Swedish name: Masterprogrammet i molekylärbiologi
This programme syllabus is valid: HT21 and until further notice
Programme code: NAMOM
Credit points: 120
Registration number: 514-485-13
Responsible faculty: Faculty of Science and Technology
Revised by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2021-03-02
A Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognised university. Specific entry requirements are: a) 60 ECTS in the Bioscience area (including genetics, microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology, zoo physiology and plant biology) and also including a minimum of 7.5 ECTS in each of Genetics and Microbiology. b) 30 ECTS in Chemistry, with a minimum of 7,5 ECTS in Biochemistry. c) practical experience of laboratory work, corresponding to a minimum of 30 ECTS. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.
After completing the programme, a student who has applied for a degree can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in accordance with the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's website).
In Swedish, Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) is called Naturvetenskaplig masterexamen. Degree is awarded in the main field of study (Molecular Biology).
The education is at an advanced level (second cycle). The aims for second-cycle courses and study programmes are set out in the Higher Education Act, Chapter 1 Section 9.
The national aims for qualification are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance's Annex 2.
Knowledge and understanding
Each syllabus sets out the examination formats used in each individual course.
Each syllabus sets out the grades used in the course.
A student who believes to have gained knowledge from previous relevant studies or professional experience that may be equivalent to a course or part of a course in the programme can apply for transfer of credits. Granting a transfer of credits means that the student will not have to study the parts of the programme included in the decision. Information on transfer of credits is available on Umeå University's website.
https://www.umu.se/en/student/my-studies/transfer-of-credits/
The education leads to a Degree of Master in Molecular Biology comprising a total of 120 credits. To obtain the degree, 30 credits shall be comprised of independent work (degree project(s)). In total, at least 90 credits of the courses in the degree must be at a second-cycle level, of which 60 credits within the main field of study.
The Master's programme includes compulsory courses and can include elective courses and/or free electives. In a compulsory course, anyone admitted to the programme is guaranteed admission, provided that the entry requirements for the course in question are met. In an elective course, you are guaranteed admission to a selection of courses that include full-time studies, though not necessarily your first choice. Free electives are applied for in competition with other applicants, without any priority. In order for a student to be qualified for a course, the entry requirements, which are set out in the course syllabus, must be met, and entry requirements can be more extensive than the entry requirements for the programme. A student who does not meet the entry requirements may be granted exemption.
Compulsory courses
Compulsory courses are courses that all students enrolled in the programme normally study. A student enrolled in the study programme is guaranteed a seat in all compulsory courses, provided that the entry requirements for the course in question are met. Entry requirements are set out in each respective course syllabus.
Advanced Molecular Biology, 15 credits (5MO105)
Molecular Genetics, 15 credits (5MO120)
Master Degree Thesis in Molecular Biology, 30 credits (5MO119)
Elective courses
Elective courses are a selection of courses that Umeå University offers within the scope of the programme and where the student chooses which courses to enrol in. The student is guaranteed a seat in one of these courses, provided that the entry requirements for the courses in question are met. However, the student is not guaranteed a seat in their first choice courses. Entry requirements are set out in each respective course syllabus. For current information on elective courses, see the programme website.
Elective courses: second cycle in Molecular Biology
Biochemistry: Protein Structure and Function, 15 credits (5KE170)
Pharmacology N/T, 15 credits (5MO122)
Functional Genomics Theory, 7.5 credits (5BI211)
Applied Functional Genomics, 7.5 credits (5BI212)
Techniques in Immunochemistry N/T, 7.5 credits (5MO108)
Transgene Technology N/T, 7.5 credits (5MO107)
Tumour Biology, 15 credits (5MO102)
Plant cell and molecular biology, 15 credits (5BI214)
Elective courses: second cycle Other
Biochemistry: Protein Separation Methods and Analytical Techniques, 15 credits (5KE171)
Theoretical Medicinal Chemistry, 7.5 credits (5KE168)
Elective courses: bachelor level in Molecular Biology
Bioinformatics and Genome Analysis, 7.5 credits (5MO115)
Genetics II, 7.5 credits (5MO099)
Immunology, 7.5 credits (5MO096)
Bacterial Physiology and Pathogenesis, 7.5 credits (5MO097)
Neurobiology, 7.5 credits (5MO098)
Structural Biology, 7.5 credits (5MO114)
Free electives
Free electives within the programme are applied for in open competition. Free electives can be studied at Umeå University or at other higher education institutions in Sweden or abroad.
Please contact study counsellor at the Department of Molecular Biology for information on other courses that can fit particularly well thematically, both at a second-cycle and bachelor level.
Plant Growth and Development, 15 credits (5BI210)
Plant biotechnology and molecular breeding, 15 credits (5BI213)
Molecular ecology and evolution, 15 credits (5BI244)
Advanced Biomedicine, 30 credits (3MB037)
Applied Virology, 7.5 credits (3IS011)
Molecular Epidemiology, 7.5 credits (3MD005)
Programme overview
To find out what compulsory, elective courses and free electives mean, please see the heading 'General' above.
Autumn admission
Year 1
Autumn | Spring | ||
Advanced Molecular Biology, 15 credits | Optional, 15 credits | Molecular Genetics, 15 credits | Optional, 15 credits |
Autumn | Spring | ||
Optional, 15 credits | Optional, 15 credits | Master Degree Thesis in Molecular Biology, 30 credits |
Spring | Autumn | ||
Molecular Genetics, 15 credits | Optional, 15 credits | Advanced Molecular Biology, 15 credits | Optional, 15 credits |
Spring | Autumn | ||
Optional, 15 credits | Optional, 15 credits | Master Degree Thesis in Molecular Biology, 30 credits |
Information on deferment of studies is available on Umeå University's website.
Information on approved leave from studies is available on Umeå University's website.
Information on discontinuation is available on Umeå University's website.
For more information, see Umeå University's Code of rules and procedures for first-cycle and second-cycle education
https://www.umu.se/en/legal-framework/