Program Overview

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Bachelor of Science Programme in Life Science

The Bachelor’s programme in Life Science focuses on life, bridging chemistry and biology to explore living systems. Our teachers have close links to outstanding research in areas such as microbiology, medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, infectious medicine, and plant and forest biotechnology. After completing the programme, you can call yourself a chemist, molecular biologist or both, as you have the opportunity to finish your education with a double Bachelor's degree in both these subject areas.

Programme Details

• Type: Programme, first cycle
• Length: 3 years (full time)
• Study location: Umeå
• Type of studies: On campus

About the Programme

The programme provides students with a broad competence in chemistry and molecular biology. Career paths include pursuing a Master’s degree and having an academic career, or working in biotech industries with research and development, and communication.

Programme Overview

• Chemistry: 30%
• Molecular Biology: 30%
• Elective courses: 32%
• Thesis project: 8%

While Studying

The teaching includes a varied mix of lectures, lessons, group work, seminars and practical laboratory work with a particular focus on problem-solving. In the laboratory exercises, you will apply modern techniques to investigate chemical and molecular biological processes.

Year 1-3 Curriculum

• Year 1:
  • Biological chemistry
  • Fundamentals of chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Organic chemistry
• Year 2:
  • Microbiology and basic molecular biology
  • Basic and molecular genetics
  • Cell biology
  • Animal and plant physiology
• Year 3:
  • Breadth and depth through optional courses
  • Degree thesis in Chemistry or Molecular Biology

Double Bachelor's Degree

After studying the Life Science programme, you can call yourself a chemist, molecular biologist or both. You have the opportunity to finish your education with a double bachelor's degree in both of these fields of study, a double bachelor's degree requires only half a semester of extra study.

Future and Career Opportunities

The programme provides you with the theoretical and practical skills you need in your future work life and the work prospects are good. As a chemist or molecular biologist you can for example work in pharmaceutical and biotech companies, often with research, or development and communication.

Common Jobs

• In the development of new drugs and vaccines at pharmaceutical companies
• In medical technology
• At diagnostics companies, be able to make diagnostics
• Linked to criminology
• Production and development of e.g. food and makeup
• In project management and as a consultant in the entire life science sector
• In addition to this opportunity to continue in research

Further Studies

The Bachelor of Science Programme in Life Science qualifies for further studies on advanced level. A Master's degree provides a good basis for doctoral studies, but also increases your overall competitiveness on the labour market.

Master's Programmes

• Master's programme in Chemistry
• Master's programme in Molecular Biology
• Master's programme in Plant and Forest Biotechnology
• Master's programme in Bioinformatics

Programme Directors

• Erik Chorell, Associate professor
• Teresa Frisan, Professor

Programme Specialisation

The programme is offered in different specialisations. When you apply, you need to choose the specialisation that suits you best.

Education Language

The education is conducted in English.

Degree Requirements

180 credits in total, 90 credits need to be within chemistry or molecular biology, 15 credits need to be at bachelor’s level and 15 credits need to be a thesis at bachelors level.

Research Groups

As a student you are responsible for contacting a supervisor/research group with the help of the teacher responsible for the course.

Thesis

Yes, but we require that you have a co-supervisor from Umeå University.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Life Science?
• What is required for a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry and/or molecular biology?
• What courses are at the bachelor’s level/G2F?
• How do I find a research group/supervisor for my bachelor’s thesis?
• Is it possible to write your thesis at another university in Sweden/abroad?
• Is the programme conducted in English or Swedish?
• Is it possible to take a degree in both chemistry and molecular biology?

Programme Provided By

Faculty of Science and Technology

Good to Know

• How to apply
• Chat with our students
• Experience Umeå