Molecular Biology, Master's Programme

In the field of molecular biology, technologies have been developed to study what happens at the level of cells and molecules. These technologies, together with the mapping of the genomes of a wide range of species, give the foundation for the new challenge of molecular biology - to find out what different proteins look like, how they interact and will give you knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that regulate important functions inside the living cell, and also the development of characteristics of different organisms.
The education is aligned with advances in molecular biology and related fields. It provides knowledge of the molecular processes underlying the functioning of cells and organisms and experience in dealing with the new technologies.
A Master's degree in Molecular Biology provides a high level of competence for qualified research and development work both within and outside academia.

Admission to the Master's programme in Molecular Biology is open to those who have completed a Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology or Biology, including at least 60 credits in Biology and 30 credits in Chemistry or the equivalent. In addition, English proficiency is required to the level of English 6/English level 2 from Swedish Upper Secondary School, or be certified by an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL or IELTS or equivalent.

International applicants must have a Bachelor of Science, including at least 60 credits in Biology and 30 credits in Chemistry or the equivalent.

This programme leads to a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in MolecularBiology (Naturvetenskaplig masterexamen med huvudområdet Molekylärbiologi).
Degree will be achieved after the student has completed course requirements of 120 credits, of which at least 60 credits at advanced level in the main subject. A thesis in molecular biology at advanced level of at least 30 credits must be included in the degree. Courses of no more than 30 credits from the undergraduate level may be included in the Master's degree.

The Master's programme in Molecular Biology is an advanced level programme of 120 credits and is an extension of a Bachelor's degree of 180 credits. The programme gives you knowledge of the molecular processes underlying the function of cells and organisms and provides experience of the latest techniques. The programme is adapted to advances in molecular biology and includes many elements of active, problem-based learning and laboratory work.
The programme consists of in-depth courses and a laboratory-based degree project of at least 30 credits. The thesis work is either strongly research-oriented and is preferably carried out in close connection with research groups or extramurally in, for example, hospital laboratories or in the pharmaceutical industry. The thesis work may also be transferred to other universities in Sweden or abroad.
Year 1
The content of the programme in the first year consists of optional in-depth courses.
Year 2
In the second year, you will do a laboratory-based degree project comprising 30/45/60 credits. If you choose to do a degree project of 60 credits, you do not need to take any more courses during this year.

General outcomes for Degree of Master (120 credits)

For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain area of the field as well as insight into current research and development work.
• demonstrate specialised methodological in the main field of study

Competence and skills

• demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information.
• demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work.
• demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to clearly report and discuss theirs conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences.
• demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity. 

Judgement and approach

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspectsof research and development work.
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used.
• demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for theirs ongoing learning.

Local outcomes
Knowledge and understanding

• has acquired sufficient theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of molecular biology to participate in research and development work or to work independently in other qualified activities. 

Competence and skills

• has good experience in experimental work and molecular biology methods.
• demonstrate the ability to carry out experimental work independently
• has generic skills such as oral and written scientific presentation, presentation techniques,and report writing. 

Judgement and approach

• has a good ability to evaluate ethical aspects in order to defend and criticise biological applications.
• has developed knowledge of sustainable development from different perspectives.

There may be subject-specific prerequisites for some in-depth courses.
The study programme will be followed up and evaluated in accordance with the applicable Policy för kvalitetssäkring och kvalitetsutveckling av utbildning vid Göteborgsuniversitet (Policy for the Quality assurance and Quality Development of Education at theUniversity of Gothenburg).