Master's Programme in Molecular Biology

Objectives / Contents

Molecular biology is the study of biological macromolecules and the processes in which they are involved. We study the molecular structure, chemistry and physics of DNA, RNA, protein, carbohydrates and lipids to understand their place and function in the living organisms. At the Department of Molecular Biology, research mainly focuses on basic problems, such as gene organising and expression, protein structure and function, chromatin structure, developmental biology, toxicology, structural and functional studies of bacteria and viruses, cancer research, proteome and genome research. Gene technology and bioinformatics are important tools in our research.

The Master´s Programme in Molecular Biology will result in a wide-ranging knowledge and understanding of the field of molecular biology. During the master´s programme you will plan and carry out biochemical and molecular biological experiments, and evaluate the results in light of the hypothesis being tested. The programme will provide you with experience when it comes to oral and written presentation of results and theories, and training in critical reading and evaluation of relevant scientific literature.

Admission requirements

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 basic laboratory skills in molecular biology/biochemistry are required.

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.

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/education/admission/master/international-applicants-residing-abroad

For international applicants residing in Norway (Application deadline 15 April) http://www.uib.no/education/admission/master/international-applicants-residing-in-norway

The Degree

The master´s programme leads to the degree of Master of Science in Molecular Biology. It is a two-year programme (120 ECTS credits).

Objectives / Contents

Molecular biology is the study of biological macromolecules and the processes in which they are involved. We study the molecular structure, chemistry and physics of DNA, RNA, protein, carbohydrates and lipids to understand their place and function in the living organisms. At the Department of Molecular Biology, research mainly focuses on basic problems, such as gene organising and expression, protein structure and function, chromatin structure, developmental biology, toxicology, structural and functional studies of bacteria and viruses, cancer research, proteome and genome research. Gene technology and bioinformatics are important tools in our research.

The Master´s Programme in Molecular Biology will result in a wide-ranging knowledge and understanding of the field of molecular biology. During the master´s programme you will plan and carry out biochemical and molecular biological experiments, and evaluate the results in light of the hypothesis being tested. The programme will provide you with experience when it comes to oral and written presentation of results and theories, and training in critical reading and evaluation of relevant scientific literature.

Admission Requirements

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 basic laboratory skills in molecular biology/biochemistry are required.

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.

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/education/admission/master/international-applicants-residing-abroad

For international applicants residing in Norway (Application deadline 15 April) http://www.uib.no/education/admission/master/international-applicants-residing-in-norway

Contact information

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