Bachelor of Science Programme in Life Science, 180 credits

Degree

After completing the programme, a student who has applied for a degree can obtain a Degree of Bachelor of Science (180 credits) in accordance with the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's website).
In Swedish, Degree of Bachelor of Science (180 credits) is called Naturvetenskaplig kandidatexamen. The degree is awarded in one of the main fields of study, Chemistry or Molecular biology.

Description of the education for current education cycle

Swedish Higher Education Act (SFS 1992:1434), Chapter 1, Section 8 First-cycle courses and study programmes shall be based fundamentally on the knowledge acquired by pupils in national study programmes in the upper-secondary schools or its equivalent. The Government may, however, permit exceptions for courses and study programmes in the fine, applied or performing arts.

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments,
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level,
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

National goals for current degree

Knowledge and understanding

For a Degree of Bachelor the student shall

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including knowledge of the disciplinary foundation of the field, knowledge of applicable methodologies in the field, specialised study in some aspect of the field as well as awareness of current research issues.

Competence and skills

For a Degree of Bachelor the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to search for, gather, evaluate and critically interpret the relevant information for a formulated problem and also discuss phenomena, issues and situations critically,
• demonstrate the ability to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously and to complete tasks within predetermined time frames,
• demonstrate the ability to present and discuss information, problems and solutions in speech and writing and in dialogue with different audiences, and
• demonstrate the skills required to work autonomously in the main field of study.

Judgement and approach

For a Degree of Bachelor the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues,
• demonstrate insight into the role of knowledge in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and ongoing learning.

Local goals for current degree

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Examination format

Each syllabus sets out the examination formats used in each individual course.

Grades

Each syllabus sets out the grades used in the course.

Transfer of Credits

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/

General

The first year of the programme provides a broad foundation in both chemistry and molecular life sciences. It includes courses in fundamental and organic chemistry, as well as an introduction to data processing and statistics relevant to life sciences. In parallel, students gain introductory knowledge in biochemistry and organismal physiology, covering both animal and plant systems, thereby establishing an integrated understanding of chemical and biological principles.

The second year further develops this integrated perspective, with a balanced emphasis on molecular biology and chemistry. Students study microbiology, genetics, and cell biology, while simultaneously advancing their knowledge in analytical and environmental chemistry, including aspects of sustainability within the life sciences.

The third year gives the opportunity to study additional courses in chemistry and/or molecular biology corresponding to 45 credits. Alternatively, during this period, you can instead broaden your knowledge by taking courses in an optional field. The Bachelor programme ends with an independent degree project of 15 credits in chemistry or molecular biology.

The program consists of full-time studies throughout its duration. Teaching includes lectures, lessons, group discussions, and laboratory work. Supervision is provided for all components, including laboratory work, group and project activities. The laboratory work is mandatory and is examined in writing and/or orally. Some other course elements may also be mandatory.

The studies are assumed to be conducted full-time. A working week (40 h) normally comprises about 15-25 hours of scheduled teaching, while 15-25 hours are devoted to own studies. The course literature is in English. Teaching is usually in English. Lessons, group discussions, and laboratory reviews can, however, be given in Swedish, for Swedish students, if necessary.

Students enrolled in the programme are guaranteed a place in compulsory courses and in elective courses corresponding to full-time studies, although not necessarily in their first-choice electives. Course syllabi specify the prerequisites for each course, and students must meet these prerequisites to be eligible for admission.

A student who during the first year of the programme has not been approved for the courses that are prerequisites for the courses during the autumn of year 2 must find an individual solution to continue the studies, in consultation with the study counsellor. The same applies before the spring semester of year 2.

A Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or Molecular Biology qualifies for the Master's Programme in Chemistry, Molecular Biology, and Bioinformatics at Umeå University. Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology also qualifies for the Master's Programme in Plant and Forest Biotechnology at Umeå University.

Programme structure

Compulsory courses

Compulsory courses are courses that all students enrolled in the programme normally study. A student enrolled in the study programme is guaranteed admission to 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.

Year 1:

5KE165 Fundamentals of Chemistry, 15 credits

5KE231 Organic Chemistry 1, 7.5 credits

5KE232 Data Analysis in Life Sciences, 7.5 credits

5KE020 Biochemistry, 15 credits

5MO00S Animal and Plant Physiology, 15 credits

Year 2:

5MO103 Microbiology and Basic Molecular Biology, 15 credits

5MO104 Basic and Molecular Genetics, 15 credits

5MO00E Cell Biology, 15 credits

5KExxx Analytical Chemistry, 7.5 credits

5KExxx Environmental Chemistry, 7.5 credits

Year 3

45 credits elective courses

5KE048/5MO135 Bachelor’s Degree Thesis in Chemistry/Molecular Biology, 15 credits

Elective courses

Elective courses are a selection of courses that Umeå University offers within the scope of the programme, and students choose which courses to enrol in. The student is guaranteed admission to one of these courses, provided that the entry requirements for the courses in question are met. However, the student is not guaranteed admission to their first-choice courses. Entry requirements are set out in each respective course syllabus.

Recommended courses (Chemistry)

5KExxx Organic Chemistry II, 7,5 credits

5KExxx Medicinal Chemistry, 7,5 credits

5KExxx Inorganic Chemistry, 7,5 credits

5KExxx Material Chemistry, 7,5 credits

5KExxx Computational chemistry, 7,5 credits

5KExxx Batteries and solar cells, 7,5 credits

Recommended courses (Molecular Biology)

5MO096 Immunology, 7,5 credits

5MO097 Bacterial Physiology and Pathogenesis, 7,5 credits

5MO098 Neurobiology, 7,5 credits.

5MO140 Introduction to Bioinformation 7,5hp

5MO00C Current Research Topics in Molecular Biology 15hp

For other elective courses in chemistry and molecular biology, see the programme's website.

Free elective courses

Free electives within the programme are applied for in an open competition. Free electives can be studied at Umeå University or at other higher education institutions in Sweden or abroad.

Degree project/independent project
The degree project within the bachelor's programme in "Life Science" completes the education, and may begin when the prerequisites in the syllabus are met. In the degree project, which comprises 15 credits, the student must apply the knowledge acquired during the study period and in a written report/essay report the results of the work. For degree project in chemistry, the report should contain an English summary and an English translation of the title, alternatively the entire report can be written in English. The result must also be presented orally. For a degree project in molecular biology, the entire report must be written in English and the results must also be presented orally at a poster presentation. The work must contain some form of in-depth study of the field of chemistry or molecular biology. The degree project is normally carried out individually.

Deferment of studies

Information on deferment of studies is available on Umeå University's website.

Approved leave from studies

Information on approved leave from studies is available on Umeå University's website.

Discontinuation

Information on discontinuation is available on Umeå University's website.