Master's Programme in Medical Research
Academic year 2023/2024
- 120 credits
- Autumn 2023, Uppsala, 100%, Campus
- Autumn 2023, Uppsala, 100%, Campus
- Programme syllabus and outline
Are you considering a future career that demands knowledge in and understanding of medical research? The Master's Programme in Medical Research provides excellent conditions to specialise in a biomedical direction of your choice and build a solid ground for a multidisciplinary approach for the benefit of human health. The programme provides a theoretical background, practical experience in research projects, insight into current biomedical research and a professional network of contacts.
Why this programme?
The Master's Programme in Medical Research allows you to develop your orientation in the growing field of biomedical research and prepare you for a future potential scientific career. The field of biomedical research aims for finding and developing new diagnostic and treatment approaches for ultimately curing human disease. The biology of most common diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases etc., is complex and therefore often difficult to decipher by studies in only humans.
In this programme, you focus on learning and applying the latest experimental designs, molecular techniques and data analysis methods for revealing the biology of complex phenotypes and diseases to facilitate clinical research in humans.
The education of the programme is strongly connected to forefront pre-clinical research, from which examples will be provided. You will familiarise yourself with how to dissect complex questions of underlying mechanisms using modern molecular biology and bioinformatic tools in studies of cell and animal models as well as human cohorts.
You will be trained in modern aspects and techniques of biomedical research. You will gain knowledge of bioinformatics, genomics, cell-signalling, tumour biology, (experimental) animal models, ethical considerations in research as well as written and oral research presentation techniques.
The programme allows you to deepen your gained knowledge and experiences in authentic research environments at Uppsala University, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Stockholm University, Karolinska Institutet, biomedical companies or governmental agencies. Throughout the studies you will establish contacts with researchers and peer students, preparing the network of contacts necessary for your future studies and career in the research field.
Degree
The programme leads to a Master of Medical Science (120 credits) with Medical Science as the main field of study.
Name: Seemal Aziz
From: Pakistan
How did you choose your programme?
Being from a medical background, I was always fascinated by the research that forms the basis of medicine. I wanted to know what happens “behind the scenes” in laboratories and how scientists contribute to our knowledge. For this reason, it was natural for me to select this program.
What is it like to be an international student?
It has been an incredible experience for me to study at Uppsala University. In addition to the excellent standard of education, I have been exposed to people from many different countries which has helped broaden my vision.
Do you remember your first impression with Uppsala? Please tell!
The first time I visited Uppsala was to participate in the orientation ceremony that was organised by the university at the University Hall. The city, with its cobble-stone streets, felt serene and cosy. But the University Hall, in all its magnificence, looked right out of a fairy-tale.
Describe the student life.
Student life is fast and busy because you are always learning new things. But the study schedule is regularly punctuated with moments of leisure and enjoyment. One such instance is that “fikas” are held regularly and are often arranged by the department. Such arrangements give students some of their best memories with friends.
Do you have any tips for future students?
Study hard, make friends and don't hesitate to ask for help. Try to figure out early on what you would like to do in the future and try to do your student projects in similar areas of research. And most importantly, don't forget to have fun!
Two quick questions:
What was your favourite place in Uppsala?
The Botanical garden.
What was the best place to study?
The library at Uppsala University, Carolina Rediviva, especially the small rooms that adjoin the main hall. These rooms are a perfect place to study in a group.
Fall 2021
Programme
During the first year, you will attend five courses providing you with thorough knowledge of current biomedical research concepts, techniques and approaches to analysis. You will learn about important concepts of genetic and genomic research in model animals and human diseases, followed by training in advanced molecular methods, processes in cell and tumour biology, as well as bioinformatic tools for analysis. The courses are organised by researchers on the forefront of the topics from the organising department, as well as other universities and research institutes.
The second year consists of individual practical education and a degree project for which you choose the project and research group yourself. You will immerse yourself in a research area of your choice by planning and carrying out experimental work, as well as critically evaluating and summarising the results under supervision. The individual practical research project training of the Master's Programme in Medical Research consists of a 17-week-long individual project during the third semester and a degree project of approximately 20 weeks during the fourth semester. In parallel, a scientific presentation course module will prepare you for important aspects of scientific communication.
Courses within the programme
Semester 1
Comparative Genomics for Biomedicine, 15 credits
Biomedical Research Methodology, 15 credits
Semester 2
Cellular Communication, 7.5 credits
Cell and Tumour Biology, 7.5 credits
Bioinformatics, 15 credits
Semester 3
Advanced Research Training, 30 credits
Semester 4
Degree Project, 30 credits
Learning experience
All scheduled theoretical education is given by leading experts from the Uppsala-Stockholm region in the form of lectures, seminars and practical exercises informing on advances in current research and providing contact with the lecturing researchers.
Each course during the first year includes various teaching moments, such as lectures, seminars, group assignments as well as discussions with and feedback from the teachers and your peer students. Practical exercises include laboratory work and bioinformatic analyses, dependent on the topic of the course. The courses end with an exam, whereas completion of other obligatory assignments (such as written reports and oral presentations) is necessary for passing the course. The first year of the programme is given on campus in Uppsala.
The second-year consists of individual projects performed at scientific groups at universities, companies or governmental agencies in Sweden or abroad. Besides participation in all activities of the research group, the project will be followed up during regular discussions on the selection of research methods and experiences of the internships with your peer students and course leader. Knowledge and results will be communicated as oral presentations, a scientific review article and a written thesis.
The language of instruction is English.
Career
As a student of the Master's Programme in Medical Research, you will most likely continue with research and development in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry or pre-clinical or clinical research environments. However, the programme also provides an excellent background for you to work in other sectors, such as in governmental agencies, journalism or the educational sector. The strong emphasis on critical thinking as well as oral and written communication within scientific and popular scientific contexts will give you a broad basis to master biomedical and bioinformatic knowledge and tasks.
The majority of our alumni have continued their careers in academic environments, applying their knowledge and experiences from their Master's studies to the benefit of biomedicine, neuroscience, bioinformatics, medical genetics or similar subjects. According to our alumni, the involvement in research projects of their own interest during the whole second year of studies directly increased their employability and benefitted their careers. Many alumni have continued to conduct research in the same subject and under the continued mentorship of their project supervisors, finding their future employers already before or within six months after graduation.
Prerequisites for international alumni to tie their future careers to Sweden and Scandinavia, as well as for Swedish students to be competitive in the international labour market, are created during the programme studies - mainly by exposing students to experiences that are preparatory for work in multidisciplinary and international environments. Our goal is to continue providing practical experiences, developing the independent and collaborative abilities of our students as well as contributing to the professional network of contacts for your potential future career.
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 (including your statement of purpose); 2. document(s) and/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 Medical Research
120 credits
Autumn 2023, 100%, Campus
Location: Uppsala
Application deadline: 16 January 2023
Application code: UU-M3355 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 within the life sciences (e.g. biomedicine, biotechnology, medicine, veterinary medicine) including 10 credits each of cell biology, biochemistry and genetics.
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 Medical Research
120 credits
Autumn 2023, 100%, Campus
Location: Uppsala
Application deadline: 17 April 2023
Application code: UU-P3355 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 within the life sciences (e.g. biomedicine, biotechnology, medicine, veterinary medicine) including 10 credits each of cell biology, biochemistry and genetics.
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.
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 the Programme director Gerli Rosengren Pielberg
+46 18 471 45 75
For admissions-related or general information, please contact our applicant support team:
Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology
Husargatan 3, BMC
SE-752 37 Uppsala, Sweden
+46 18 471 44 44
Programme start and registration
When you have been admitted to the Master's Programme in Medical Research, you will be contacted by the Programme Director via e-mail. You will be provided with some practical information about the start of the first course, the programme, and studies at Uppsala University. The programme starts with a compulsory information session on 2023-08-28 at 08:15. If you are unable to attend this, please notify us as soon as possible via the programme e-mail med.res.master@imbim.uu.se
If you have been conditionally admitted to the programme, you have to verify that you meet the admission requirements before you can be registered to any of your courses. If you are placed as a reserve, you will be contacted via email if a place becomes available on the programme, and then have 7 days to accept.
Information about the first course
Registration for the first course in the programme, Comparative Genomics for Biomedicine, is done in connection to the compulsory roll call on 2023-08-29 at 10:15 - if you are unable to attend this, please notify us as soon as possible via the programme e-mail med.res.master@imbim.uu.se
You will be contacted by the course leaders for the first course of the programme with some necessary information.
www.uu.se/education