MSc in
MSc in Experimental and Medical Biosciences
Linköping University
Key Information
Campus location
Linköping, Sweden
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 semesters
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
SEK 361,100 / per year *
Application deadline
15 Jan 2024
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* only to students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland
Introduction
The Experimental and Medical Biosciences master’s program prepares students for a scientific career within the broad field of the life sciences, with particular emphasis on understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms related to health and disease.
The program has been designed to provide students with frontline knowledge in biomedicine and related subjects. It unites theoretical knowledge with practical skills, as is most clearly seen in the individual experimental projects.
The master’s program in Medical Biosciences at LiU received the highest rating in the Swedish Higher Education Authority’s assessment of Sweden’s biomedicine programs, with five of the evaluated learning outcomes being appraised as Very High Quality and the sixth as High Quality - – the best result of all international biomedicine master’s programs in Sweden.
Program description
The Experimental and Medical Biosciences master’s program prepares students for a scientific career within the broad field of the life sciences, with particular emphasis on understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms related to health and disease.
The program has been designed to provide students with frontline knowledge in biomedicine and related subjects. It unites theoretical knowledge with practical skills, as is most clearly seen in the individual experimental projects.
Courses are taught using several formats, including regular lectures, tutorial groups that apply problem-based learning (PBL), laboratory work, and seminar discussions. The laboratory classes use powerful model systems to illustrate modern concepts of medical biology, while PBL promotes lifelong learning. After two initial, mandatory courses, elective courses offer individual study plans and flexibility in creating a profile that increases the employability of all students within the life sciences. Different areas such as cardiovascular biology, stem cells, and applied regenerative medicine, medical genetics, and neurobiology are covered. Scientific reasoning, ethical attitudes, and multidisciplinary collaboration are given particular emphasis, in order to prepare students for an independent and professional future in biomedicine.
Individual projects in which students apply their theoretical and methodological knowledge are key parts of the program. During the first year, the project in Experimental and Medical Biosciences will allow students to work with on a specific assignment for ten or twenty weeks. During the second year, a one‑term degree project (master’s thesis) is carried out. Both projects are chosen in collaboration with a supervisor, and the student’s aim is to define a research goal, carry out the experimental work and produce a written report that places the work in the context of current knowledge in the field. The degree project is conducted in a research laboratory, either at Linköping University or at another Swedish or international university, in industry or in the public sector.
Double‑degree program
An extra feature of the program is the possibility for a limited number of students to study in Vienna, Austria, during the second year. Apart from the experience, an additional degree is earned Master of Science in Engineering. Studies at the University of Applied Sciences, Technikum Wien, within the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine program have a strong link to industry.
Syllabus
Introduction
Linköping University Master’s Programme in Experimental and Medical Biosciences comprises four semesters of full-time studies, in total 120 credits. Medical Biology is the main field of study of the program. Scientific methodology, biostatistics, and philosophy of science are part of the main field of study. The program is organized in courses, and experimental and practical work are combined with theoretical knowledge to allow integration of different subjects as well as progression within the program.
Aim
In the Higher Education Act, Chapter1, Section 9 (SFS 1992:1434), the following general learning outcomes for second-cycle courses and study programs have been established:
Second-cycle courses and study programs shall be based fundamentally on the knowledge acquired by students during first-cycle courses and study programs, or it's equivalent.
Second-cycle courses and study programs shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence, and skills in relation to first-cycle courses and study programs, and in addition to the requirements for first-cycle courses and study programs shall:
- Further, develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge.
- Develop the students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues, and situations.
- Develop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work. (Ordinance 2006:173).
National learning outcomes for a Degree of Master (120 credits)
According to the Higher Education Ordinance (Ordinance 2006:1053), the Qualification Ordinance, the following general qualifications have been established:
Knowledge and understanding
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialized knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work.
- Demonstrate specialized methodological knowledge in the main field of study.
Competence and skills
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall:
- Demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyze, assess, and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information.
- Demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously, and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work.
- Demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to report clearly and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences.
- Demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.
Judgment and approach
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall:
- Demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social, and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work.
- Demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society, and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used.
- Demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.
Independent project (degree project)
A requirement for the award of a Degree of Master (120 credits) is completion by the student of an independent project (degree project) for at least 30 credits in the main field of study. The degree project may comprise less than 30 credits, however no less than 15 credits, if the student has already completed an independent project in the second cycle for at least 15 credits in the main field of study or the equivalent from a program of study outside Sweden.
Research
Research at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Our research spans the entire medical field, from basic experimental research to patient-oriented research, health sciences, and public health. We focus on cooperation across professions and faculty borders, a combination that has proved successful.
Admissions
Curriculum
Semester 1 (Autumn 2024)
- 8MEA02 --- Analytical Techniques in Experimental Biosciences --- 7.5
- 8MEA06 --- Laboratory Techniques in Experimental Biosciences --- 7.5
- 8MEA15 --- Project in Experimental and Medical Biosciences --- 15
- 8MEA20 --- Project in Experimental and Medical Biosciences --- 30
- 8MEA01 --- Advanced Immunology --- 7.5
- 8MEA05 --- Laboratory Animal Sciences --- 7.5
- 8MEA12 --- Tumor Biology --- 7.5
- 8MEA14 --- The genetics of complex traits --- 7.5
Semester 2 (Spring 2025)
Preliminary courses
- 8MEA03 --- Cardiovascular Biology --- 7.5
- 8MEA04 --- Infection Biology - Clinical Perspectives --- 7.5
- 8MEA08 --- Molecular and Medical Pharmacology --- 7.5
- 8MEA10 --- Neurobiology --- 7.5
- 8MEA15 --- Project in Experimental and Medical Biosciences --- 15
- 8MEA20 --- Project in Experimental and Medical Biosciences --- 30
Semester 3 (Autumn 2025)
Preliminary courses
- 8MEA01 --- Advanced Immunology --- 7.5
- 8MEA05 --- Laboratory Animal Sciences --- 7.5
- 8MEA11 --- Stem Cells and Applied Regenerative Medicine --- 7.5
- 8MEA12 --- Tumor Biology --- 7.5
- 8MEA13 --- Molecular Virology --- 7.5
- 8MEA14 --- The genetics of complex traits --- 7.5
- 8MEA30 --- Degree Project --- 30
Semester 4 (Spring 2026)
Preliminary courses
- 8MEA03 --- Cardiovascular Biology --- 7.5
- 8MEA04 --- Infection Biology - Clinical Perspectives --- 7.5
- 8MEA08 --- Molecular and Medical Pharmacology --- 7.5
- 8MEA10 --- Neurobiology --- 7.5
- 8MEA30 --- Degree Project --- 30
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarships
Linköping University (LiU) offers a limited number of scholarships to outstanding international students. For some programs and nationalities, it is also possible to apply for a scholarship through the Swedish Institute. There are also other funding opportunities for studies in Sweden.
LiU International Scholarship
The LiU International Scholarship is aimed at supporting international master's degree students with significant academic potential who are required to pay tuition fees. The tuition fees for a student awarded a LiU International Scholarship are reduced by 25, 50, or 75%. We offer a limited number of these scholarships to new students.
Am I eligible to apply?
Students who have applied for a master’s program at Linköping University and who meet all the following conditions are eligible to apply for a scholarship:
- you applied by the deadline for the first admission round
- you submitted all the required documents by the deadline
- you chose a master’s program at Linköping University as your first priority (ranked as number 1 of 4)
- you have been admitted to your first choice in the First Notification of Selection Results (usually early April)
- you are required to pay tuition fees.
Scholarships for studies in Sweden
Swedish Institute scholarships
The government agency the Swedish Institute (SI) offers a variety of scholarships depending on the level of study, the country where you come from, and the purpose of your studies. The application period for the SI scholarships varies. Read more about the SI scholarships and how to apply on their webpage.
Other scholarships
Many associations, foundations, and other organizations offer scholarships or travel grants for studies in Sweden. The official StudyinSweden.se website has collated a list of resources, where you can look for scholarships open to students of many countries or from your country specifically.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities
The Experimental and Medical Biosciences master's program is designed to prepare students for careers in the pharmaceutical and health care industries. Graduates will be able to work in biomedical research settings, development or production companies, in the public sector or within academia, through Ph.D. programs.