Molecular biology (Master's)

Molecular biology is the key to understanding nature and finding future-oriented solutions to important societal challenges such as diseases, food shortages and new vaccines. A Master’s degree in Molecular Biology will give you a solid understanding of molecular mechanisms and genetic engineering.

What will you learn?

A Master’s degree in Molecular Biology will give you in-depth knowledge, both theoretical and practical, of molecular biological processes and methods. Knowledge of theoretical and practical molecular biology is necessary to be able to understand and design new knowledge within biotechnology, as well as biological and medical science.

After completing your master's degree, you will: 

• Possess the ability to plan and execute molecular biological and biochemical experiments and critically assess the results in relation to the hypothesis you are testing. 

• Have strong competence in presenting knowledge about scientific topics and research findings, both orally and in writing. 

• Be capable of working both independently and collaboratively within a laboratory environment. 

• Have learned to read, assess and stay current with relevant scientific literature. 

Student life

Molecular biology is part of the Department of Biosciences (BIO), which is located at Marineholmen near the centre of Bergen city. This programme has a vibrant international environment, hosting a diverse community of students and researchers from across the globe.

Our master's students have their own study hall and area for social activities situated near the research laboratories, fostering a collaborative atmosphere between staff and students.

Helix, the student organisation for molecular biology students, is very active and invites students to engage in various social events throughout the year.

During a typical week as a master's student, you will spend a lot of time in the laboratory. You will also have lectures, seminars, colloquiums, project work, presentations and assignments. This is a busy full-time study programme, with many activities every day.

Career

With a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, you can work in research and teaching, both as a scientific employee and as support staff - at universities, colleges, hospitals and other research institutes. 

You can also work in areas such as 

• Biotechnology industry 

• Biomedical and pharmaceutical industry 

• Food research 

• Oil industry 

• Marine research 

• Forensic science/medicine 

• Environmental and climate research 

• Public administration 

You can continue your academic career by taking a doctoral degree (PhD).

Read interviews with former students
Admission requirements and how to apply
Grade requirements: C (2.5)
Requires a minimum average grade of Norwegian grade C (2,5) or the equivalent, to be eligible for admission.

Students with citizenship from countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland must pay tuition fees. Some applicants may be exempted from this rule.

Citizens from outside the EU/EEA/EFTA have an application deadline of 4 January
Citizens from within the European Union/EEA (application deadline 1 March)
Nordic citizens and applicants residing in Norway (application deadline 15 April)

The programme has main admissions in the autumn and supplementary admissions in the spring (application deadline 1 November), if not all places are filled in the autumn.

Submission deadline for autumn semester: 15 April
Teaching language

Teaching language: Norwegian and English

Study structure

In the first year as a master's student in Molecular Biology you take courses (60 ECTS) and in the second year you work in the lab and write your Master's thesis (60 ECTS). 

Some courses are compulsory, but you can choose most courses based on your interests. 

This is how the study plan can look, starting in the autumn: 

 

Semester 1 (autumn): 

• Practical biochemistry and molecular biology (MOL300, 20 ECTS), compulsory 

• Elective course at 200- or 300-level (10 ECTS). 

For example: Developmental Genetics (MOL213, 10 ECTS), LIPID: molecular, cellular and biochemical properties in health and disease (MOL210, 10 ECTS) and/or Techniques, model systems and current research topics in molecular biology (MOL220, 10 ECTS). '

 

Semester 2 (spring): 

• Structural molecular biology (MOL310, 10 ECTS), compulsory 

• Elective courses at 200- or 300-level (20 ECTS). 

For example: Molecular biology of the nervous system (MOL214, 10 ECTS), Innovation in industrial biotechnology (MOL232, 10 ECTS) and/or Bioethics (MOL270, 10 ECTS) 

 

Semesters 3 and 4: 

• MOL399 master's thesis in molecular biology (60 ECTS) 

Study abroad

Our master's degree curriculum does not include a scheduled study period abroad. In cases where the supervisor has partners abroad, it may be possible to travel there for a limited period as part of a master’s project. 

See recommended exchange agreements

Further studies

After completing your master's degree, you can apply for a paid position as a doctoral student (PhD) within molecular biology and related topics, either in Norway or abroad.

Questions about the study?

Phone number: +47 55 58 30 30
E-mail: studie@bio.uib.no
Study plan

A study plan is a formal document between you as a student and the University of Bergen. The study plan must provide a clear framework for the study, describe the learning goals you will achieve and how the study is structured.

Study plan for Master's Programme in Molecular Biology