Is this programme right for you?

How did you choose your programme?
– I’ve already worked in the immunology, pathology, and genetics departments as a research assistant after my bachelor’s and I was always so fascinated by the molecular mechanism of cancer that I wanted to study the subject. The programme molecular medicine is perfectly designed for that and I gained a lot of in-depth knowledge during the different courses of that programme.

What is the best thing about studying at Uppsala University?
– Besides having the opportunity to be taught by professors who have studied different diseases for years it’s the community of students. My friends and I study together in different places and help each other out whenever we need help.

Name three things you are doing this week!
– I’m working on my thesis project right now so I will be in the lab for most of the time this week. I joined the medical master’s council and we’re right now planning the graduation Gasque (fancy dinner party), so I will attend a few meetings for that. I also have an exam this coming week in my Swedish class so I will be studying grammar.

Describe the student life!
– I’ve been quite active in the medical master’s council; we meet up once or twice per week to plan different events for other students. It’s not only fun to plan those events but then also to attend them and to meet students from other programmes. My friends and I also go to different nations every week to either enjoy the burgers, join other events or even go clubbing there.

What is your reason for studying, or your ultimate goal?
– My bachelor’s programme was more focused on the pharma industry, so I wanted to gain knowledge that is perfectly tailored to an academic career since I want to do a PhD after my master’s.

What would be your advice for anyone planning to apply for the programme?
– Try to be organised from the beginning so you’re not too stressed during the exam periods. The programme has a few assignments in each course which help you to understand the topics even more in-depth but they take a bit of time so it’s always good to do them as early as possible.

What is your favourite place in Uppsala?
– Probably the nations like Snerikes for example.

Where is the best place to study?
– The Carolina Rediviva Library is a great place to write assignments if you don’t want to study at home all the time.

Spring 2024

How did you choose your programme?
– Deciding to join the programme was a big decision for me, but there were a few reasons that led me to choose it. Firstly, the programme has strong collaborations with other universities and research institutions within Uppsala and Stockholm. Secondly, there are many pharma and life science companies in Uppsala and Stockholm that can offer students the chance to work part time, as an intern, or complete their thesis work there. Such as Cytiva, ThermoFisher, Q-Linea, Navinci, Galderma, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and 10x genomics. Lastly, the programme has a very well-crafted syllabus and courses, through laboratory practice, company visits, attending seminars and conferences, students will be prepared to pursue their PhD or excel their career in the life science industry.

What is the best thing about studying at Uppsala University?
– The best things are the high quality of teaching, the non-hierarchical culture between students and professors, and, the course curriculums are continuously updated to reflect the latest research developments in the biomedical field and industry applications. You will be part of a vibrant intellectual community that challenges you, inspires you, and equips you to excel in your field.

What is it anything you found difficult or surprising when starting your studies at Uppsala University?
– For me, the most challenging aspects were the exams and writing assignments. However, I appreciate that the exam questions were designed to test our ability to apply theoretical concepts rather than just memorise them. Additionally, writing assignments helped us articulate our ideas coherently. The University sets high standards, but also provides opportunities to retry exams or assignments if needed, so failing is not viewed as a final setback, it is an opportunity for us to learn, grow, and ultimately succeed!

Name three things you are doing this week!
– This week, my schedule is a blend of intense thesis work, doing home chores, and celebrating “påskdagen” (Easter) with my local host family. I am currently immersed in my thesis at AstraZeneca R&D in Gothenburg, entering the final stretch with just a few weeks left before my submission and presentation. These past few weeks have been a marathon of lab work and data analysis, so I am looking forward to a well-deserved break during the upcoming Easter week.

What is your reason for studying, or your ultimate goal?
– My passion for the biopharmaceutical industry has motivated me to pursue my master's degree. I believe that this degree will help me stay up-to-date with the current developments in this field. My ultimate goal is to become a scientist and industrialist like Professor Ulf Landegren, who co-founded Navinci. His work has been an inspiration to me, as it has demonstrated the huge potential that can be unlocked when we combine academic resources from universities with industry expertise to produce innovative therapies and precise diagnostic tools that can help patients in need.

Describe the student life / What is your best experience so far?
– Studying at Uppsala has been like living my dream bucket list. I have had the experience of walking on snow for the first time, building snowmen, seeing the aurora above my head, making friends from different countries, enjoying “kanelbullar” (cinnamon buns) in cafes, and eating and shopping at IKEA in its home country. I have also attended inspiring lectures and have been given the opportunity to do my thesis project at AstraZeneca, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world.

Spring 2024