Master in Biochemistry with Specialization in Protein Chemistry
Stockholm, Sweden
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
01 Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
SEK 70,000 / per semester *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are not required to pay fees
Introduction
Proteins are the building blocks of life. They play a central role in various disease processes and can also be used for therapeutic purposes. If you want to learn more about these fascinating molecules then the master’s program in Biochemistry with Specialization in Protein Chemistry is for you.
The master’s program in Biochemistry with Specialization in Protein Chemistry will provide a detailed understanding of proteins, from their physical properties and structures, to how they behave, interact, and function in complex environments. You will study current techniques which are used to understand proteins, their folding, structure, cellular localization, interactions, and functions.
You will learn the basics principles of recombinant protein production, protein engineering, and protein purification, as well biophysical characterization and structure determination of proteins by for instance x-ray crystallography, NMR, and cryo-EM. Moreover, you will also get to dive into the world of biological membranes, which consist of both proteins and lipids, as well as study how protein expression can be modified and studied in live eukaryotic cells.
The fast-paced courses in this program are taught in small groups and they include significant lab time, allowing you to develop the lab skills that Stockholm University graduates are renowned for, and which employers expect. Writing reports, giving presentations, and reading papers will be second nature to you when you have finished the program.
The teaching is problem-based, meaning you will also be challenged to develop skills like self-sufficiency and creative thinking, which will help your career outside the lab. It is real science for the real world.
While attending the Biochemistry with Specialization in Protein Chemistry program you will be surrounded by internationally recognized biochemistry researchers, including some of the people who choose the Nobel Prize winners. In addition, you will be able to attend the Nobel lectures of the prize winners themselves.
The program is also structured in a way that makes it possible to study abroad for one semester (the third). One of our exchange partners is the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which many of our students take advantage of since it is a great experience personally and because of its focus on biomolecular science.
Curriculum
The program is 120 ECTS and starts at the end of August each year. The program consists of six mandatory courses (of a total of 60 ECTS) and a mandatory independent master thesis project of 30, 45, or 60 ECTS.
You will also be able to take university-level electives of 0-30 ECTS depending on the length of the master thesis project. This will enable you to broaden your horizons even further by studying a different branch of chemistry to become interdisciplinary if you wish. You could also study abroad for one semester.
Year 1
Fall semester
- Advanced Methods in Biochemistry, 7.5 ECTS (KB7014)
- Protein structure and function I, 7.5 ECTS (KB7020)
- Protein structure and function II, 15 ECTS (KB8028)
Spring semester
- Spectroscopy of biological molecules, 7.5 ECTS (KB8023)
- Structure and Dynamics of Biological membranes, 7.5 ECTS (KB7000)
- Proteins in eukaryotic cells, 15 ECTS (KB8027)
Year 2
60 ECTS independent degree project (KB9026).
or
15 ECTS elective courses and 45 ECTS independent degree projects (KB9025).
or
30 ECTS elective courses and 30 ECTS independent degree projects (KB9024).
Independent project
The independent project is your chance to really focus on research and to study something you are really interested in. The project can be performed in a research group at Stockholm University, at another university or at a research organisation.
Career Opportunities
Many of our students use this program as a stepping stone towards obtaining a Ph.D. and an academic career. However, alumni from the program have also landed jobs with top pharmaceutical and biotech firms.