MSc in Chemistry, Biochemistry
Lund, Sweden
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Programme overview
Understanding proteins is central to understanding and solving many medical, environmental and biochemistry-related problems on the molecular level. This master’s programme in biochemistry explores the molecular structures and functional mechanisms of a large number of proteins, to provide a toolbox of methods for future use in protein and life sciences. Graduates from the programme will master methods of cloning, expression and purification of proteins, as well as a number of specialised techniques for protein analysis and structure determination, such as mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography. They will also be able to understand and use primary scientific publications and have the ability to independently plan, carry out and critically evaluate experiments.
In the first year, students follow advanced courses in biochemistry, protein chemistry and molecular biophysics. In the second year, they choose Master’s degree project or projects in the fields mentioned above, which can be carried out at the university or in a company with a relevant research profile.
Programme structure
The recommended structure for the programme includes the following courses:
- Experimental protein chemistry (15 credits)
- Structural biochemistry (15 credits)
- Advanced biochemistry (15 credits) and
- Master’s degree project (30, 45 or 60 credits)
Compulsory courses:
Advanced level courses in chemistry comprising 30 credits, of which 15 credits should be in the fields of biochemistry or molecular biophysics, and a Master’s degree project comprising at least 30 credits.
Career prospects
Graduates from the programme are highly skilled in conducting research and development and are well prepared both for work in the fields of life science, biochemistry and protein science within many sectors of academia and industry. The programme also provides a solid grounding for PhD studies. The courses are taught by teachers that are also world-leading researchers, providing valuable contacts for future employment. Previous graduates from our master’s programmes in chemistry are in high demand.
About half of the students graduating from the programme continue with a PhD-degree, while the rest start working in the industry, both in the local region and internationally. Examples of positions held by graduates of the previous master’s programme in biochemistry include process technician at Pfizer (Grange castle, Ireland), a microbiologist at Synlab analytics and services Sweden AB (Linköping, Sweden) and research assistant at Humboldt University (Berlin, Germany).