MSc 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 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. The programme leads to a joint degree between Karolinska Institute, Stockholm University and KTH, and KTH issues the degree certificate.

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.

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm is one of Europe’s leading technical universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers, and faculty from around the world dedicated to advancing knowledge.

History

KTH is a university with a rich history of pioneering ideas and innovation that dates back to 1827. For nearly 200 years KTH has educated students who have gone on to influence our present and make the technological advances that define modern society. Still today, KTH shapes the talents that will find the solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.

Research

KTH is working with industry and society in the pursuit of sustainable solutions to some of humanity’s most significant challenges: climate change, future energy supply, urbanisation, and quality of life for the rapidly-growing elderly population. We are addressing these with world-leading, high-impact research and education in natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as in architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history, and philosophy. Almost two-thirds of the SEK 4 billion turnovers are related to research.

Basic and applied research is performed side-by-side at KTH and interdisciplinary research is conducted in parallel with work in specific fields.

Career

KTH maintains close relationships with an expanding network of international companies and the industrial community in a number of fields, and working and studying here provides access to this network.

The latest career report shows that 94 percent of those who graduated from KTH 2010-2012 have been employed since they finished their degree and a remaining 6 percent have gone on to Ph.D. studies. Of the international student population, 30 percent go on to Ph.D. studies at KTH or other renowned universities. 32 percent of KTH Alumni leave Sweden for work or studies abroad. 13 percent lead others in their work, and 13 percent have already received their first managerial position.