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Master's Programme in Microbiology

Learn about pathogenic microbes, biological diversity, evolution and biotechnology in an environment of world leading research. Step by step practical and experimental training will equip you cutting edge laboratory skills and techniques as well as provide up to date knowledge of the field.

Knowledge in microbiology is important in medicine, food industry, agriculture, technology, chemistry, and geology. In this programme you will gain deeper understanding of how bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa interact with the environment and affect biological systems at molecular, cellular and organism level. You will meet different aspects of microbiology, such as pathogenic microbes, biological diversity, evolution, and biotechnology.

The identification of new emerging microbial pathogens and the global emergence of multiple antibiotic resistance show that pathogenic microorganisms will remain a very significant health problem in the years to come. In depth knowledge of microorganisms is essential to develop new diagnostic tools, medicines, and vaccines.

The goal of the Master’s programme is to give an insight into the subject through theory, experiments and other relevant work, so that you get a complete understanding of the life of microorganisms.

Reasons to choose

  • Strong focus on building practical laboratory skills and techniques at advanced level
  • Close connection to world leading research

 

  • Programme overview

    The Master’s program in Microbiology aims to provide a complete understanding of the life of microorganisms with courses in microbiology and infection biology.

    The elective and optional courses create flexibility in the programme allowing you to adapt your studies to your chosen career path. During the compuslory degree project you will apply the knowledge and skills you have developed, in conducting a scientific study within microbiology.

    You are required to choose 15 credits of courses from the list of elective courses (updated each year). You can also include at least 15 credits of optional courses, these can be in other subjects.

    Year 1

    Compulsory courses

    Microbiology

    Infection Biology

    Elective courses

    Bioinformatics*

    Molecular Cell Biology

    Signal Transduction*

    Statistics for biologists II (BL7068)

    Statistics for biologists III (BL8063)

    *Courses are offered by the Chemistry departments.

    Year 2

    Compulsory courses

    Degree project in Microbiology
    (instructions apply for all degree projects at the department)

    Elective courses

    Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions

    Science in Biological Research and Investigation

    Traineeship in Biology (BL8006)

    Independent project

    Degree projects, which are 45 or 60 credits, are carried out within ongoing research projects at the Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute (MBW).

    Recent degree projects

    • Modelling transmigration of Toxoplasma gondii across polarized cell monolayers
    • Characterization of dendritic cell lines JAWS II and MUTZ-3 as a model for Toxoplasma gondii-induced hypermigration
    • The relevance of Staphylococcus aureus´ SigB in the paradoxical response to Ciprofloxacin

     

  • How to apply

    The Master's programme in Microbiology is only open for application in the first round, with deadline for applications in mid-January.

    The Microbiology programme requires a solid background in molecular biology, as well as good understanding of chemistry. Specifically expect the equivalent to our Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology: at least one year's fulltime studies in molecular biology including one semester of chemistry, particularly biochemistry.

     

    Selection process

    Additional eligibility criteria

    Applicants that meet the eligibility requirements are ranked based on their merit rating. Only students with the highest merit ratings are selected for our programmes. The merit rating is based on the following four selection criteria, with equal weight:

    • relevance of previous studies in relation to the programme
    • grades of academic courses
    • motivation letter
    • research ideas

    Required supporting documentation

    To submit your motivation letter and research ideas you must use our cover letter form.

    Cover letter/Motivation letter
    The form is only available when applications are open.

    Recommendation letters and CVs are neither required, nor concidered if included.

    Read our step-by-step guide on how to apply

  • Career opportunities

    The skills and knowledge you will attain on the Master's degree in Microbiology open many career possibilities. These include public authorities, universities and especially research and development within biotechnology, and the pharmacological, food and medical industries. The programme gives you the eligibility to continue with PhD studies.

  • Contact

    Student office

    info.big@su.se
    08-16 40 69
    • Visiting address

    • Arrheniuslaboratory, E315

    • Svante Arrhenius väg 20C

    • Office hours

    • Mon-Wed: 10.00-15.00 (lunch 12.30-13.30)

      Thur-Fri: 10.00-12.30

    • Irregular office hours

    • Closed for bank holiday (Ascension) Thursday 26th and Friday 27th May.

    Study counsellor at master's level
    Ann-Christin Lindås

    ann.christin.lindas@su.se
    08-16 19 98
    • Visiting address

    • Arrheniuslaboratory, E315c

    • Svante Arrhenius väg 20 C

    • Office hours

    • By request

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