Master's Programme in Infection Biology
Academic year 2023/2024
- 120 credits
- Autumn 2023, Uppsala, 100%, Campus
- Autumn 2023, Uppsala, 100%, Campus
- Programme syllabus
Infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance continue to be serious threats to all things living. Knowledge of how viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi develop, spread and interact, from molecular to a global level, is vital. With a broad and scientifically anchored knowledge base, we can prevent, diagnose and treat infections as well as monitor and stop both local and global spread of infection. Are you ready to take on the challenge? Study the Master's Programme in Infection Biology.
Why this programme?
In order to provide an up-to-date, research-based education, the Master's programme in infection biology collaborates with approximately 200 researchers and specialists. All course leaders are researchers or specialists in the field covered by the course. The programme benefits from Uppsala's strong infectious biology competence with two universities (Uppsala University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU), two university hospitals (Uppsala University Hospital and the University Animal Hospital) and three national authorities (the Food and Drug Administration, the Medical Products Agency and the National Veterinary Institute) which are responsible for food safety, medical products and surveillance of disease outbreaks.
The programme gives you knowledge about infectious diseases - from molecular processes to a global health perspective. Lectures are interspersed with practical exercises, laborations and research preparatory cases and seminars to provide both theoretical knowledge, practical skills and assessment abilities. Together, this provides competence and basis for working with research and development at universities, authorities, medical technology companies, clinical laboratories or research institutes. The programme's strong international character also prepares you for work in an international environment, and the programme's many partners and alumni give you a wide network of contacts within the field. The final degree project and optional research project courses give you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge in the field you think is relevant to your future career.
During the programme you will:
- identify and analyse problems based on complex contexts
- use relevant scientific strategies and methods to solve infectious biology problems
- evaluate global infectious biology problems from broad perspectives
- work with scientific research projects, both individually and in teams
- compile and present scientific information in speech and writing in a relevant way to both research colleagues and the general public.
Student profile
You have a genuine interest in all aspects of infectious diseases, from molecular mechanisms to surveillance in a global arena. You have a solid theoretical base in relevant subjects and practical experience that makes you feel confident in the lab.
You find it easy to express yourself in English in speech and writing and are happy to share your knowledge with your fellow students, just as you expect to be able to learn from their experiences and knowledge. You are curious and like to critically analyse and discuss problems and develop solutions that withstand sharp discussions. Regardless of whether you work alone or in a team, you take responsibility for your studies.
You are passionate about research and development.
Degree
The programme leads to a Master of Medical Science (120 credits) with Infection Biology as the main field of study.
Name: Pablo Porragas Paseiro
From: Colorado, USA
How did you choose your programme?
During my undergraduate career in Boulder, Colorado I took a course titled Emerging Infectious Diseases. In this course, I was introduced to the many infectious diseases that still plague our modern societies; and more importantly, the work that scientists are doing in order to give people around the world a fighting chance against them. The same year I decided to do an exchange programme and study at Uppsala for one semester where I took the courses Bacteriology, Immunology, and Virology. I was hooked. Shortly after graduating from the University of Colorado, the COVID-19 pandemic changed many of our lives and solidified my desire to enter into this field of study.
What is it like to be an international student?
Being an international student in Uppsala is a great experience. The city itself is filled with history and culture and is recognised throughout the world for its research capabilities. Moreover, it is very easy to make friends in Uppsala through the nations and through the many activities you can do in Uppsala and around Sweden.
What is the best thing about studying at Uppsala University?
The best thing about studying in Uppsala is that you get the genuine sense that the faculty and professors are invested in your success. Whether you want to perform an independent project, learn more about a particular course, or have interesting points of discussion there is always someone that is willing to engage with you. This is a great environment to explore your scientific curiosities and make the most of your time here.
Do you remember your first impression of Uppsala? Please tell!
My first impression of Uppsala was a very positive one. The sheer age of the university is something that is extremely impressive and it makes me proud to be part of its long history. Furthermore, the international environment is a great place to make friends from all over the world for a lifetime.
What is your reason for studying?
My ultimate goal is to get a PhD within the field of Infection Biology and work with teams that aim to improve the livelihood of people throughout the world. In five years I hope to be influencing the way we approach problems in Infection Biology and global health whether it be through dedicated research or in industrial applications.
What is your favourite place in Uppsala?
My favourite place in Uppsala are the cabins of Norreda Torp. Here you can get out into nature and experience what the Swedish camping tradition is like. I have made some of my favorite memories in Uppsala there.
Where is the best place to study?
My favourite place to study is in the Värmlands nation library. The atmosphere is very warm and has a great view of the cathedral. Plus, you are right next to the best pub in Uppsala for when you need a study break with some friends!
Spring 2022
Programme
The first year of the programme provides you with molecular and cellular knowledge about infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites and how they can be fought by the immune system. With this knowledge as a base, knowledge is added about the clinical effects of infections as well as relevant methods for diagnosis and how different treatment and vaccination strategies work. Particular focus is given to the driving forces behind the development of antibiotic resistance. With bioinformatics tools, you gain knowledge to explain the evolution of microbes. Through basic epidemiology, you learn to describe the frequency and spread of infections in populations, as well as to evaluate causal relationships and predict risks.
The second year provides knowledge about infectious diseases from a global "one world - one health" perspective. You will learn how infectious diseases spread from food and between animals and humans. The focus is on possible measures and research strategies to reduce the emergence and spread of infectious diseases, with particular emphasis on the problems in low-income countries. You will also learn how to design research studies in a scientifically correct manner and to make knowledge-based choices of relevant methods and analysis in advanced infectious biology research.
The final individual degree research project corresponds to 30 credits, but can be started already during semester three and then constitute 45 credits. The chosen subject must be within the subject area of infectious biology and can be carried out at an academic unit, company or within the public sector, in Sweden or abroad.
Courses within the programme
Click on the course name to see the course syllabus
Year 1
Microbiology and Immunology, 30 credits
Parasitology, Mycology and Clinical Infection Biology (partly at SLU), 15 credits
Antimicrobials, Evolution, Resistance and Epidemiology, 15 credits
Year 2
Infection Biology in a Global Perspective (partly at SLU), 15 credits
Advanced Scientific Research and Methodology, 15 credits
Master's Degree Project in Infection Biology, 30 credits, or Master's Degree Project in Infection Biology, 45 credits
During semesters two and three, courses can be exchanged for individual research project courses.
Learning experience
The teaching consists of lectures, seminars, project work and laboratory exercises. The lectures are strongly rooted in ongoing infectious biological medical research and during these, you will meet specialists from various fields in infectious medical biology.
Seminars and group exercises develop your ability to critically examine methods and results, compile facts and draw conclusions from scientific texts and achieved results, as well as discuss and argue in a scientifically grounded way. Here you also get to practice your skills in planning, running, following up and reporting on projects, both individually and in teams. The practical experimental work will train your practical abilities and also the understanding of the choice of methods, interpretation of results and creation of hypotheses based on these.
The programme's courses are mainly given at Uppsala University's Biomedical Centre (BMC), but some courses are located at the Swedish University of Agriculture (SLU). The degree project can be carried out in any location.
The programme is given in Uppsala and the teaching is in English. The programme is given full-time, which means 40 study hours per week. On average, 15 to 20 hours each week are scheduled. Of the scheduled hours, approximately half are lectures and half are lab work, exercises and various types of seminars. The remaining time is set aside for project work and preparation for scheduled assignments on your own or in teams.
Career
Broad and deep knowledge of infection biology will prepare you for work in basic and applied research and development in a wide variety of areas, such as diagnostics, drug development, antimicrobial resistance problems, vaccinations, emergency management, food production, surveillance and epidemiology and developing country-specific diseases in animals and humans as well as zoonoses.
Employment may be found in academia and drug and biotech companies. In the public sector, you can work in microbial laboratories related to health care, food and agriculture. In the One World perspective, there is also a need for your competence in predictions, surveillance and follow-up of outbreaks, both nationally and on a global scale. The strong research links will be of particular use if you are heading for further PhD studies and a research career.
The programme's strong international character gives you, in addition to obvious course objectives, also increased cultural intelligence of great importance for future collaborations.
Graduates from the Master's Programme in Infection Biology are found to spread around the world working to a very high degree within infectious biology-related subjects as academic and biotech researchers, PhDs, hospital microbiologists and investigators at public health authorities.
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 two programme-specific documents: 1. an Application Summary Sheet (including your statement of purpose); 2. document(s) and/or letter(s) of recommendation certifying your previous practical research/laboratory work 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 Infection Biology
120 credits
Autumn 2023, 100%, Campus
Location: Uppsala
Application deadline: 16 January 2023
Application code: UU-M3350 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 biology, (bio)medicine, biotechnology, pharmacy, pharmaceutical bioscience, (pharmaceutical) chemistry, medical science, agriculture, animal science, veterinary medicine or education giving knowledge in cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, immunology and molecular biology. Knowledge and previous experience of laboratory work.
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 are selected based on:
- an overall appraisal of previous university studies;
- a statement of purpose; and
- practical experiences gained during research work.
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 Infection Biology
120 credits
Autumn 2023, 100%, Campus
Location: Uppsala
Application deadline: 17 April 2023
Application code: UU-P3350 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 biology, (bio)medicine, biotechnology, pharmacy, pharmaceutical bioscience, (pharmaceutical) chemistry, medical science, agriculture, animal science, veterinary medicine or education giving knowledge in cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, immunology and molecular biology. Knowledge and previous experience of laboratory work.
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 are selected based on:
- an overall appraisal of previous university studies;
- a statement of purpose;
- a summary of a research project, or similar; and
- practical experiences gained during research work.
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?
Contact
For programme specific information, please contact: Susanne Tingsborg (programme coordinator)
For admissions-related or general information, please contact our applicant support team;
Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology
Uppsala Biomedical Centre, Husargatan 3, Uppsala
P.O. Box 582, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
+46 18 471 40 00
Programme start and registration
Programme start
When you have been admitted to the Master's Programme in Infection Biology, you will be contacted by the programme coordinator via email (inf.biol.master@imbim.uu.se). You will then be provided with practical information about the start of the first course, the programme, and your studies at Uppsala University. Information will also be available at our teaching platform Studium where you can find information for the Master's Programme in Infection Biology and its first course, Microbiology and Immunology.
The programme and the first course at the programme start with a compulsory rollcall and information session on August 28th (2023-08-28) at the Biomedical Center in Uppsala. You should, of course, only come to the roll call if you do not have any symptoms of illness. Please let us know if you are unable to attend the roll call as soon as possible by mailing us at inf.biol.master@imbim.uu.se. The education is planned to take place at campus in Uppsala, it is thus important that admitted students are present in Uppsala by the time of the rollcall.
Registration
When you have activated your Uppsala University student account you can register for the programme via www.uu.se/en/students. The last day for registration is Sunday, August 20th. If you do not manage to register at this date but want to keep your position in the programme please let us know by mailing us at inf.biol.master@imbim.uu.se. Students who did not manage to register in time but have notified us in advance and are present at the roll call (or have given a valid reason for not being there) can be registered by us at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology (IMBIM).
Admitted with condition(s) to the programme?
If you are conditionally admitted to the programme, you have to prove that you meet the admission requirements before you can be registered. This is done by uploading either a Bachelor's Degree Certificate or a certificate for completion of your Bachelor's degree studies issued by your home University at either universityadmissions.se or antagning.se. You must be registered for the programme no later than three weeks after the programme starts in order to keep your place.
Changed your mind?
There are students on the waiting list for acceptance to the programme. If you have changed your mind and no longer want to start the education we are glad if you let us know as soon as possible at inf.biol.master@imbim.uu.se. Students who are registered but have not shown any active participation in the education within the first three weeks, and have not given a valid reason for the inactivity, will be de-registered from the programme.
On the waiting list?
If you are placed as a reserve, you will be contacted via email and/or phone when a seat becomes available at the programme, and you then have a couple of days to accept the offered position.
www.uu.se/education