Master's Programme in Chemistry – Biochemistry

Year 1

During the first semester, you take courses which will give you the basis for the more specialised courses during the following two semesters. You have the option to choose courses in biophysical chemistry, RNA structure and function, structure and function of proteins, and protein and drugs. In the very first course, you will meet many of the professors in different fields of chemistry who give seminars about the current trends in their respective research fields.

The courses during the second semester are focused on molecular cell biology and molecular recognition. You can also opt to take a course in chemical molecular design, which is offered in the specialisations Chemical Biology and Organic Chemistry too.

Year 2

During the third semester, you will have courses in protein engineering, enzymology, and bioorganic catalysis. The versatility of the field is also seen in where you can do your Master's thesis project. This can be in the research group where you have your mentor or in another group doing research in related fields, depending on your research interests.

An important goal is for you to become independent, both in the planning of your work and in the lab. The programme ends with a degree project of 30 credits or 45 credits during the fourth semester.

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the programme.

Instruction takes place in the form of lectures, laboratory work, problem-solving, seminars and projects.

Theory and practical work are always interwoven into the courses. In seminars, you present your ideas and discuss a course book or work you have conducted with your classmates, while the teacher usually only moderates the discussion. The aim is to develop critical thinking and collaborative skills which will be required in your future professional development. All students are expected to be active participants in all forms of discussions.

You will also receive systematic training in both oral and written presentations as an integrated part of the courses. The ability to communicate well will be very important in your future career.

The lecturers are active researchers who will coach you to adopt a scientific approach in your work, where you will develop the necessary skills to solve problems, think critically and analytically, plan and formulate research problems, and independently carry out the necessary experiments and analyse as well as interpret the results.

The language of instruction is English.

Surveys have shown that the labour market for chemists with a degree from Uppsala University is excellent, with 97% of those who obtained their degree during the last ten years being either employed or undertaking doctoral studies.

Our previous graduates today work at, for example:

• Cytiva (previously GE Healthcare),
• GSK,
• Alvotech,
• Thermo Fischer Scientific.

A degree from Uppsala University will give you close connection to excellent and world leading research. You will have many opportunities to build an exciting future career in academia, industry, the public sector, or in entrepreneurship. Not only will you gain the knowledge and ability to perform special and advanced tasks in chemistry, you will also be qualified for positions in many other areas where problem-solving, abstract thinking and analytical ability are required.

Possible career paths can vary. You may work with:

• Research and development
• Production processes
• Analysis of materials
• Management of safety and legal issues
• Patenting of inventions
• Marketing and sales
• Environmental and sustainability issues
• Developing new and improved methods for quality control

The salary in Sweden can vary greatly depending on education level, work task, previous experience, location, sector, etc.

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.