Molecular Medicine

Contents

The programme aims to offer advanced insights in molecular and cellular mechanisms causing diseases, including genetic diseases and cancer. A special emphasis is placed on epigenetic mechanisms. During the first year studies, we will discuss methods and technologies for assessing genetic variations, current clinical diagnostics and novel approaches to treatment.

More in-depth knowledge of molecular medicine will be provided, focusing on relevant research over a range of topics. You will be trained in experimental design, laboratory work, as well as to 1independently analyze and interpret research results and data generated by current methods and technologies. The programme will describe techniques and applications for new sequencing technologies, data analysis with an emphasis on genome analysis, epigenomics and comparative genomics as well as current methods of proteomics, analysis of proteins and protein expression with identification of novel biomarkers for diseases.

The second year will include diagnostics by molecular imaging from the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms to whole body analysis. The topic regenerative medicine will cover novel stem cell therapies as well as other cell- and immunotherapies in human diseases.

You will attend courses in the use of biobanks in medical research, and ethical aspects of medical research. Courses in leadership and in coordinating projects will be offered, and if you are interested in research you can apply for parallel projects. All students will conclude the programme by undertaking an independent research project in molecular medicine. The programme and education is tightly linked to ongoing medical and technological research, offering a good basis for future work either in academia or in industry. You will interact with researchers and clinicians from Uppsala University and Uppsala University Hospital, providing an advanced education, closely connected with local biotechnology companies and drug industry.

Year 1

• Molecular mechanisms in medical genetics and cancer
• Advanced techniques in molecular medicine
• Methods in genomic and epigenomic medicine
• Biomarkers as prognostic and diagnostic tools

Year 2

• Molecular imaging
• Regenerative medicine
• Biobanks
• Ethical aspects in medicine
• Degree project in molecular medicine

The education includes:

• lectures,
• seminars,
• demonstrations,
• web-based exercises,
• practical and theoretical laborations
• short research projects conducted both individually and in groups.

Lectures will convey an understanding of current research topics and perspectives on the different subjects and are given by scientists specialized in the field. Relevant research seminars at Uppsala University by invited international speakers will also be included in the education.

During seminars, experimental methods, strategies and research results are discussed and the scientific literature assessed and reviewed. Independent research reviews are presented both in writing and orally by the students.

Apart from training in independent thinking and analysis, the students will obtain direct insights in ongoing research early on into the education. Practical experiences of current methods in to genomics, epigenomics and proteomics, including methods for bioinformatic analysis will be offered during the programme.

You will take part in a dynamic academic research environment with access to advanced technologies and expertise. You will be familiarized with technical equipment used in research laboratories.

The achievements of the students will be evaluated regarding the quality of written assignments, oral presentations and practical items. The theoretical knowledge will be probed during examinations and seminar discussions and the student´s ability to analyse and interpret research results, both in writing and orally will be evaluated.
The degree project during the last semester is conducted in the field of molecular medicine at an academic department/company/other agency in Sweden or abroad, and is evaluated according to the quality of a written scientific article compiling the research results as well as of the research seminar held by the student.
The programme is taught entirely in English.

The rapid development of novel molecular technologies, their applications and implementation into our health care, requires educated and scientifically trained workers.

Future medicine will offer greatly expanded possibilities for personalized medicine. The identification of novel biomarkers for prognostic and diagnostic purposes assumes increasing importance in pharma- and biotechnology companies.

A profound understanding of molecular mechanisms in diseases including cancer, and about new methods and applications for studies in genomics/epigenomics and proteomics is a requisite for progress in health care.

Students with a strong education in molecular medicine are expected to go on to occupations in health care systems, pharma- or biotechnology companies as well as at governmental organisations. The strong component of cutting-edge research in the programme expects the student to acquire a scientific approach and proficiency suitable for further academic research and PhD studies in the field.

Degree

The programme leads to a Master of Medical Science (120 credits) with Molecular Medicine as the main field of study.

Accreditation

Uppsala University is accredited by the Swedish National Agencyof Higher Education

Funding details

Uppsala University offers a few scholarships to cover the tuition fee. Read more on www.uu.se/scholarships.