Master of Science in Molecular Biology

The master programme in molecular biology provides the student with solid and advanced understanding of current topics within this discipline. We conduct research on important biomolecules and their roles in the various life processes including diseases. The student can choose a research project among the areas of protein structure and function relationship, signal transduction and regulation in biological systems, and biological computation and bioinformatics (http://www.uib.no/en/mbi/53358/research-mbiresearch conducted at MBI). The research project is often part of a larger project where the student collaborates in groups with researchers. Through project work the student will learn how to work both independently and collaboratively in the laboratory. The student will learn to evaluate own results in relation to the hypothesis being tested. In addition, the student will develop skills to present own results, both orally and in writing. The student will also learn how to read and evaluate relevant literature. In addition to the practical work, other requirements include both mandatory and elective courses.

On completion of the programme the candidate should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate

• has advanced level of knowledge within the field of molecular biology - including protein structure and function, and holds specialized knowledge within the subfield connected to the master work
• has advanced knowledge about the theory behind basic molecular biology techniques such as gene technology and protein purification
• can collect, analyse and apply new knowledge within the field of molecular biology

Skills

The candidate

• can apply a wide range of basic molecular biology methods covering gene technology, protein expression and purification, and cell culture work
• can plan and carry out biochemical and molecular biology experiments and evaluate critically the results in relation to the hypothesis being tested
• is able to carry out an independent research project under guidance of supervision
• will develop good skills to present and discuss quantitative data and to master basic statistical tools
• can read relevant literature and apply this knowledge in reasoning and in the formulation of new ideas within the field of molecular biology

General competence

The candidate

• can analyse scientific problems and participate in discussion to solve such problems
• has the skills to present scientific knowledge and research both orally and in written form both to scientists and to the public
• can reflect about key ethical issues and scientific problems in research
• has the skills to demonstrate understanding and respect for scientific values such as transparency and accuracy, and to discriminate between knowledge and opinions

Who may apply?

You need a Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology or equivalent education - with first class results. Admission to the programme will be based on content and performance in chemistry and molecular biology, which in general should not be any less than three semesters worth of courses.

Equivalent education must include basic molecular biology and may be a three year engineering or bioengineering degree, or with a background in biology, chemistry, physics or informatics. In addition practical laboratory skills in molecular biology/biochemistry are required. We emphasize skills in and experience with practical laboratory work, corresponding to the content in http://www.uib.no/en/course/MOL221MOL221 Experimental Molecular Biology I and http://www.uib.no/en/course/MOL222MOL222 Experimental Molecular Biology II.

Applicants with 2nd class, upper division/B average or the equivalent will not be considered for admission. Only applicants with grades in first division will be considered.

How many places?

Within 5 places are reserved for qualified international applicants in the Master's Programme in Molecular Biology.

Application procedure

Main uptake in the autumn semester. For more information about the application procedure please see:

• For international applicants residing abroad (Application deadline 1 December)

http://www.uib.no/en/education/48934/international-masters-degree-applicants-residing-abroadhttp://www.uib.no/en/education/48934/international-masters-degree-applicants-residing-abroad

• For international applicants residing in Norway (Application deadline 15 April and 1 November) http://www.uib.no/en/matnat/54992/international-masters-degree-applicants-residing-norway

The master's programme consists of two components: Coursework of 60 credits and an individual research project (master¿s thesis MOL399) of 60 credits. Courses: The courses MOL300 Practical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and MOL310 Structural Molecular Biology are compulsory. In addition, there are 30 credits of elective courses, chosen in agreement with the supervisor.

Master's thesis: MOL399 Master's thesis in Molecular Biology of 60 credits

The Master's thesis must be submitted within a deadline at the end of the fourth semester, 20 November or 1 June.

4. semester

MOL399 Master's thesis in molecular Biology

3. semester

MOL399 Master's thesis in molecular Biology

2. semester

MOL310

Elective course

Elective course

1. semester

MOL300

Elective course

A combination of teaching and learning methods is used in the various courses, including lectures, hands-on laboratory and colloquiums.

You may find more information in the course description.

The Master¿s thesis is an independently scientific work, under supervision of an academic supervisor

Department of Molecular Biology, E-mail: advice@mbi.uib.no

For more information about studying at the Department of Molecular Biology: http://www.uib.no/en/mbi/52546/master-studies-molecular-biology

Please contact the academic adviser for the program

if you have any questions:

Advice@mbi.uib.no

Phone: + 47 55 58 45 29

A first degree (bachelor´s degree) of three or four years´ duration from an approved institution of higher education, as well as proficiency in the English language.

In the work with the master´s project you will learn and make use of a vide spectre of methods and scientific working techniques in modern molecular biology. You will learn, in an independent way, to plan and conduct scientific experiments and to critically evaluate own results as well as current literature. Research in molecular biology is centred around laboratory experiments, however, training in bioinformatics will be included as well as scientific writing.

In agreement with your academic supervisor, you will choose a master thesis (60 ECTS-credits) and make a progression plan containing important milestones for your project. As a master student you will normally be associated to a research group at the department, and the master´s project will be given within the research fields of the group. The master´s project can also be carried out in collaborating research groups at the Institute of Marine Research and Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology.

A master´s programme in molecular biology consists of an individual research project (master´s thesis) of 60 ECTS and courses of 60 ECTS. Two courses are mandatory; Methods in molecular biology and Protein structure and function. In addition, you might be required by the programme committee to take specific courses to ensure that you have the required knowledge in molecular biology and chemistry.