The MSc programme in Biological Chemistry focuses on important areas of human, animal, and plant health, from the organismal to the molecular and cellular level.
2 years (4 semesters)
English
120
August every year
About the study programme
Our world is facing major challenges, and sustainable solutions will be central to our future development. Do you want to contribute to solving today's and tomorrow's challenges? This is your opportunity to get a deeper understanding of the limitations and opportunities that lie within the world of biology.
- In the first year, you will receive a solid foundation in core courses that prepare you for the second year, which consists of a nine-month real research project. During your research project, you can choose to work in one of the laboratories at the University of Stavanger, with the public sector or in the private sector.
- By the end of the programme, you will have acquired practical and theoretical skills in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and protein biochemistry.
- You will also get experience with many analytical techniques and research methods.
- Furthermore, you get skills in presenting scientific results.
This course is designed so that Norwegian and international students' study together. The lectures are therefore in English.
The course exceeded all of my expectations, offering a fantastic combination of both practical, lab-based learning and engaging theoretical classes.
Career prospects
Candidates qualify for work in various research and industrial companies, within a wide range of positions. This can be public and private research institutions, laboratories, hospitals, aquaculture, oil industry, food processing, academic institutions, or consulting service.
Graduates with a strong academic record can also qualify for a PhD position in Molecular Biology or related research area at The University of Stavanger, other universities in Norway or overseas.
Learning outcomes
All study programmes at the UiS have a set of defined learning targets. Read more about the learning outcome for this study programme.
After having completed the master’s programme in Biological Chemistry, the student shall have acquired the following learning outcomes, in terms of knowledge, skills and general competences:
Knowledge
K1: The candidate has acquired advanced knowledge within the basic areas in biological chemistry, and specialized knowledge within a focused area through working with the thesis.
K2: The candidate has a broad knowledge of the field’s scientific and instrumental methods and theories and can apply his/her expertise with respect to new scientific challenges and challenges within the subject area.
K3: The candidate can use databases and search tools/engines to obtain relevant information about a subject, technique, or problem within the field.
Skills
S1: The candidate can conduct and present a larger scientific project within the field.
S2: The candidate can work independently in the laboratory, use standard laboratory equipment, modern instrumentation and classical techniques to conduct experiments.
S3: The candidate has knowledge of timely laboratory techniques and can apply them; such as cloning techniques, cell-tissue culture methods, methods to analyse metabolites, DNA, RNA, and proteins, immunological methods, microscopy, mass spectrometry, real-time PCR, isothermal micro-calorimetry, absorption- and fluorescence spectroscopy.
S4: The candidate understands the aim of various analytical methods, can conduct experiments and document and analyse results.
S5: The candidate has knowledge of appropriate procedures for keeping healthy and secure conditions in a laboratory.
S6: The candidate is able to communicate research results both orally and in written form in a precise way using scientific terminology.
General Competence
G1: The candidate has developed a general competence/expertise within biochemistry/biotechnology/bioinformatics/molecular biology/biomedical sciences, and how environmental factors influence organisms and their physiology.
G2: The candidate has the ability to reflect over central ethical and scientific issues in relation to her/his own and others’ work.
G3: The candidate is capable of developing new competence/ expertise within the field’s subject areas and contribute to innovation processes within these areas.
Academic requirements
A bachelor´s degree within one of the following disciplines is required:
- Biological Chemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Chemistry
The degree must include at least:
- 90 ECTS credits in chemistry and molecular biology/biology
- 10 ECTS credits in mathematics/statistics/calculus
Admission to this master's programme requires a minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C (according to ECTS Standards) in your bachelor's degree. Applicants with a result Second-class lower Division or lower are not qualified for admission.
Study plan and courses
Enrolment year: 2025
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Compulsory courses
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Biotechnology
Year 1, semester 1
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Protein Design
Year 1, semester 1
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Instrumental Analysis
Year 1, semester 1
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Master's Thesis in Biological Chemistry
Year 1, semester 2
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Electives or exchange studies 2nd semester - 30 points
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Courses at UiS 2nd semester
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Recommended electives
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Bioinformatics
Year 1, semester 2
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Advanced Cell Biology
Year 1, semester 2
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Sustainable Future Foods
Year 1, semester 2
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Other elective course
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Environmental Biotechnology and Bioprocessmodeling
Year 1, semester 2
Environmental Biotechnology and Bioprocessmodeling (MLJ640)
Study points: 10
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Exchange 2nd semester
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Exchange studies 2nd semester
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Application and admission
Contact
For inquiries regarding admission to international Master's programmes, send an email to: admissions@uis.no
Student life at UiS
Your student association:
Meet our former students
Student exchange
By going on exchange to one of our partner institutions abroad as part of your studies, you will have an opportunity to get a unique education. In addition to improving your career opportunities, you grow as a person and gain the ability to greater reflect on the topics you study as part of your degree.
Schedule for the exchange
Students can go on a study abroad experience during the 2nd semester of the master's programme in Biological Chemistry.
During the exchange semester you should choose courses related to your field of study. The courses you want to take abroad must be approved by the department. It is important that the courses from abroad do not overlap with courses you have already taken.
More opportunities
In addition to the recommended universities listed below, The University of Stavanger has a number of agreements with universities outside Europe that are applicable to all students at The University of Stavanger, provided that they find a relevant subject offering. Within the Nordic region, all students can use the Nordlys and Nordtek networks.
Contact your study adviser at the faculty if you have questions about guidance and pre-approval of courses: Hege Bakken
General questions about exchange:
Go to the exchange guide in the Digital student service desk
See where you can travel
Contact
Faculty Administration TN
Kontor for utdanningsadministrative tjenester
Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering