Umeå University - Faculty of Science and Technology

Bachelor of Science in Life Science

The Bachelor's Programme in Life Science provides you with a broad competence in chemistry and molecular biology. Our teachers have close links to outstanding research in areas such as microbiology, medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, infectious medicine, and plant and forest biotechnology. After completing the programme, you can call yourself a chemist, molecular biologist or both, as you have the opportunity to finish your education with a double bachelor's degree in both these subject areas.

What is Life Sciences?

Life Sciences cannot be defined by only one field of studies; rather, at its core, it is based on chemistry and molecular biology. In order to provide a university education in Life Science, we have therefore chosen to place the program at two departments - Department of Chemistry and Department of Molecular Biology. In this way, we can have experts teaching on the programme in all areas. And since all teachers are researchers, we have strong research links to important applications in society.

As a strong testament of this, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020 was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier who was active at Umeå University when the CRISPR-Cas9 method was developed.

The first and second year of the Life Science programme gives you a fundamental knowledge of chemistry and molecular biology. During this time, you take courses such as organic chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular genetics.

During the third year you may choose to specialize in these fields by taking advanced courses or broaden your knowledge in other subjects. The programme ends with a thesis project during which you will have the chance to apply your knowledge in the lab.

Double bachelor's degree

After studying the Life Science programme, you can call yourself a chemist, molecular biologist or both. You have the opportunity to finish your education with a double bachelor's degree in both of these fields of study, a double bachelor's degree requires only half a semester of extra study.

A mix of theory and practical lab work

The teaching includes a varied mix of lectures, lessons, group work, seminars and practical laboratory work with a particular focus on problem-solving. In the laboratory exercises, you will apply modern techniques to investigate chemical and molecular biological processes. Since all courses include practical laboratory work, you will have the opportunity to strengthen your self-confidence and ability to work effectively in a laboratory.

All teaching in English

All course literature and instruction are in English. This will not only prepare you for working in the highly international life science field but also gives you the possibility to study one or two semesters abroad at one of our many partner universities.

Learn more about Umeå University

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Umeå University - Number 1 for student satisfaction

Umeå University placed first of all participating universities in the International Student Barometer (ISB) in the categories of living, support, and overall satisfaction.