Master's in Biochemistry

The Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine of the University of Oulu offers a highly international environment of cutting edge research in protein structure analysis, enzymology, proteomics, bioimaging, developmental biology, matrix biology and metabolism research.

The faculty is also dedicated to combining its expertise in chemistry with knowledge in biofluidics. This new development is aimed at the design of novel diagnostic tools, devices which are reliable, portable, easy to use and enormously helpful in diagnosing diseases and monitoring patients.

The faculty is very diverse, as about fifty percent of the staff is native to other countries than Finland, and research groups are well connected globally to other specialists and research groups in their fields of study.

Due to the Biochemistry programme's small intake, students get a lot of attention, sometimes even one-to-one teaching. Reaching out to professors' offices is made easy. Students benefit from collegial interaction and the English-speaking study environment.

The Biochemistry programme provides a possibility to join a double degree programme with two German universities:

• University of Ulm (Molecular Medicine)
• Ruhr University Bochum (Stem Cell and Molecular Biology).

Access to these programmes can be obtained by competitive application. The programmes entail a minimum of one semester or 30 credits of studies at the partner university. Participants will obtain a separate diploma from both University of Oulu and the German counterpart, making this a true double degree.

Education leading to a Master's degree in Protein Science and Biotechnology or Molecular Medicine provides the student with the ability to:

• Apply scientific knowledge and methods to topical tasks and to undertake scientific research under supervision.
• Analyze information and data and place their setting within a theoretical network accompanied by critical reflection and assessment.
• Integrate the subject area as a coherent whole.
• Communicate with good language skills for national and international tasks.
• Demonstrate transferable and cognitive skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and critically about science using a variety of approaches.
• Apply further knowledge, including the abilities to conceive, design and implement independent research.
• Demonstrate capability for scientific postgraduate work.

In general, continuous assessment is used in the courses, which means that the final exam of a course is not the sole determining factor in the final grade. In addition to, or as part of, lectures activating working methods are used, like problem solving, workshops and seminars.

For detailed information about courses and the programme structure, look at the study guide:

• Read the study guide for Biochemistry programme

The ideal candidate is an academically accomplished individual with a B.Sc. or higher in Biochemistry, Chemistry or a related field in the life sciences. They are deeply passionate about using scientific knowledge to address real-world problems and improve lives.

With a strong foundation in laboratory skills, they are eager to expand their expertise through hands-on training and internships. Excellent communication skills and the drive for postgraduate research are essential. They are poised to join a global network of prestigious institutions and contribute significantly to the biomedical industry.

Read about eligibility and admissions procedure for this programme, detailed information available at Studyinfo.

The skills gained in the programme offer you the academic training and expertise required to succeed in a research environment. Graduates of the programme have been able to get into very prestigious Ph.D. programmes in universities around the world, such as Harvard, Imperial College, Oxford, Karoliniska, Zürich, Lausanne, Helsinki, Vienna, Copenhagen and so on.