Master's Programme in Biomedicine

he 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

• Immunology, 15 credits
• 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

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.

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.