Courses and programmes
MBW is a research-driven department where PhD students are trained to become independent and successful researchers. We also offer courses and programmes at the undergraduate level through the Department of Biology Education, BIG.
On this page you can read about MBW's PhD education as well as the undergraduate programmes and courses in which we are involved.
PhD studies
The PhD program at MBW is designed to provide students with the necessary scientific knowledge and laboratory skills to enable them to pursue important state-of-the-art problems within our research areas infection- and immunobiology, integrative biology and molecular cell biology. As a PhD student at MBW, you are expected to obtain at least 50 credits (högskolepoäng), which can be acquired by attending courses, seminars and conferences, giving a talk or presenting a poster. The Stockhom Univeristy BioResearch School unites the PhD students at the Biology departments and offers courses as well as workshops and PhD events.
Master's programmes and courses
Through the Department of Biology Education, we offer a Master’s programme in Molecular Life Sciences and a Master’s programme in Microbiology, both at the frontier of research.
You can also apply for courses without applying for a programme. You can read more about this below.
Master's Programme in Molecular Life Sciences
Molecular life sciences aims to understand the structure, function and regulation of biological systems at molecular, cell and organism levels. The subject is broad and many different fields interact. Molecular life sciences is characterised by a very rapidly growing need to gather knowledge, extensive technological advances, and the establishment of new subdisciplines. This means that our understanding of living organisms is rapidly increasing, and that we in this way can obtain powerful new tools for applications in biotechnology and biomedicine. A Master’s degree in Molecular Life Sciences opens a broad spectrum of career opportunities both within and outside of the academic sphere. Important parts of industry and society require deep knowledge within molecular life sciences, from biomedical research and pharmaceuticals development to the effect of the environment on biological systems, quality assurance of foodstuffs, and nutritional science. This programme is also, naturally, highly appropriate for students who plan to carry out research in the exciting field of molecular life sciences.
Read more about the program structure, entry requirements and the application process
Master's Programme in Microbiology
Do you want to study how microorganisms interact with their environment and surroundings? And how microbes affect us in health and disease? Then the Master's Programme in Microbiology is an excellent choice. With a high level of flexibility, you can choose and control your direction and the desired profile.
Read more about the program structure, entry requirements and the application process
Master's Courses
Molecular Cell Biology, 15 hp
Molecular cell biology is a unifying discipline, describing the structure and function of cells in all their biological, biochemical, genetic and developmental aspects. Our experienced teachers and active scientists will introduce you to the exciting and complex molecular structures and processes of cellular life.
Radiation Biology, 15 hp
Humans and animals are constantly exposed to radiation and chemical toxicants. How do they damage cells? How do cells protect themselves and repair damage? What are the health consequences of exposure? You will learn what and how we know and what we do not know.
Stem cells in developmental- and cancer biology, 15 hp
The course covers the molecular mechanisms regulating the division and differentiation of stem cells in development and cancer. Mechanisms of cell differentiation and de-differentiation, reprogramming, induction of pluripotent cells, and the signaling pathways controlling these processes will be discussed. Important aspects of stem cell regulation, such as epigenetic changes, the presence of a niche, and asymmetric cell division will be covered. Medical applications, mainly stem cell therapy and consequences of the cancer stem cell concept for cancer treatment, will be discussed. Course period: January – March
Molecular Physiology, 15 hp
The course gives advanced knowledge and insight in the field of physiology. The topics covered include signal transduction, gene expression and gene manipulation, the relationship between central and peripheral regulation, lipid and glucose metabolism, obesity, hibernation, and fever. The course includes practical work in which you take part in one of the research projects at the department. The course is given January – March.
Microbiology, 15 hp
You will be able to deepen and extend your knowledge of general microbiology during the course. The focus of the course is how bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa interact with the environment and affect biological systems at molecular, cellular and organism level. The course also discusses various applications of biotechnology. Knowledge in microbiology is important in for example medicine, food industry, agriculture, technology, chemistry, as well as geology. The course ends with students writing an extended essay on a microbiological topic they have chosen. The course is given in the period January-March.
Infection Biology, 15 hp
This course gives a deeper understanding of the processes during microbial infection. The course covers microbe-host interactions, induction of host cell responses, intracellular survival, immune evasion mechanisms, antibiotic resistance and alternative treatments of infections. Microbial infection is a important global problem that increases over time due to multi-resistance to antibiotics. The course is given in the period March–June.
Methods in Molecular Life Science, 7 hp
This course is part of the joint Master’s programme in Molecular techniques in life science, together with KTH and KI. The course is not open for application to students outside of the programme.
You will learn about various methods in life sciences, ranging from paleogenomics to transcriptomics to cryo-EM. You will also conduct a lab exercise that is a whole small study in yeast genomics.
Bachelor's courses
Ranging from Developmental Biology to Immunology, we offer an array of courses on Bachelor's level through the Department of Biology Education.
First level courses
Cell and Molecular Biology, 27 hp
This course is taught in Swedish.
Read more on our page in Swedish
Physiology, 15 hp
This course is taught in Swedish.
Read more on our page in Swedish
Methods and Concepts in Molecular Life Sciences, 15 hp
The course is suitable for those who want to use molecular techniques to biological problems. It deals with methods and concepts used to explore and map the structure and function of bacteria and eukaryotes. Theoretical foundations and research applications are presented. The course is a component of the bachelor programme in molecular biology. It can also be taken as an individual course. The course is given during the period March-June.
Molecular Genetics, 7,5 hp
The course will deepen your knowledge in molecular genetics. We will go through several examples of gene regulation at different levels in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The courses will also concern modern large-scale sequencing methods and how they are used to investigate molecular genetic questions. The course includes both theoretical and practical exercises. Course period: August – September.
Developmental Biology, 7,5 hp
This course is part of the Bachelor program for molecular biology but can also be taken as a separate course. Developmental biology concerns how the fertilized egg gives rise to a new organism. The course will cover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that give rise to form and pattern in animals and plants. Cell differentiation, stem cells, organogenesis, as well as the connection between evolution and development will be part of the curriculum. State of the art methods will be described as well as ethical considerations of stem cell applications. The course is given during the period September - October.
Immunology, 15 hp
The course provides advanced and broad knowledge within immunology. Important components are the cellular and molecular background of the immune response, the ability of the immune system to distinguish between self and non-self, and the immune system memory. Clinical immunology is part of the course, as are quantitative and qualitative methods used in immunological analysis. The course involves working with animals. The course is given in the autumn term (November – January).