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Biomedical Sciences, Master's, 2 years

How does the human body function? The Master’s programme in Biomedical Sciences will help you understand the health and functions of the human body at the molecular, cellular and physiological level. Biomedical research has a central role in shaping tomorrow's medicine, through the development of new drugs and understanding disease mechanisms.
  • TuitionFor non eu/eea citizens
  • Years2 Years
  • Grade requirementsMinimum C
  • LanguageEnglish
  • ECTS120
  • StartAutumn

Main content

What will you learn? 

With a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, you will learn to understand body function and health.  

Throughout the programme, you will develop the ability to:  

  • Critically analyse central theories, methods and results within the field of biomedicine, and work independently with practical and theoretical problem solving   
  • Conduct an independent research project under supervision and in line with established ethical norms and regulations  
  • Apply knowledge and skills acquired during the study to new areas and fields, to carry out advanced tasks and projects. 

The impact of new discoveries in biomedicine is significant: we develop technology that can lower the production costs of medicine; and we analyse cancer development and progression and develop molecular imaging techniques. Fighting infectious diseases through new therapies and vaccines can also affect life in developing countries. 

See full list of required learning outcomes

More information below

Student and lab
Photo:
Elias Dahlen

Student life 

In the initial year, you will be busy with courses, reading theory, getting to know other students, and gradually familiarising yourself with various research groups.   

In the second year you will work in the laboratory and become integrated in the research group matching your Master’s project. You will be assigned an office space to work on your project, shared with other Master’s students at the department. You will write your Master’s thesis, including theoretical work and laboratory work with your research group. This will amount to a full working week.  

This Master’s programme requires both independent work and cooperation in groups with other students and staff in the research group. You will be trained in soft skills such as scientific writing and dissemination skills. 

The Master’s programme offers you the opportunity to be a part of an active scientific community through everyday contact with researchers and students. You can engage in biomedical research and be an active member of an international research group.  

The Department of Biomedicine has excellent facilities in the Building for Basic Biological Research (BBB), which is located just outside the city centre. As a student you can join the Nucleus-student committee. 

Career 

The Master’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences will qualify you for various career opportunities, including:  

  • Scientific research and academic positions.   
  • Technical positions in research laboratories (Staff engineer).   
  • Lecturer positions within the education sector.   
  • Administrative consultancy, both in public and private businesses.   
  • HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) consultancy.   
  • Research communication roles.  

92 percent of alumni with a Master’s degree from The Faculty of Medicine report finding relevant work within two years of graduating.  

Admission requirements and how to apply 

Follow these links to find the general entry requirements and guidelines on how to apply: 

You will also have to meet the programme-specific entry requirements

All applicants with citizenship from outside the EU/EEA must pay tuition fees. 

Study structure 

The Master’s programme in Biomedical Sciences is a two-year full-time programme, starting in August each year. The field of biomedicine deals with questions like:  

  • What are the cellular mechanisms/pathways of diseases and disorders?   
  • How is the genotype of different diseases?           
  • How do genes and the environment interact?  
  • How can we improve/enhance therapeutic efficacy?  
  • How does the brain work? 

First semester 

In the first semester, you will have 40 hours of lectures and laboratory work per week. Most of it is mandatory.   

Mandatory courses:   

Second semester 

In the second semester, you will have around 10 hours of lectures and other activities per week. This varies depending on the courses you choose. Normally, the lectures are recommended and other activities are mandatory.   

The semester consists of elective courses relevant to your research field, 30 ECTS in total. You can choose other courses (both at UiB and other institutions) if they are approved by your supervisor and the Programme Committee. 

List of UiB courses

Third and fourth semesters 

Master’s project   

You can choose from the available Master’s topics or find a project on your own. The project must then be approved by the Programme Committee.   

You will meet your supervisor on a regular basis. You will be guided as the research project progresses in the lab, and especially when you are writing your thesis.  

See full list of courses

Study period abroad 

There are several options if you want to spend some time abroad. As a member of the Nordic Biomedical Master Network, we have agreements with universities in Sweden, Finland and Denmark.  

You can take courses (semester 3), and undertake lab projects and the experimental part of the Master's project (semester 3 and 4). 

See list of recommended exchange agreements

Further studies 

You can apply for a PhD degree at UiB or other institutions if you are interested in pursuing a career in research. 

Questions about the study? 

Phone: +47 55 58 64 00 (open 12.00 - 14.00 on weekdays) 

Mail: info.med@uib.no 

Study plan 

Link to the study plan