Entry requirements

The International Master's Programme in Innovative Medicine (IMIM) is a collaboration between Uppsala University (Sweden), the University of Groningen (the Netherlands), Heidelberg University (Germany) and the University of Tartu (Estonia) where admitted students study year 1 at any partner university and year 2 at either Groningen, Uppsala or Tartu. This means that there are four possible study plans where special regulations of admission for IMIM and the involved partner universities must be fulfilled.

Starting at Uppsala University

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university. The degree must be in biochemistry/chemistry, biology, biomedicine/medicine, biotechnology, cell/molecular biology, genetics, life science, medical sciences or a similar field of study including courses in biochemistry, cell biology, chemistry, genetics, and molecular biology/-genetics of a total of at least 30 credits as well as knowledge and previous experience of related laboratory work.

Starting at the University of Groningen

A Bachelor's degree in the fields of biology, pharmacy, life science and technology or (bio)medical sciences.

Starting at Heidelberg University

A Bachelor's degree with a fixed standard period of study of at least four academic years (240 ECTS; equivalent degrees may be accepted) with above-average grades. In exceptional cases, participants of the IMIM programme may be admitted to the programme with a degree worth only 180 ECTS, provided they are able to submit proof that the outstanding 60 ECTS will be earned no later than by the end of the IMIM programme. The degree needs to be in medicine or the life sciences (e.g. biology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical sciences, genetics, molecular biology, biotechnology, health sciences or closely related fields). Proven record of academic and extra-curricular excellence as well as research experience. Strong motivation to pursue a career that incorporates translational, biomedical sciences and research.

Starting at the University of Tartu

A Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in the natural and exact sciences or in the field of medicine.

Additionally, eligibility for IMIM and all four partner universities requires documented knowledge of English with results from an internationally accepted test. The minimum test scores are: IELTS (Academic) with an overall score of 6.5 and no less than 6.0 on each section, or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)/ Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) with a minimum score of 180. TOEFL IBT (internet-based test) with an overall score of 92 and no less than 21 on each section.

Aims

IMIM aims to create better opportunities for translational medical research, i.e to bridge the gaps between academic basic research, the private sector and medical application by educating the next generation of researchers and entrepreneurs who have the skills and competence to work effectively in various multi- and interdisciplinary settings as well as internationally competitive contexts in academia and the private sector. IMIM is a European collaboration between the universities of Groningen, Heidelberg, Tartu and Uppsala, aiming to create an international link between academia and industry at the Master's level education. IMIM has joined a number of national and international industry partners to meet the programme's goals of collaboration and innovation. In a broader international network, IMIM also has associated academic partners in additional regions over the world.

IMIM's ambition is to stimulate students to innovative thinking and encourage entrepreneurship to meet future health care challenges and societal needs. The programme gives students the opportunity to discover, integrate and apply knowledge from various disciplinary areas to solve complex translational problems.

The content of the programme is multidisciplinary, and also aims to reinforce this focus by creating an interdisciplinary composition of students with different academic backgrounds in medicine, biology and pharmacology. The teaching is conducted at the current research frontiers in strong subject areas at the various partner universities.

Collaboration between industry and academia takes place in global competition, and increased international mobility promotes innovation and stimulates the exchange of ideas and knowledge. IMIM prepares students for an international job market by building up students' broad professional network for working life and research during their education.

Learning outcomes

Overall goals

IMIM provides students with an international education in translational medicine with a focus on innovation and prepares students for further studies at the postgraduate level as well as for work in industry. During the training, the students should strengthen their professional competencies and skills for an international and mobile job market by involving potential future employers, such as national and global companies. Students are trained to work in various interdisciplinary and internationally competitive academic and business environments.

Students should acquire skills to independently and critically analyse and process data and research results, as well as skills in practising innovative thinking to identify and solve challenges in research, healthcare and industry, such as the development of new techniques and therapies.

Goals as expected study results

In addition to the general objectives for the Master's degree (two years of study) in the partner universities' national rules and regulations and their existing Master's programmes, the following specific objectives for IMIM must be met:

In order to complete a Master's degree, the student must have acquired both broad and in-depth theoretical knowledge in the subject area of translational medicine as well as knowledge and practical experience of a number of advanced techniques and methods in the current research within Life sciences. With this knowledge, the student should:

• independently, as well as in a group, be able to identify, formulate and process relevant scientific challenges within the subject area and within given time frames, both theoretically and experimentally, by applying relevant techniques and methods.
• be able to independently and critically analyse as well as evaluate research results, and in good English compile and present relevant data orally and in written reports or scientific articles.
• be able to apply a scientific approach to research and development work, as well as to show insight into the possibilities and limitations of science, its role in the society and people's responsibility for how it is used.
• be able to formulate and present business plans and research plans orally and in writing.
• have acquired skills to independently plan and run projects in both research and industry, and at the same time be able to interact and collaborate within larger professional groups.
• have acquired a significant knowledge and overview of current research frontiers, novel methods and therapies as well as their applications and development in healthcare and industry, resulting in the ability to discuss, evaluate and be able to judge and draw conclusions regarding directions of further research and product development.
• have developed an ability for abstract, analytical, conceptual and innovative thinking.
• have developed the ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international team in research and/or the private sector.
• have developed skills to provide, receive and respond to constructive criticism as well as to evaluate their own and others' scientific work.
• consider and assess ethical, societal, and sustainability aspects of research and development projects as well as the results obtained and the possible impact and consequences these may have.
• be able to present research and results to different target groups of non-specialists in a popular science manner, both orally and in writing.
• be able to use acquired knowledge and technological skills to identify and solve problems, generate new ideas related to the subject area.
• demonstrate the ability to identify their need for additional knowledge and take responsibility for their own knowledge development.

Layout of the programme

Programme description

The Master's programme in Innovative Medicine (IMIM) is given in collaboration between the four European partner universities: Groningen , Heidelberg Tartu, and Uppsala. In order to meet the programme's goals of collaboration and innovation and to expand students' opportunities for international research internships in academia and industry, there are additional universities in Latin America (e.g. Mexico, Chile, Brazil and Colombia) and Japan as well as a number of international biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies associated with the programme.

The IMIM programme provides an interdisciplinary education, where the partner universities' strengths complement each other as follows: molecular genetics and diagnostics and biomedical research (Uppsala); disease physiology and pharmacological science, drug identification (Groningen); clinical trial studies, clinical research and treatment strategies (Heidelberg) and synthetic biology, bioengineering and computer science (Tartu).

The universities within the collaboration have different specialization and admission requirements and therefore students with different academic backgrounds can be admitted to the same programme, forming an interdisciplinary group comprising medicine, biomedicine, biology, bioengineering and pharmacology. The partner universities' courses during semester 1 then provide complementary subject knowledge.

IMIM integrates certain courses from five existing international Master's programmes; Molecular Medicine and Innovative Treatment (MMIT Groningen), Translational Medical Research (TMR Heidelberg), the Master's programmes in Molecular Medicine and Medical Research (Uppsala) and Bioengineering (Tartu) with independent practical research projects ('internships') carried out at partner universities, globally or in associated companies.

Students in the programme study the first year at any of the collaborating universities and then transfer to another partner university.

The content and progression of the education

The first semester of IMIM consists of compulsory courses conducted at one of the four partner universities. During semesters 2 and 3, the students carry out research projects, alternatively integrated with courses and course modules, and complete a Master's project during semester 4. Research and degree projects are carried out in research groups or in companies.

IMIM also includes four shorter compulsory moments: Kick-off, Spring School, Summer School and Venture Lab arranged at different partner universities. These workshops gather students from all partner universities and offers knowledge in personal development, industrial perspectives and innovative medicine.

At the four partner universities and during all IMIM courses course modules include longitudinal student-centered learning lines with translational aspects, 'Bench to Bedside and Beyond' (BBB), where students integrate and apply their knowledge from different disciplines to solve challenges within healthcare. Students carry out the work individually and in groups on campus or via video conferencing. During semester 1 (BBB1), all students acquire a common background knowledge and evaluate current research; moving on to a research proposal or further development of an existing patent for translational use according to distinct market needs during semester 2 (BBB2), and further the development of a business plan during semester 3 (BBB3). During semester 4 (BBB4), the students develop this into a translational research strategy, which can be in the form of a real research or doctoral application or a "start-up" company.

The courses will provide both breadth and depth in several subject areas in addition to translational medicine and provide students with theoretical and practical experience of current research and development work in academia, healthcare and industry. Through lectures and seminar series illustrating current research, the students continuously develop their subject knowledge to be at the research frontier, a prerequisite for generating new ideas and for increasing students' employability.

All courses are taught at the advanced level.

Students are trained to independently tackle scientific questions both theoretically and experimentally, as well as the ability to interpret and critically evaluate scientific research, own as well as others. During the longitudinal modules, students are trained to practise innovative thinking to identify and solve problems in translational medicine with applications in healthcare, research and industry. Here, the students gradually develop skills in today's research work and entrepreneurship, in evaluating research and innovation, drafting business and research plan, in order to finally compile an actual application.

A large part of the education consists of individual research projects, where the students will apply knowledge and gain experience in methods and experimental work. These practical elements are intertwined with review of current research findings and scientific literature, which promotes lifelong learning. The education's collaboration with industry and the private sector provides a direct and wider connection to the job market.

The teaching consists of lectures, both on campus and online, as well as compulsory seminars, demonstrations, web-based assignments, experimental and theoretical modules, and project work in research laboratories or in companies, study visits, symposia and events. A significant element of teaching consists of student-driven learning and interaction between partner universities. The teaching is performed in English.

The semesters on IMIM have the following content:

Uppsala University

Semester 1

Courses provide in-depth knowledge on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that cause genetic diseases and cancer, as well as current methods and techniques used in diagnostics and treatment. Students will gain practical experience in methods of analysis for genetic and epigenetic variation. A shorter research project is carried out, from which the results are compiled into a scientific article and presented at public seminars. During the first semester, the students also follow a seminar series with a goal to train their skills (e.g. research and bioethics, biobanking, cultural intelligence, entrepreneurship and presentation skills) and a module that includes introduction to bioinformatics and biostatistics.

Courses included:

Medical genetics and cancer; molecular mechanisms 15 ECTS

Advanced Techniques in Molecular Medicine 15 ECTS

(The modules Professional Training, BBB1, as well as Introduction to bioinformatics and biostatistics are included in the courses.)

Semester 2

Includes the course Advanced Research Practice 30 ECTS, that allows the student to plan and perform experimental work in a research group or company. The work is performed under supervision of a qualified mentor and the results are presented both in writing and orally. BBB2 and Spring School are included in the course, as well as introduction to bioinformatic data analysis and programming.

Semester 3

Includes the course Advanced Research Practice 2, 30 ECTS (including Summer School and BBB3 with Venture Lab) gives practical experience of an individual research project either at a research group or a company as well as teaching new methods and techniques for biomedical research. The student also writes an overview article on the research area and presents the project results in writing and orally.

Semester 4

The programme is concluded with an independent degree project (Master's Project in Innovative Medicine, 30 ECTS, including BBB4) in the form of a research or development project carried out in an academic research group or at a national or international company.

University of Groningen

Semester 1 in Groningen starts with addressing contemporary topics in cell biology in (bio)medical and pharmaceutical sciences. Students acquire an in-depth and state-of-the-art understanding of the various research fields of the specializations. Additionally, the students acquire general research skills such as critical reading and reviewing, summarizing and interpreting scientific articles, debating on and dealing with opposing views, scientific writing and presenting. Furthermore, students are provided with an overview of good research practices (statistics, graphing, R-programming) and state-of-the-art techniques in several areas of biomedical-and pharmaceutical research, including genomics, animal models, imaging, protein research, and translational research.

Courses included:

Mechanisms of disease and innovative therapies (10 ECTS)

Experimental techniques in research (10 ECTS)

BBB1 (4 ECTS)

BBB2 (4 ECTS)

Spring School (2 ECTS)

During Semester 2, students gain the knowledge and skills to perform data analysis on large and complex datasets. Students gain a solid foundation in both the theoretical and applied aspects of statistics and bioinformatics, preparing students for advanced research and data analysis in biomedical field. Thereafter students complete a research project in a research group within the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG).

Courses included:

Biostatistics (5 ECTS)

Research project I (25 ECTS)

Scientific Integrity is included in Research project I

During Semesters 3 and 4 at the University of Groningen, students carry out 34 ECTS research projects in a research group or in the private sector in the field of bio-/medical or pharmacological drug innovation. Students are trained in designing and conducting experiments that address issues in biomedical, clinical and pharmacological science, interpreting data and then presenting the project both in writing and orally. The student is also trained in writing and evaluating innovative research grant applications.

Courses included:

Summer School Industrial Perspectives of Innovative Medicine (IPIM; 2 ECTS)

BBB3, inklusive Venture Lab (4 ECTS)

Fit for Practice II (2 ECTS)

BBB4 or Writing and defending your own Business/Research Proposal (8 ECTS)

Capita Selecta (5 ECTS)

Elective courses (5 ECTS)

Research project II (34 ECTS)

Heidelberg University

Semester 1

Students will gain knowledge of molecular and cellular hallmarks of disease, state-of-the-art and current challenges in diagnosis and clinical treatment and translation in labs and clinics. Courses address topics in the focus areas oncology, neuroscience and vascular biology. Case studies are presented that showcase how translational therapies develop into established therapeutic strategies. Also included are biobanking, drug development, clinical studies and commercial application of medical technologies and products. The application of the theoretical knowledge is highlighted by small lab courses. Students will also learn key scientific skills like writing, presenting and project design regarding translational problems. Students can apply laboratory and biostatistical methods to medical issues and interpret results, and gain experience in R programming and bioinformatics.

Courses included:

Module 1. The biological basis of disease (7 ECTS)

Module 2. Diagnosis and clinical treatment (6 ECTS)

Module 3.1 & 3.2. Research in practice (6 ECTS)

Module 4. Translation in lab and clinics (7 ECTS)

Module 5.1. BBB1 (4 ECTS)

Semester 2

Module 5.2. Spring School (2 ECTS)

Module 3.3. BBB2 (4 ECTS)

Module 5.3. Research project (24 ECTS)

Semester 3 and 4

A plan to extend the TMR Master’s programme to two years is currently under discussion at Heidelberg University. Assuming that this plan is implemented, it should then be possible for Semester 3 and 4 to be studied at Heidelberg University, with a projected starting date in September 2027. Expected courses will be:

Research project (~20 ECTS)

Translation in lab, clinics and beyond (~10 ECTS)

Master’s thesis (30 ECTS)

BBB3 and BBB4 (as parts of the other Semester 3 and 4 courses)

Tartu University

Semester 1 at the University of Tartu is focused on increasing students' knowledge in the fields of synthetic biology, bioproduction, Lab automation technology, omics, data science. They acquire practical experience in metabolic engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, E.coli, and other organisms. Students get an overview of genetic determinants of various diseases and how to analyse the biological information encoded into genomes. Moreover, introduction to data science allows students to receive fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to work with large data sets and machine learning techniques - a prerequisite skillset for innovative research.

Courses included:

Base module (11 ECTS): Principles and applications of rational design in bioengineering (5 ECTS)

Lab automation and data science in Biofoundries (3 ECTS)

Introduction to omics (3 ECTS)

Specialty module II: Development of the Synthetic Biosystems (9 ECTS): Metabolomics for biomedical studies (3 ECTS)

Synthetic Biology and Industrial Cell Factories (6 ECTS)

BBB Learning line (4 ECTS):

BBB1 – Discoveries & Innovation in Bioengineering (4 ECTS)

Elective Courses (6 ECTS):

Systems Biology (4 ECTS)

Bioinformatics for Bioengineers (6 ECTS)

Molecular Systems Biology (3 ECTS)

Basics of Image Processing (4 ECTS)

The Cell Cycle: Principles of Control (3 ECTS)

Semester 2 is mainly focused on developing practical skills. Students may select either internship in the academic or private sector; or complete the series of practical courses ranging from the virology and mammalian cells to reproducing data from the published research articles. The main focus is on developing microorganism manipulation skills, working with bioreactors, and on introducing the concept and principles of industrial scale bioproduction. Courses provide a more advanced level of knowledge in the field of metabolic engineering and genome design, when students get an opportunity to design their own bioproduction strain in Estonian Biofoundry. The semester gives a thorough overview of mammalian cells modifications, introduces principles of virus-host interactions, vaccine and drug design and development, teaches students how to apply machine learning tools in synthetic biology and bioengineering.

Courses included:

Specialty module I: Scientific data analysis (6 ECTS):

Option A: Machine Learning in Synthetic Biology (6 ECTS)

Option B: Biobanking (3 ECTS) AND Disease risk prediction using polygenic risk scores (3 ECTS)

Specialty module II: Development of the Synthetic Biosystems (3 ECTS): Theory and practice in vaccine and drug development (3 ECTS)

Practice module (15 ECTS):

Option A: Specialty Practice (15 ECTS)

Option B: 15 ECTS worth of courses from the list:

Cell Culture and Virology Practical Course (6 ECTS)

Virus–Host Interactions Practical Course (3 ECTS)

Practical course in biofoundry automation and data analysis (3 ECTS)

Laboratory Course in Scientific Data Reproducibility (6 ECTS)

BBB Learning line (6 ECTS):

BBB2 – Intellectual Property in Bioengineering & AI Tools for Patent Landscaping (4 ECTS)

Spring School (2 ECTS)

Semester 3 and 4

Courses included:

Base module (11 ECTS):

Principles and applications of rational design in bioengineering (5 ECTS)

Lab automation and data science in Biofoundries (3 ECTS)

Introduction to omics (3 ECTS)

Specialty module II: Development of the Synthetic Biosystems (9 ECTS):

Metabolomics for biomedical studies (3 ECTS)

Synthetic Biology and Industrial Cell Factories (6 ECTS)

BBB Learning line (10 ECTS):

Summer School (2 ECTS)

BBB3 – Introduction to the Business and Industry of Bioengineering (4 ECTS)

BBB4 – Engineering a Venture Project in Bioengineering (4 ECTS)

Master's Thesis (30 ECTS)

Common modules for all IMIM students regardless of university

BBB1-4 is included in each semester at all four universities.

IMIM starts with Introduction Days (Kick-off) where the longitudinal 'Bench to Bedside and Beyond' (BBB1-module) module is initiated and several companies associated with IMIM are presented.

Semester 2 includes a compulsory module, 'Spring School Personal development', which includes training in various leadership skills, written and oral communication and a business fair. Additionally, students will work on a research proposal or further develop an existing patent for translational use according to distinct market needs (BBB2).

Semester 3 (BBB3) includes a compulsory module, 'Industrial Perspectives on Innovative Medicine' (IPIM), which provides extensive knowledge on entrepreneurship, intellectual property and research funding, and in which private sector representatives (Pharma / Drug Discovery; Biotech; Diagnostics; and Food & Nutrition) participate in interactive lectures and workshops. During the course, students prepare and present their own business plan.

During semester 4 (BBB4), the students work further with their own business plans and develop these into translational research strategies, which can be in the form of an actual research- or doctoral application or a "start-up" company.

Examination

Written tests, assignments and reports also in the form of scientific articles, product/business plan, research plan and applications as well as oral presentations and peer-reviews in seminars or symposia. Strong emphasis is put on independence and showed activity.

Degree

The programme at Uppsala University leads to a Master of Medical Science (120 credits) with Medical Science as main field of study. The student applies for a Double degree from the partner universities where the studies were conducted.

Other regulations

Conditions for participation in the education

Students are required to follow the instructions, guidelines and rules that apply to the partner university where they conduct their studies as well as the International Master's Programme in Innovative Medicine's (IMIM) instructions for conducting the education. To continue with Master's studies in year 2, courses and internships corresponding to at least 45 ECTS during year 1 must be approved. To start the degree project (30 ECTS in semester 4), it is required that the student has completed the IMIM courses for the equivalent of 75 ECTS.

Students must change partner university after one academic year. Travel is at the student's own expense regardless of whether a scholarship has been awarded from the consortium.

The programme is conducted in English.