Program Overview

Introduction to the Molecular Biology, Immunology and Infection Biology Master Programme

The Molecular Biology, Immunology and Infection Biology Master Programme at Lund University is an interdisciplinary programme that offers a strong foundation in molecular biology, with a focus on microbiology and immunology. These fields are increasingly vital to sustainable development and global health challenges, such as infectious diseases. The programme aims to build deep subject knowledge while developing skills in experimental design and data analysis.

Programme Overview

The programme is taught in English and takes place over two years, comprising 120 credits. It is designed to prepare students for careers in academia or research-intensive industries. The educational environment and programme have a significant international character, with a strong research connection. All teachers are active researchers, ensuring the curriculum is continuously updated to reflect the latest scientific developments.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching takes place in adapted facilities with advanced laboratory equipment and includes a high proportion of scheduled activities, ensuring close contact with lecturers and teaching assistants. The programme emphasizes both oral and written presentation, as well as teamwork. In the first semester, students take compulsory courses in microbiology and immunology. The second semester begins with a core course in immunology and infection biology, followed by elective courses such as pharmacology, antibiotics, microscopy, genetics, and/or bioinformatics.

Programme Structure

• The structure of the programme is flexible, allowing students to shape their studies according to their interests.
• Students may include up to 30 credits of completely free choice courses in their degree.
• The programme contains compulsory elements that require students to work independently and safely in laboratory environments.
• Ethical concerns, such as patient-centred activities in healthcare, animal testing, or dissection, are addressed, and students are obliged to acquire knowledge and skills in these areas.

Career Prospects

Graduates are well-prepared for careers in research-intensive sectors, such as vaccine and drug development, biotechnology, and related industries. The programme also provides a solid foundation for doctoral studies.

Requirements and Selection

Prerequisites

• Bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits or the equivalent, with specific requirements in science, biomedicine, engineering, molecular biology, human/animal physiology, and chemistry.
• Proficiency in English equivalent to English 6/B from Swedish upper-secondary school.

Selection Criteria

• Based on grades awarded for previous academic courses.
• A statement of purpose for the application to the study programme.

Tuition Fees

• Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens: SEK 370,000 for the full programme, with the first payment being SEK 92,500.
• No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.

Scholarships and Funding

• Lund University Global Scholarship Programme: a merit-based and selective scholarship for top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
• African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship: for top academic students from selected African research universities.
• Swedish Institute Scholarship: for international students from certain countries applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden.
• Country-specific scholarships and funding options are also available.

Programme Syllabus

The syllabus contains the formal and legal details of the entire programme, outlining the course structure and requirements. It is a legal document intended mainly for administrative use.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Opportunities for Internships, Research Projects, or Industry Collaborations: Yes, students can do their thesis project in a research group or company, and internships are highly recommended for valuable professional contacts.
• Workload and Learning Independence: The programme has a high amount of scheduled time, especially in labs, enabling students to develop strong laboratory skills. The curriculum emphasizes group work, scientific writing, and critical thinking.
• Admission Competitiveness: The programme is very competitive, with selection criteria based primarily on grades and motivation letters.
• Research Orientation: The programme has a strong connection to current research, with all lecturers being active researchers, and courses are updated to reflect the latest developments in the field.