Master's Programme in Biology – Cell and Molecular Biology

There is a joint starting course for this specialisation and the specialisation in Immunology and Microbiology. The course is Trends in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. It covers modern applications of molecular biology and also builds on the knowledge gained in your Bachelor's studies. This starting course also includes a general introduction to the Master's programme. Thereafter, you can choose among the courses according to your interest and your personal study plan, such as:

• Structure and Function of Macromolecules
• RNA: Structure, Function and Biology, Microbiology
• Genes, Brain and Behaviour

In the course Molecular Cell Biology (the first course in the second semester) you will delve much deeper into the structure and function of the cell. Together with some of your classmates, you will choose a topic for deeper studies, and present and discuss this topic at a symposium concluding the course.

During the last period of the first year, we recommend the course Functional Genomics. It provides in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of the large-scale and technology-driven strategies that are currently applied within the field of molecular biology.

In the second year, you can study one or two courses, or combine a research training course with a degree project of 30, 45, or 60 credits. This allows you to be well prepared for an academic career or a career outside academia.

Courses within the programme

Courses within the programme are listed on the Department webpage or found in the programme outline.

Biology instruction at Uppsala University is done in close connection to current research. All teachers for the individual courses in the Master's Programme in Biology are active scientists, ensuring that you will get an education that reaches the absolute forefront of the respective field. The teachers on the program are open to discussion and we expect you to be active during lectures and laboratory sessions.

The courses provide factual knowledge and practical training in the form of laboratory work and field trips, as well as the ability to solve problems, think analytically and work scientifically. You will also gain the skills to solve problems, think analytically and work scientifically both individually and in groups.

Communication training is integrated into all courses of the programme - something that is increasingly in demand in the workplace. Exercises in oral and written presentation are a strongly integrated part of the teaching, as are exercises in discussions and debates.

The Master's Programme in Biology has a strong international character, and all courses are taught in English

Your primary work area will be in research and development in academia or industry, for instance in the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnical industry, forensic medicine, diagnostics or agriculture industry.

In the programme, you will be trained to apply solid theoretical knowledge in solving problems or conducting projects, to present projects or research orally and in writing, and to work both individually and in groups. All these capabilities will be valuable for you to raise in your future work.

The specialisation in Cell and Molecular Biology also builds a strong ground for PhD studies in Sweden or internationally. Your most important merit in this aspect is your degree project. With a careful choice of the courses and topics for your degree project, you will graduate with solid theoretical knowledge regarding molecular processes in the cell and practical knowledge of the methods you need in further studies.

As a biologist, you can also work as a teacher or science journalist.

Examples of titles that biologists may have:

• Researcher
• Administrator
• Agricultural auditor
• Project manager
• Nature conservation officer
• Investigator
• Laboratory engineer
• Research engineer
• Consultant
• Specialist

The average salary in Sweden for biologists was SEK 42 100 in 2021, according to the trade union the Swedish Association of Professional Scientists.

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.