Bachelor of Science in Life Science

Bachelor of Science Programme in Life Science

As a chemist and molecular biologist you can for example work with the development of pharmaceuticals, vaccines and forensic techniques or the refinement of plants. The Bachelor of Science programme in Life Science covers a broad spectrum of chemistry and molecular biology. Your teachers have a close link to leading research in fields such as microbiology, medicinal, biological and environmental chemistry, infection medicine and plant- and forest biotechnology.

Life Sciences is very broad, but it is based on chemistry and biology. In order to provide a university education in Life Science, we have therefore chosen to place the program at two departments - Department of Chemistry and Department of Molecular Biology. In this way, we can have experts teaching students on the program in all areas. And since all teachers are researchers, we have strong research links to important applications in society.

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020 was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier who was active at Umeå University when the CRISPR-Cas9 method was developed.

The first and second year gives you basic knowledge of chemistry and molecular biology. You take courses in, for example, bioorganic chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology and molecular genetics. During the third year you may choose to specialize in these fields by taking advanced courses or broaden your knowledge in other subjects. The programme ends with a thesis project.

All instruction in English

The teaching consists of lectures, lessons, group work, seminars and laboratory work with a strong focus on problem solving. During laboratory exercises you use modern techniques to study chemical and molecular biological processes. All course literature and instruction is in English and you have the possibility to study one or two semesters abroad at one of our partner universities.

Read about an ordinary day at the programme

More information on the programme webpage

Further studies?

The programme provides you with the theoretical and practical skills you need in your future work life and work prospects are generally good. As a chemist or molecular biologist you can for example work in pharmaceutical and biotech companies, often with research, development or communication. Other professions include: environmental consultant, company leader, salesperson, investigator or science journalist. The education builds a solid basis for doctoral studies in the field of Life Science.

A stated goal of being leading life-science nation

Sweden has a national strategy for life science with a stated goal of being a leading life-science nation. In Sweden alone there are thousands of companies and the sector is growing rapidly both internationally, in Sweden, and in Umeå.

You can read more about some of the companies in the Umeå region here: https://www.ubi.se/lifescience-umea/

We also have an active Life Science industry council to connect companies and the labour market to the program with guest lectures, information sessions, online events, and job fairs. There is a great and strongly growing need for people with education in Life Sciences!

Umeå University was founded in 1965 and is Sweden's fifth oldest university. Today, we have a strong international and multicultural presence with students, teachers and researchers from all over the world. As one of the leading comprehensive universities in the nation, we are alive with enthusiasm, creativity and fresh ideas.

We constantly strive towards being one of Scandinavia and Europe's best environments for education , research and community engagement that meets the challenges of an ever-increasing global society.