business development
- leadership
- information.
Our graduates work at, for example, Quintiles, Scandinavian CRO and Thermo Fisher Scientific. Job titles include Clinical Trial Coordinator, Product Development Specialist and Marketing Manager. The labour market is promising and there is a large demand for professionals with biomedical education in the pharmaceutical industry.
The strong focus on research also prepares you for further academic research through PhD studies. Many of our previous students have pursued PhD studies either in Sweden or abroad and they have been attractive candidates because of the excellent scientific competencies gained during their Master's studies.
Career support
During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career. Learn more about UU Careers.
Admissions
Below you will find details about eligibility requirements, selection criteria and tuition fees. For information on how to apply and what general documents you need to submit, check the application guide. Besides the general supporting documents, you also need to submit one or two programme-specific documents: 1. an Application Summary Sheet; 2. document(s) or letter(s) of recommendation certifying your previous experience (if applicable).
There are two admissions rounds for this Master's programme. The first admissions round is open to all international applicants at www.universityadmissions.se. The last date to apply is 16 January 2023. We strongly encourage all international students to apply in this first admissions round.
The second admissions round is primarily for Swedish applicants and students who are citizens of a country within the European Union, European Economic Area and Switzerland. The last date to apply is 17 April 2023 and the application should be submitted via www.antagning.se for Swedish-speaking applicants, or www.universityadmissions.se for non-Swedish-speaking applicants.
Master's Programme in Biomedicine
120 credits
Autumn 2023, 100%, Campus
Location: Uppsala
Application deadline: 16 January 2023
Application code: UU-M3650 Application
Language of instruction: English
Requirements:
Academic requirements
A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university. The main field of study must be in biomedicine, medicine, pharmacy, biology, or a similar field of study that gives relevant knowledge in cell and molecular biology, chemistry and biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology and neurobiology.
Also required is knowledge and practical experience of laboratory experiments in life sciences.
Language requirements
Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.
Selection: Students with a Bachelor's degree or one-year Master's degree from a biomedicine programme have priority.
Selection among other applicants is based on:
- an overall appraisal of previous university studies; and
- previous professional experiences.
Tuition fee-paying students and non-paying students are admitted on the same grounds but in different selection groups.
Fees:
If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees. Fees cover application and tuition only and do not cover accommodation, academic literature or the general cost of living. Read more about fees.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first semester: SEK 72,500
Tuition fee, total: SEK 290,000
Master's Programme in Biomedicine
120 credits
Autumn 2023, 100%, Campus
Location: Uppsala
Application deadline: 17 April 2023
Application code: UU-P3650 Application
Language of instruction: English
Requirements:
Academic requirements
A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university. The main field of study must be in biomedicine, medicine, pharmacy, biology, or a similar field of study that gives relevant knowledge in cell and molecular biology, chemistry and biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology and neurobiology.
Also required is knowledge and practical experience of laboratory experiments in life sciences.
Language requirements
Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.
Selection: Students with a Bachelor's degree or one-year Master's degree from a biomedicine programme have priority.
Selection among other applicants is based on:
- an overall appraisal of previous university studies; and
- previous professional experiences.
Fees:
If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees. Fees cover application and tuition only and do not cover accommodation, academic literature or the general cost of living. Read more about fees.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first semester: SEK 72,500
Tuition fee, total: SEK 290,000
Contact and further resources
Is this programme right for you?
Book an appointment with a study counsellor at the Faculty
Contact
For programme-specific information, please contact Lina Thorvaldson
+46 18 471 42 16
For admissions-related or general information, please contact our applicant support team:
Department of Medical Cell Biology
Uppsala Biomedical Centre, Husargatan 3, Uppsala
P.O. Box 571, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
www.uu.se/education