Molecular Biology – (M.Sc.)

If you are studying Molecular Biology you are learning about fundamental processes required for cellular life.

Molecular Biology focuses primarily on processes within living cells but also on mechanisms behind communication between cells. Processes like inheritance, gene expression, signal transduction, as well as the effect of mutations on different processes are corner stones in Molecular Biology. Research in Molecular Biology covers a vast area - from basic principles for propagation of simple viruses to mechanisms behind the development of a fertilized egg into a mature organism.

Applications of Molecular Biology are first and foremost found in Medicine and Biotechnology. For example, modern techniques have revolutionized the ability to diagnose different diseases, to connect culprits to the scene of a crime and, to genetically engineer economically important crops, and other organisms for the production of novel medical drugs, but have also allowed us to consider more controversial applications like changing our own genes.

If you are studying at the Master's Programme in Molecular Biology you can either select courses from different areas in Molecular Biology to receive a Degree of Master of Science (Two Years) in Molecular Biology or select specific courses in the topics Microbiology or Genetics to receive a Degree of Master of Science (Two Years) in Molecular Biology with specialization in either Microbiology or Genetics.

Microbiology deals with organisms that are so small that one needs microscopes to be able to see them. Microorganisms are found inside and on our bodies, and everywhere around us, and are the basis for all life on Earth. They are important, for the food we eat, to sustain the ecological balance in nature, as well as for the degradation of toxic substances in the environment.

Research on microorganisms has contributed considerably to the understanding of important cellular processes in humans, animals and plants, and has also allowed us to control diseases caused by microorganisms. Microorganisms are being exploited in Biotechnology to produce for example medical drugs and can be designed to be active ingredients in functional food, or to remediate pollutants from the environment. In some of these areas, research performed at Umeå University has been very successful.

The specialization in Microbiology gives you advanced knowledge about microorganisms and their function, how bacteria can transfer genetic material to other bacteria and its implications for the spreading of antibiotic resistance, how bacteria can cause disease, as well as how viruses and parasites affect us.

Genetics is based on genetic variation. The majority of species exhibit a great genetic variation, which in most cases results in a selective advantage to some individuals within each species. However, genetic variation can also be a disadvantage to some individuals, for example when the variations lead to genetic diseases. The genetic variation among plant and animal species is interesting since it allows the selection of wanted traits such as high productivity or resistance to diseases. Research in Genetics helps us to understand biological processes like development, growth and ageing, and gives us new methods for diagnoses, prognoses and treatment of different diseases, but also for medical and other industries.

The specialization in Genetics will teach you advanced genetic methods and modern molecular genetics techniques, as well as, their ethical consequences. Different types of organisms, from bacteria to man, are used as models to depict problems addressed in modern genetic research and its applications.