Master in Molecular Techniques in Life Science

The joint master's programme in Molecular Techniques in Life Science fosters graduates for a professional research career in life science. It has a strong focus on molecular techniques for disease therapies and diagnostic tools, coupled with substantial training in data analysis (bioinformatics and programming). The programme is a collaboration between Karolinska Institutet, KTH and Stockholm University at the Science for Life Laboratory in Stockholm, offering students the unique opportunity to study at all three institutions.

Molecular Techniques in Life Science at KTH

Our understanding of biology at a molecular level has advanced dramatically in recent years, enabled by the rapid technological progress in molecular techniques used in all aspects of life science. This has led to the development of new therapies and diagnostic tools for the effective treatment of diseases, as well as novel insights into complex cellular processes at the molecular level.

Through the master's programme in Molecular Techniques in Life Science, you will receive a comprehensive education in life science. The programme emphasises cutting-edge methods in bioinformatic analysis of molecular data, including learning how to programme, combined with state-of-the-art techniques used in modern "high throughput" molecular biology.

The programme is delivered by a team of teachers who are internationally recognised researchers within their respective disciplines, to ensure a relevant curriculum at the research forefront. The courses give a solid education in molecular biology, biotechnology, and medicine. There is a strong focus on high-throughput biology and data analysis, including biostatistics, programming, and the translation of biological findings from the lab bench to the patient's bedside. The programme also develops skills and abilities essential to a professional career. These skills and abilities include oral and written presentation, teamwork, and how to make ethical and societal considerations about life science-related issues, all of which are essential competencies when leading projects in academia and industry.

This is a two-year programme (120 ECTS credits) given in English. Graduates are awarded the degree of Master of Science.

Degree project

In the last semester of the programme, you will carry out a degree project focused on a research topic related to a subject in the curriculum. You will complete the project in a research group at either Karolinska Institute, KTH, Stockholm University, Science for Life Laboratory, another internationally recognised university or research institute, or in industry. In recent years, students have, amongst other institutions, carried out their projects at Harvard Medical School and the University of Oxford. Examples of previous degree project topics are:

• Molecular mechanisms of exercise effects on cancer.
• Use of conditional Generative Adversarial Networks (GANS) for introducing lesions to mammogram data of healthy individuals.
• Cryo-EM identification of plant cytosolic ribosome-associated protein.
• Modulation of B cell autoimmunity in experimental Myasthenia gravis with tolerogenic nanoparticles.

Topics covered

Bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics, molecular life science methods, programming, biostatistics, translational medicine.

Sustainable development

Graduates from KTH have the knowledge and tools for moving society in a more sustainable direction, as sustainable development is an integral part of all programmes. The three key sustainable development goals addressed by the master's programme in Molecular Science and Engineering are:

• 3 Good Health and Well-being
• 5 Gender Equality
• 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

After graduating from the master's programme, you will be able to contribute to UN Goals #3 Good Health and Well-being and #9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (subgoal 9.5 - Enhance scientific research). The reason is focus of the programme is on training students to understand, use, and develop molecular techniques for disease therapies and diagnostic tools, aiming at translating biological findings into medicine. This may also include conditions primarily affecting women and developing countries, hence addressing UN Goal #5 Gender Equality.

The combination of molecular biology, biotechnology, medicine, and data analysis provides an excellent profile for a professional research career in an academic setting or the biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries. The life science industries and academic institutions working in these areas are active, and the life science sector is expanding worldwide, which gives students a wide range of possible employment. There is an active alumni association connecting current students with graduates from the programme.

After graduation

Most graduates of the programme have taken on research positions at prestigious research institutions, in Sweden or abroad.