As a chemist and molecular biologist you can for example work with development of pharmaceuticals, vaccines and forensic techniques or the refinement of plants. The Bachelor of Science programme in Life Science covers a broad spectrum of chemistry and molecular biology. Your teachers have a close link to leading research in fields such as microbiology, medicinal, biological and environmental chemistry, infection medicine and plant- and forest biotechnology.
The Life Science programme builds the basis and during the third year you specialize in chemistry or molecular biology.
Life Sciences is very broad, but it is based on chemistry and biology. In order to provide a university education in Life Science, we have therefore chosen to place the program at two departments - Department of Chemistry and Department of Molecular Biology. In this way, we can have experts teaching students on the program in all areas. And since all teachers are researchers, we have strong research links to important applications in society.
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020 was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier who was active at Umeå University when the CRISPR-Cas9 method was developed.
"There is a great variety of medicines and that is what makes the job fun. I get to use a lot of different methods of analysis. "
"When we did experiments, they were put into a bigger context, you understood why you were doing them and what you could use the information for."
The first and second year gives you basic knowledge of chemistry and molecular biology. You take courses in, for example, bioorganic chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology and molecular genetics. During the third year you may choose to specialize in these fields by taking advanced courses or broaden your knowledge in other subjects. The programme ends with a thesis project.
The teaching consists of lectures, lessons, group work, seminars and laboratory work with a strong focus on problem solving. During laboratory exercises you use modern techniques to study chemical and molecular biological processes. All course literature and instruction is in English and you have the possibility to study one or two semesters abroad at one of our partner universities.
An ordinary day at the programme
Year 1
Biological chemistry
Fundamentals of chemistry
Biochemistry
Organic chemistry
Year 2
Microbiology and basic molecular biology
Basic and molecular genetics
Cell biology
Animal and plant physiology
Year 3
Breadth and depth through optional courses
Degree thesis within Chemistry or Molecular Biology
The programme provides you with the theoretical and practical skills you need in your future work life and work prospects are generally good. As a chemist or molecular biologist you can for example work in pharmaceutical and biotech companies, often with research, development or communication. Other professions include: environmental consultant, company leader, salesperson, investigator or science journalist. The education builds a solid basis for doctoral studies in the field of Life Science.
Sweden has a national strategy for life science with a stated goal of being a leading life-science nation. In Sweden alone there are thousands of companies and the sector is growing rapidly both internationally, in Sweden, and in Umeå.
You can read more about some of the companies in the Umeå region here: https://www.ubi.se/lifescience-umea/
We also have an active Life Science industry council to connect companies and the labour market to the program with guest lectures, information sessions, online events, and job fairs.
There is a great and strongly growing need for people with education in Life Sciences!
The Life Science program provides a broad foundation with excellent opportunities to get jobs e.g.
• In the development of new drugs and vaccines at pharmaceutical companies
• In medical technology
• At diagnostics companies, be able to make diagnostics
• Linked to criminology
• Production and development of e.g. food and makeup,
• In project management and as a consultant in the entire life science sector
• In addition to this opportunity to continue in research!
The Bachelor of Science Programme in Life Science qualifies for further studies on advanced level. We offer Master of Science programmes in chemistry, molecular biology, and plant and forest biotechnology. A Master's degree provides a good basis for doctoral studies, but also increases your overall competitiveness on the labour market.
