Master's Programme in Biophysics

The programme has two admission tracks: for students with a physics background and students with a biology or chemistry background.

The first year is dedicated to introductory courses to complement your existing knowledge depending on your admission track. These will prepare you for the specialised courses and provide you with a theoretical and practical basis for the interdisciplinary courses that will follow. You will use light to explore biological systems, understand the physical principles behind biochemical reactions, and employ molecular mechanics and quantum calculations. The programme also offers a few optional courses which you can choose according to your interest and career plan.

In the second year, you will gain a strong basis in techniques such as microscopy, spectroscopy, tomography, X-ray crystallography and light scattering. You will then apply all the previously acquired knowledge in a biotechnical project that will immerse you in a research environment to study the dynamics, interactions or structure of biomolecules.

The last semester ends with a Master's degree project of 30 credits, which can be conducted in a research group at the university or a biotechnology company. At the end of this project, you will produce a Master's degree thesis and defend it with an oral presentation.

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the programme.

The teaching involves lectures, lessons, seminars, group exercises and presentations, practical laboratory work, interdisciplinary projects and research work. You will read textbooks, compendiums and scientific literature. As a part of your studies, you will be able to visit and create networks with research groups on physics, biology and chemistry.

The teachers in the programme are active researchers in natural sciences and will contribute with their depth of knowledge, visions for the future and experience in mentoring. The teachers are responsible for establishing the framework for individual and collective learning, enabling a respectful dialogue between teachers and students, and creating an environment where everyone can contribute and learn.

The programme puts great importance on training you in a scientific way of working: solving complex problems, thinking critically and analytically, and independently planning and performing research. You will train to communicate in oral and written presentations and to work in an international and interdisciplinary environment.

The Master's Programme in Biophysics builds upon your prior knowledge and experience. You are expected to participate and actively contribute to the teaching sessions, pursue your own learning outcomes and also to share your knowledge and contribute to the learning of others.

The language of instruction is English and the teaching takes place in Uppsala.

A Master's degree in biophysics from Uppsala University is attractive both nationally and internationally and will put you at the forefront of research and development in academia and the industry. The degree provides you with a fundamental understanding of the physical mechanisms and technologies, and skills to investigate and manipulate life at a molecular level. This makes it particularly attractive to research in a university environment, where you can pursue a PhD degree and a research scientist career track.

With a degree in biophysics, you can master the intersection of the worlds of physics, biology and chemistry, and have the training and skills to work in a cross-disciplinary environment. This is extremely sought after in the industry, in particular biotech companies that engage in research and development of new technologies. Examples of such companies are Cytiva, Thermo Fisher, and countless start-ups and spinoffs, with positions ranging from technicians and product developers to junior scientists or market specialists.

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.