Courses and programmes

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.

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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.

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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.

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Radiation Biology and Cellular Toxicology, 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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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Cell and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Genetics, 30 hp

This course is taught in Swedish. 

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Physiology, 15 hp

This course is taught in Swedish. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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