Master's Programme in Medical Nuclide Techniques

The first semester focuses on the unique properties of ionising radiation and radionuclides and includes theoretical and practical training about radiation types and sources, medical use, development of pharmaceutical compounds and techniques to optimise detection and measurement. An important part of the education involves good manufacturing practice (GMP), i.e. how to assure product quality and patient safety in the production of pharmaceutical compounds. The first semester also features a seminar series covering a variety of topics such as project leadership, design methods, biostatistics, presentation techniques and research ethics.

During the second semester, you will apply your knowledge from the previous semester with an emphasis on potential strategies for research and clinical applications of radionuclides for medical imaging and cancer therapy. The semester ends with an individual project where you can study, as a literature project or experimental work, an area of specific interest.

The overall aim of the third semester is to give advanced knowledge on methods used for radiolabelling of biologically interesting molecules of low and high molecular weight aimed for use in molecular imaging studies (mainly PET and SPECT), preclinical evaluation of radioligands, and an overview of their clinical use. You will be trained in experimental design as well as independently analyse and interpret research results and data generated by current methods and technologies.

During the fourth semester, the Master's Programme in Medical Nuclide Techniques is concluded with an independent Master's degree project within the field, which may be performed within the academy, at a biotech/pharma company or in the public sector. You conclude the degree project by writing a thesis, compiling the research results, and giving a research seminar.

Courses within the programme

Year 1

• Radiation Protection and Medical Effects, 6 credits
• Nuclide Production and Radiochemistry, 9 credits
• Detection Techniques and Dosimetry, 12 credits
• Good Manufacturing Practice, 6 credits
• Nuclide Diagnostics and Therapy, 12 credits
• Project Work, 15 credits

Year 2

• Labelling Chemistry and Compound Development, 30 credits
• Project Work, 30 credits

Teaching is made up of scheduled lectures, laboratory exercises, seminars, problem-oriented group assignments, demonstrations and study visits. All lectures are closely connected to current international research and include presentations of ongoing research at the departments as well as instruction by invited scientists.

The seminars are designed to develop your ability to understand, interpret and critically evaluate scientific literature. This also includes exercises in discussing results, choices of methods and summarising facts and hypotheses both orally and in writing.

The increasing depth of theoretical knowledge is measured in the examination of course components. Your ability to analyse, evaluate and draw conclusions from scientific data is judged in specific seminars and theoretical tasks. Practical experience in experimental strategies and scientific problem solving are integrated as compulsory parts of your studies. Your creativity and problem-solving abilities will develop through in-depth assignments and the Master's degree project.

The programme will also give you insights into presentation techniques and research ethics. The programme is given in Uppsala and the language of instruction is English.

There is an increasing demand for knowledge in nuclide techniques for physicians, pharmacists, physicists, biologists and chemists. With an advanced education in medical nuclide techniques, you are expected to go on to a career in research, healthcare systems, pharma or biotechnology companies, and governmental organisations.

Our graduates work at, for example, universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. Job titles include radiochemist, lab engineer, production manager, PhD student, researcher and university lecturer.

The strong association with research in the Master's Programme in Medical Nuclide Techniques gives you an excellent basis for further academic research and PhD studies in the field.

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.