Master of Science in Life Sciences

The Master of Science Program in Life Sciences is a unique program based on Skoltech’s cutting-edge research in data-intensive biomedicine and biotechnologies.

Highlights:

• Opportunity to master the fields of biomedicine and biotechnology in a unique educational environment, with emphasis on hands-on lab and field experience rather than abstract learning;
• Special emphasis on bioinformatics and mathematical biology methods and approaches;
• Renowned international faculty with global experience and collaborations;
• A variety of disciplines covering major topics in modern and medical biotechnology;
• Flexible individual educational tracks;
• Diverse and strong collaboration with international and Russian partners, including MIT, Harvard Medical School, the Pasteur Institute, and others;
• Many of the students’ projects result in publications, often in top journals.

The MSc program is 2 years long: the first year is to strengthen your theoretical background, and the second year is to focus on research. Students have the freedom to choose courses and extracurricular activities to shape their individual trajectory, acquire soft skills, and gain entrepreneurial skills to prepare for job placement.

A successful graduate of the program will know and be able to:

• Apply knowledge of mathematics and science;
• Design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
• Function in multi-disciplinary teams;
• Identify, formulate and solve problems in biotechnology;
• Communicate effectively;
• Use the techniques, skills, and modern technological tools necessary for biotechnological practice;
• A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning;
• A knowledge of contemporary issues;
• Knowledge of probability and statistics, including applications appropriate to the biotechnology program and objectives.

Aim and objectives

The aim of the program is to train highly qualified researchers both for academia and biotechnology companies:

• to learn from the best international experts in priority areas of biotechnology;
• to master an interdisciplinary approach to breakthrough scientific projects;
• to acquire hands-on experience in the biotech business.

Cell and Molecular Biology Track

The Cell and Molecular Biology track prepare top-level scientists in the area of experimental biology and functional genomics. The area of cell and molecular biology advances our understanding of how genes and their products function in an organism, moving towards a complete picture of cellular molecular machines as the essence of life.

Bioinformatics and Genomics Track

The Bioinformatics and Genomics track covers diverse areas of modern biology, ranging from function and regulation of individual genes to big data analysis of cellular interactions at all levels, from genome to metabolome and chromatin structure, and to molecular evolution.

Agrobiotechnology Track

The Agro track prepares top-level scientists to develop research and innovation in the globally dynamic sector of agro-related industry and startups. The track focuses on genetic/genomic approaches (including computational methods) for plants and animals, aiming to improve efficiency, sustainability, resilience, and profitability of agriculture – one of the most steadily developing sectors of the Russian economy.

Neurobiology and Neurorehabilitation Track

The Neurobiology and Neurorehabilitation track prepares top-notch experts in the rapidly developing and multidisciplinary field of neural technologies. The track covers fundamental Neuroscience (from brain molecules to function and systems), clinical application, engineering, and relevant mathematical methods — the areas with huge scientific and economic prospects.

Content

The biotechnology program includes courses and seminars on gene engineering, molecular biology, pharmacology, bioinformatics, neurosciences, and a range of additional subjects that students can elect as options.

In the first year, we offer courses and seminars, and extensive hands-on training in a well-equipped molecular biology teaching laboratory and a brand new bioinformatics teaching laboratory. In addition to courses in the broad field of life science, students are expected to take courses in innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as at least one industry immersion program with our industrial partners. During the second year of the program, students complete individual research projects under the supervision of Skoltech faculty, followed by their Master’s thesis defense.

Program structure

The 2-year program comprises compulsory and recommended elective courses on the most important topics, a wide set of elective courses (depending on the research and professional needs of the student), components of entrepreneurship and innovation, research activity, and 8 weeks of industry immersion.

Research

Main research areas:

• Bacterial CRISPR-Cas immunity; genome editing, new antibiotics
• Study of Long Noncoding RNA in cancer and liver pathology, targeted and non-targeted drug delivery
• Dopamine transporters, receptors, signal transduction, and GPCR regulatory mechanisms in dopamine-related functions and behaviors
• The ubiquitin ligases in cancer
• Variation of gene expression in adult and embryonic stem cells and stem cell sub-populations
• Evolutionary genomics of bacteria
• Three-dimensional structure and functional state of chromatin

Career opportunities and paths

Students engage with biotech business and entrepreneurship and work closely with innovative companies. Understanding how biomedical business works helps not only to choose a more successful career path but also to become a more efficient researcher. This is why Skoltech embeds several industry immersion programs into the curriculum, which are organized in partnership both with large established companies and early-stage start-ups.

In addition, students take courses on innovation management and entrepreneurship.

Paths:

• Ph.D. positions in academic & research institutions.
• Specialist positions such as biochemist, bioinformatician, medical genetics, a biomedical engineer in related Biomed economy sectors as well as Skolkovo resident companies and startups.

Entry requirements

Relevant Bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent in biology, chemistry, agro, IT, physics, medicine.

English language requirements:

If your education was not conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.

Application requirements

The online application​ makes the process easier for potential students. We advise you carefully read the application instructions, requirements, and deadlines for the chosen academic program.

The application includes the following documents: a CV, two letters of recommendation, a TOEFL/IELTS score report, and a motivation letter. Applicants who do not have proof of English proficiency may take the TOEFL ITP during a Selection Weekend at Skoltech.

Selection process

1. Prepare your portfolio
   Prepare your competitive selection application materials.
2. Submit your application
   Upload your materials into the application system and submit your application.
3. Online testing
   Every candidate must take an online profile test. You will be notified by email about the specific date and time of your test.
4. In-person interviews (online)
   The final selection stage takes place in Moscow. You have to pass the TOEFL ITP exam on-site, or present a valid TOEFL certificate and pass an in-person interview. Extra written examinations may be required for certain programs during this time (you will be notified in advance).

©The Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)

What our students say

Zenobio Antonio Viana de Barros
BSc, University Center for Education in Osasco → MSc, Skoltech → Ph.D., University of Perugia

"Since I got my bachelor's degree in Biology, in Brazil, I was looking for an MSc program that could combine a high-profile lineup of professors performing cutting-edge research and a program that could allow me to envision doing research in a startup/industrial environment. Well, no other place could better combine both worlds than Skoltech! The challenging curriculum, from which I could choose the most specific disciplines for my goals, clearly improved my knowledge and skills towards performing serious research and how to apply it for market purposes. I am grateful for the world-class education I had access to in the STEM field, for the business-related studies, and for the remarkable experience I got from the Biotechnology program at Skoltech!"

Elena Romanenkova
BSc, Russian State Agrarian University - Moscow Timiryazev AgriculturalAcademy → MSc, Skoltech → Rusagro

"The best part of the Life Sciences MSc program is that you can learn everything on the fly! Literally. Before admission to Skoltech, I had some experience in the "wet" lab and no experience in bioinformatics. However, at Skoltech I had the privilege to choose subjects to study (from basic to advanced level), I mastered new methods in a "wet" lab and plunged into bioinformatics data analysis. The Life Sciences program offers a wide range of electives, a flexible schedule, lectures from world-class professors, excellent labs, cutting-edge research, various club activities, leadership & entrepreneurship. Telling the truth, for me, the degree is not as important as the value of my work to society. I believe that everything I have learned has a practical application."