Master's Programme in Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology
Are you interested in understanding how the nervous system functions at its most fundamental level? Do you want to study at the cutting edge where chemistry and biology intersect? If so, this highly selective master’s program—the only one in Europe dedicated to neurochemistry with molecular neurobiology—could be the perfect fit for you.
On Friday December 13, 2024, we will host a webinar for prospective students to autumn 2025. Join us if you want to know more about our this programme! Learn more here.
Understanding the human brain, with its billions of neurons and trillions of synapses, is one of the most complex challenges in modern science. This master’s program specializes in neurochemistry, molecular functions, and disorders of the nervous system, with a strong focus on research. You will begin by studying the biochemistry of molecular components, then progress to understanding how neurons communicate with each other, before exploring how different neuronal networks regulate body functions, emotions, and behaviours.
The Master’s in Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology teaches you to become a researcher. A variety of teaching activities, including lectures, theoretical and practical projects, laboratory work, journal clubs, and problem-based exercises, are utilized. A generous amount of laboratory time ensures that you can practice the theory you learn and develop the proficiency in the lab for which our graduates are known. You will work closely with leading researchers in various specializations, including the biochemistry of the molecular components that underpin the nervous system, the organization of brain circuits, neurotoxicity, and the mechanisms behind neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. You will be coached in small groups with a high teacher-to-student ratio and challenged to reason critically, think creatively, and solve problems independently.
At Stockholm University you will be surrounded by some of the world’s top chemists, including individuals involved in selecting Nobel Prize winners, and have the opportunity to attend Nobel lectures given by the laureates themselves. While all of our master’s programs in chemistry are internationally recognized, the Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology program is particularly global in scope. Students come from many different countries and often complete their diploma projects as exchange students in other countries.
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Programme overview
The program is 120 ECTS and begins at the end of August each year.
The program consists of four mandatory courses, for a total of 60 ECTS and an independent master thesis degree project of 30, 45 or 60 ECTS.
You will also have the opportunity to take university-level elective courses. Perhaps study a different branch of chemistry, psychology or immunology to gain interdisciplinary insights. Some of the most significant discoveries occur at the intersection of multiple disciplines, such as where neurochemistry meets biology, organic chemistry, or biochemistry.
Year 1
Fall semester
Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology
followed by
Spring semester
Advanced Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology
followed by
Neuronal circuits; neurochemistry and networking principles
Year 2
60 ECTS independent degree project (mandatory).
or
15 ECTS elective courses and 45 ECTS independent degree project (mandatory).
or
30 ECTS elective courses and 30 ECTS independent degree project (mandatory).Independent project
The Master's program in Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology includes an independent project of a minimum of 30 ECTS.
In order to start working on your independent degree project you will have to have passed at least two of the four mandatory courses during year 1.
You can do your independent degree project at Stockholm University or at any other Swedish university that offers a project matching the program.
Many students on the Master's program in Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology do their independent degree project abroad through the Erasmus traineeship program. More info here:
https://www.su.se/english/education/go-international/erasmus-traineeship-abroad
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How to apply
There are two application rounds:
1) An international application round open from around October 15 to January 15.2) A Swedish - EU/EES application round open from around March 15 to April 15.
Note! Students from outside EU/EES countries, which require a VISA to come to Sweden for studies, have to apply in the international application. Swedish/EU/EES students are welcome to apply in either application round.
You apply for the program through universityadmissions.se
Selection process
Additional eligibility criteriaWe admit a maximum of 18 students into the Master’s programme in Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology each fall.
All applicants who meet the entry requirements are merit-ranked, and candidates are then offered a seat on the programme in order of merit ranking score.
The merit ranking is determined by the relevance of previous studies to the programme, grades and the motivation letter.
The motivation letter is a crucial selection criterion and must be uploaded with your application on the university admissions site.
The motivation letter should be maximum two A4-pages and contain the following
• Your name and e-mail address
• The name of the Master’s programme you are applying to
• A list of completed courses, including number of credits, which count toward meeting the specific eligibility requirements for the program (please include courses not completed as well)
• Why are you a good candidate?
• Relevant experiences, such as research, employment, volunteering, that contribute to making you a good candidate for the programme
• What inspired you to apply to this particular program?
• What do you hope to achieve with your degree? What is your long-term carrier goal?
• What research questions interest you and how do they relate to the ongoing research at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Stockholm University?Upload this letter with your application on to universityadmission.se
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More information
Career opportunities
Many of our students use this programme as a stepping stone to obtaining a PhD. They have also landed jobs with top pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
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Meet us
Meet our students
Meet Greta, former masters student
Meet our alumni
”Biochemistry has an elegance and profoundness that really stands out”
Smaranda Bacanu from Bucharest left her chemistry studies behind and moved to Sweden.
Smaranda Bacanu, MSc in neurochemistry, now focusing on her PhD in cancer researchHello Smaranda, can you tell me a bit about yourself?
”In 2008, through some quite unexpected turn of events, I decided to interrupt my almost-completed chemistry studies at the university in my home town (Bucharest) and to move to Sweden. Some two years later, after learning Swedish and working in the restaurant business for a while, I finally realized that my passion for chemistry did not fade with time and that the best thing for me to do was to continue my studies. This turning point did not happen at an easy time in my life, and it took a while to figure out what I wanted to do. But eventually, I signed up for the chemistry bachelor’s program at Stockholm University, and by doing so, I restarted my whole university education from zero”.When and why did your interest in chemistry awake?
“I have enjoyed chemistry as a subject since very early on – maybe as early as the sixth grade in elementary school. But it was in high school that my passion for chemistry developed. I was not a “straight-A student”, more of a typical high school kid. But I did prefer natural science and chemistry was really my thing”
“There were many things that sparked my interest in chemistry. One thing I remember in particular was in 9th grade when we learned how to determine electron configurations for all the elements in the periodic table i.e. what the rules are for populating the available atomic orbitals with electrons and applying these rules for each chemical element. That was a cool moment!”What is it that intrigues you about chemistry?
“For example, that chemistry is the science of what planets and stars are made of. As well as the science of what we, as living organisms, are made of. Certainly, all natural sciences are part of what we are, some in more fundamental ways than others. Still, it is chemistry (particularly biochemistry) that aims to describe the complexities and intricacies that characterize life. When I think of chemistry (biochemistry) as a science, I feel it has a certain elegance and profoundness that stands out”.When taking the bachelor’s program, what moment/course helped you figure out your future choice of education?
”During my second year of university, when taking the biochemistry course. I instantly knew this was the type of chemistry that fitted me best and that I wanted to continue. It was a ”this is it” kind of moment. So, I ”tailored” the remainder of my bachelor’s and master’s level education to include as much biochemistry and molecular biology as possible and I still work and develop in this area”.If someone is considering applying to the bachelor’s program in chemistry, what would you tell them?
“I would tell future students that this program taught me one of the most important things: the type of chemistry I am most passionate about. I would also tell them that this program is an excellent career starting point that offers a solid base of knowledge as well as practical experience, which is essential in the future. And last but not least that they will have the opportunity to learn and be inspired by many great teachers and colleagues”.Do you have any advice for students who have just started?
“From personal experience, do not be intimidated if somewhere during your studies you run into a type of chemistry that simply is not “your thing”. It is all part of the experience, and later on, you will most likely encounter situations where that knowledge will be useful—I’ve been there!
“Also, be ready for some entertaining moments that the student association at Stockholm University might have prepared for newcomers during the first weeks of studies. There may be one particularly fun moment that awaits you as a new student. That is all I can reveal…”Can you tell me a bit about the master’s program you chose? The best things about it?
“I chose to do a master’s in neurochemistry with molecular neurobiology at Stockholm University, and I´m pleased with that decision. The best part was the diploma project work, where I chose to study Alzheimer’s disease for one whole year. I learned so much during this time, and I had the great pleasure of working with amazing people both in the research group and at the department of neurochemistry, a part of the department of biochemistry and biophysics”.What do you work with now?
“Nowadays, I am focusing on cancer research as a PhD student at the Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute. I work with a method known as the cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), which can be employed to generate comprehensive information on drug mechanism of action and resistance. Together with my colleagues, I am looking closely into several currently-available cancer therapies with the overall aim of identifying novel biomarkers for drug efficacy, that one day may be used in the clinic to guide personalized cancer therapy in patients”.What are your plans for the future?
“Complete my PhD and complete my PhD! I have two years left until my PhD thesis defense, so there is still a bit of time to think about what my next step will be”. -
Career opportunities
Many of our students use this programme as a stepping stone to obtaining a PhD and an academic career. They have also landed jobs with top pharmaceutical and biotech firms.
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Contact
Program coordinatorAnna-Lena StrömAssociate Professor
Chemistry Section & Student Affairs Office- Visiting address
Arrhenius laboratory, room M345
Svante Arrhenius väg 16 A-D
- Here you will find:
Student administrator
International coordinator
Study advisor
Director of studies
- Office hours
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 09.00-11.30 and 12.30-15.00
- Phone hours
Wednesday 10.00-11.30 and 12.30-15.00
