In the field of Molecular Biology you study how different macromolecules interact and how the genetic information can be transferred from DNA to proteins. The structure of genes and proteins as well as their function and regulation are also studied.
Molecular biological and biochemical techniques can be used to analyze and engineer genes and proteins and applied within the fields of medicine and biotechnology to e.g. identify or treat diseases and genetically engineer plants and animals.
What will you study?
During the first semester of the Master program you will study advanced courses in the following subjects: infection biology, biotechnology, and genetic engineering. Advanced on site laboratory facilities are frequently employed for DNA/protein analyses such as PCR amplification, mutagenesis, sequencing and protein expression. Computational resources are used for molecular biological and bioinformatical analysis and database searching. You will also learn how to communicate your scientific knowledge and lab results in scientific reports, oral presentations and on posters.
The program is concluded with a master thesis project (30 ECTS credits) in the second semester. During the thesis project, you will expand your theoretical and laboratory knowledge in a particular field of life science. The thesis project is performed individually under the direction of supervisors qualified in the field.
Course description
First semester
First half
Genetic engineering and biotechnology, 15 hp (ECTS)
In the first course on the program you will learn about modern methods of molecular biology, genetic engineering and biotechnology and their applications in research and industry. An emphasis is on planning, performing, evaluating and presenting a laboratory experiment. The laboratory experiments include gene cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA sequencing as well as protein expression and analysis.
Second half
Infection biology, 15 hp (ECTS)
This course considers molecular mechanisms and processes that are involved in pathogenesis of different microorganisms. A selection of diseases caused by microorganisms are used as examples and the molecular and cellular processes involved in the innate and adaptive immune defense are studied. Complications related to malfunction of the immune defense are also considered. In laboratory experiments an eukaryotic cell-line is stimulated and the up-regulation of different cytokine genes are studied.
Second semester
This course will give you the opportunity to use your acquired knowledge to solve a scientific problem in molecular biology or a related subject. The thesis project can be performed at University of Skövde or at other universities, companies or institutions within or outside Sweden. The project is presented in a written report that is presented orally at a thesis seminar. The duration of the project is 20 weeks but the time for the project can be made longer by combining it with a project course in molecular biology.
Language of instruction and examinations
English
Forms of assessment
Written exams and reports, oral presentations, poster presentations.
Certification
Degree of Master of Science (one year) with a major in molecular biology.
After completed studies
Students graduating from the program are qualified for jobs in e.g. research & development, production and teaching. The program started in January 2004 and since then students that have passed the courses have got excellent comments and references from the laboratories where they realized their thesis projects. Many of these students got international PhD-student positions or similar jobs soon after finishing their thesis project.
Application and tuition fees
From the autumn semester of 2011 Swedish universities will start charging application and tuition fees from students originating from countries outside the EU/EEA region. For general information and FAQ, please see this page at studyinsweden.se. Tuition fees are introduced due to new Swedish national regulations, the information also apply to the University of Skövde.
You find our tuition fees here >
Application dead-lines are mid-August for spring intake and mid-January for autumn intake, however late applications are usually considered if there are seats lefts in the program. Prospective students, please see this page for further details on how to apply.
Prerequisites
The program is open for application for students with a Bachelor degree including basic courses in molecular genetics, microbiology and recombinant DNA technology with extensive laboratory experience or an equivalent academic background.
A good command of English is required, therefore a proof of English are requested. Accepted tests are IELTS or TOEFL. Originals from IELTS/TOEFL must be sent along with your application.
Contact
If you are interested in an international career in molecular biology or a related area then you can join our Facebook group “Molecular biology at University of Skövde” and meet our present and past students. For questions about the program and how to apply. contact us:
Senior Lecturer, program director
Mikael Ejdebäck
mikael.ejdeback@his.se
Admission Officer
Ingvar Karlsson
ingvar.karlsson@his.se
University of Skövde
P.O. Box 408
SE-541 28 Skövde
SWEDEN
Phone: +46 500-448000,
Fax: +46 500-416325
You can find further information on the website
To website >
Accommodation
Single/double furnished and unfurnished apartments in student's hostels or from private providers are available close at or near the campus and coordinated by the Student Accommodation Service.
Arrival Support
Guidance before and after your arrival in Skövde will be offered at the start of the semester.
Cost of Living
About 750 € /month (including rent, food and the usual living expenses).
Scholarship
A limited number of scholarships are available for non-EU/EEA students who are subject to tuition fees. This scholarship will reduce the tuition fee to half.
Language courses
Swedish and English language courses are available at the University.
About Skövde and the University
Skövde has about 50 000 citizens and is located in west Sweden, 1 hour by train from Gothenburg and 2 hours from Stockholm. The university was founded in 1977 and is situated in modern buildings in the city center and provides excellent facilities such as a library, computer rooms and modern laboratories. The University hosts around 11000 students in areas such as engineering, computer science, life science and social science.
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