What is Molecular Medicine?
As per Wikipedia, Molecular Medicine is a scientific discipline, which focuses on physical, chemical, biological, bioinformatics, and medical techniques to explain molecular and cellular mechanisms, identify basic genetic aberrations of disease with the objective to develop therapeutic remedies and combat disease. It is an umbrella term that encompasses different overlapping sub-disciplines with the main objective remaining the same.
Scope of Masters in Molecular Medicine
A Masters degree in Molecular Medicine offers many opportunities in terms of scope and career outcomes across several domains.
- Graduate Research
- Process Development
- Biomedical Technology, Production and Quality Inspection
- Assistant Biologist in Food Inspection
- Private Laboratories: Molecular Diagnostics and Analytics
- Clinics : Molecular, Biochemical Diagnostics
- Clinical Research
- Institutions for Promotion of Research, Transfer of Technology
Top Masters Programs for Molecular Medicine in Europe
Here is a list of universities that offer Masters in Molecular Medicine/Biomedicine/Biosciences (or related) across Europe:
Germany
FAU
Established in 1743, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) is one of the oldest universities of Germany yet ranks second among the most innovative European universities. It is well-known for its culture of networking across versatile subjects for teaching and research.
The MSc Molecular Medicine is a 2-year degree program for students coming from biomedicine and molecular biology. During their studies, students have the liberty to chose from neuroscience, immunology, genetics/genomics, and physiology. The good news is the teaching language is 100% English!
The curriculum consists of mandatory modules which include theoretical parts like immunology, oncology, structural biochemistry, and systems medicine, as well as skills in laboratory sciences, biological safety, research methodologies, and scientific writing.
Ulm University
At Ulm University, teaching and education is inbuilt is in its exemplary international cutting-edge research. It is aimed at strengthening students’ motivation and outlook towards their professional goals and on individual self-development.
The MSc Molecular Medicine postgraduate program for students with an undergraduate degree in any life science subject. The entire program is communicated in English. It is structured such that students gain better insights into molecular pathways pertaining to the disease. Besides, it also trains students with the skills required to take up scientific projects in the field of molecular medicine and to critically evaluate related research journals.
University of Goettingen
The University of Göttingen is a globally renowned research university. Founded in 1737 in the Age of Enlightenment, the University is committed to the values of social responsibility of science, democracy, tolerance, and justice.
This English-language, eighteen-month, thesis-oriented Master’s degree program in Molecular Medicine is offered to highly motivated and curious students within and outside Germany. The prerequisite is an undergraduate degree in either natural sciences or molecular medicine. This will provide an in-depth grasp of topics in molecular medicine like immunology, oncology, pharmacology, and cell biology. Besides, there are also three laboratory internships, each lasting eight weeks. A Master’s thesis will be written within six months. It is aimed to enable students to involve in independent and creative research at the crossover of medicine and basic science. It has a single winter intake.
Charité University of Medicine
The University of Medicine Charité is one of the largest university hospitals in Europe. It has produced more than half of all German Nobel Prize winners in Physiology or Medicine: Emil von Behring, Robert Koch, and Paul Ehrlich. Charité University Medicine Berlin represents a single medical faculty, catering to the Humboldt University and Freie University, both at Berlin. Charité has 4 campuses and has around 100 different Departments and Institutes.
The two-year Masters Program in Molecular Medicine is innovative, international, and interdisciplinary. It is fully communicated in English. The program is made up of three different kinds of modules; Scientific Skill Modules, Core Modules, and Lab modules. After completion of these modules, students start a six-month period of supervised research for their Master’s thesis. The thesis project can be undertaken either at Charité or any of its collaborating institutions. The application deadline is usually the end of May each year.
University of Tübingen
The University of Tübingen has been a place of top-level education and excellent teaching for more than 500 years now. It has been a place of research and learning since 1477 as is evident from statistics.
University of Tübingen supports core values which include freedom of research, expression, equality and mutual respect, regardless of a person’s ethnicity. It upholds the belief of peaceful coexistence and sustainability. The university strongly encourages diversity when it comes to education which is one of the reasons why the University of Tübingen is a favorite among extraordinary international students.
The Molecular Medicine Masters program at Tübingen is designed for students willing to obtain knowledge in cellular and molecular medicine with direct application to human disease. It incorporates applied research in neurosciences, immunology, oncology, and infection biology within its course. It is thesis-based comprising an independent research project/internship.
Goethe University Frankfurt
The Masters in Molecular Medicine is structured to offer deep-rooted knowledge of fundamental molecular and cellular biology knowledge in homeostasis and pathogenesis to identify therapeutic drug targets. It primarily focuses on the fields of drug discovery and development, cardiovascular research and onco-immunology. Students are trained to perform research in basic biological sciences as well as clinical and translational research in molecular medicine. It is a two-year program consisting of 4 semesters. Applicants who hold international degree must prove German language skills in compliance with DSH as essential admission requirements.
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Research centers and institutions close to the scientific community work in conjunction with each other in Jena. The scientists working in Jena deal with questions pertaining to biological sciences, environmental sustainability, human evolution to name just a few.
The Master of Science in Molecular Medicine emphasizes on biomedical aspects and examines them using experimental tools from the fields of biochemistry, cell biology, and physiology. The knowledge and training gained in this program can be implemented in biomedical research and medical biotechnology. Graduates of the M.Sc. in Molecular Medicine have a multitude of career prospects to avail which consists of positions in research institutes, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, and state authorities.
France
University of Bordeaux
The University of Bordeaux has 250 Master programs for students to choose from, including international study programs (approximately 12% foreign students) which are taught in English. The University received recognition for innovation and research in July 2011: it was awarded the “Initiative of Excellence”. This award consists of an endowment of 700M€ to support the growth and development of research. In 2016, the University of Bordeaux was one of the first universities in France to obtain endowment for promoting research and development.
The University of Bordeaux consists of 11 research units aimed at elucidating molecular and cellular mechanisms of physiopathology. It also has a Biological and medical sciences department that is committed to innovative medicine. It includes research on host-microorganism associations, immunological and inflammatory diseases and cancer. This collaborative department exploits conceptual and methodological tools providing students opportunities for interactive research, and subsequent engagement in clinical conditions for patients. The biological and medical sciences department works to offer first-class training for students, particularly in genetics, cell biology, immunology, biochemistry, and oncology, which are inevitable aspects of Molecular Medicine.
The Netherlands
Utrecht University
“In Utrecht, students watch beyond the borders of disciplines. Students and top researchers work towards a better world, together and in tight communities.”
Utrecht University functions with a vision built on an encouraging study environment that promotes diverse ambitions and talents of its students. An integral part of the Utrecht Education Model is flexibility and interactive engagement for students guided by outstanding lecturers and professors.
The Masters in Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences is an interdisciplinary 2-year program that is at the interface of science. It has:
- Compulsory theoretical courses
- Research Internship
- Choice of electives
- Writing Assignment
- Selection of Profile
- Life Sciences Academy
University of Groningen
The University of Groningen holds a rich academic legacy. Established in 1614, the university has several accolades to its name, like the first female student, the first Dutch astronaut and many Nobel laureates.
The University of Groningen is a research university in Groningen, City of Talent. Quality has had top priority for four hundred years, and with success: the University is currently in or around the top 100 on several prestigious ranking lists.
At the University of Groningen, Molecular Medicine and Innovative Treatment is a research oriented two-year master program. Students who have an inclination towards research are trained to become future scientists in academia and private sectors. The course curriculum is designed to challenge the young minds with exciting state-of-art research and techniques and upskill them to critically read journals, hypothesize, design, perform and communicate experiments. This Masters program is selective which means students have the option to select their specializations after the first semester from:
- Oncology
- Neuroscience
- Infection and Immunity
- Nutrition and Metabolism
- Systems Medicine
- Drug Innovation
Students enrolled in this program also have the option to conduct research abroad to gain more international exposure.
After completion, students can directly enroll as a PhD in the University Medical Center of Groningen or work in the private sector.
Radboud University
The Radboud University offers high quality education which is inclusive of student satisfaction. According to the annual reports of the University, it has a good number of publications.
At the Radboud University, the Masters Programs in Molecular Mechanisms of Disease facilitates the development of novel therapies for metabolic, infectious and immunological diseases. It is an internationally acclaimed research-based Master’s program aimed to offer a solid foundation for a career in academic or commercial research. It is structured as a 2-year program providing knowledge in both theoretical and practical modules. The program also trains students to acquire academic writing skills and delivering presentations including writing grant proposals. This program enables its students to integrate within the research community at the RIMLS.
Erasmus University Rotterdam
The Erasmus University Rotterdam is a public research university located in the vibrant city of Rotterdam that offers great quality master programs both quality oriented and internationally recognized. International students account for almost fifty percent population within the English-taught programs.
The Masters in Molecular Medicine is a 2-year program that focuses on molecular and cellular fundamentals of health and disease. Established at the forefront of evolution in biomedical sciences, this program teaches experimental design and technicalities such as cell and tissue culture, live cell imaging, genomics and proteomics, genetic engineering, generation of animal models to name a few. The M.Sc. Molecular Medicine faculty members include top international scientists in biomedical research.
Finland
University of Helsinki
The University of Helsinki is Finland’s largest and oldest academic institution and an innovative center of science. Founded in 1640, its consistently multidisciplinary academic community has led to the establishment of a fair and equal society that is considered one of the best globally. It is spread across 11 faculties and 4 campuses. The Master’s program is in Genetics and Molecular Biosciences with opportunities of research, training and internship in Molecular Medicine. The main modules studied in this thesis-based Master’s program answer questions on molecular and cellular mechanisms in normal and diseased conditions from a genetic, biochemical and cellular perspective. Students have the liberty to specialize in Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Cell and Developmental Biology, Genetics and Genomics or Molecular Analytical Health Biosciences.
Turku University
The University of Turku was established in 1920, comprises 8 faculties and 5 independent units.
The 2-year program is called Masters in Biomedical Sciences: Molecular Biotechnology and Diagnostics which is structured to train students in biotechnology and translational research. The application deadline is in January for autumn intake of that year. students will be trained to implement basic knowledge in practice for the development of new tools for identification of molecular substances. On completion of graduation, students will be skilled to join the industry, to pursue a scientific career, enter the public sector or become entrepreneurs.
Sweden
Uppsala University
Uppsala University is the first university of Sweden, founded in 1477. The University builds on the idea and hypothesis that investments in education and research contribute to a better tomorrow.
As a part of the Master’s program in Biomedicine at Uppsala University, students will attain in-depth knowledge about diseases and subsequent development of novel drugs, from discovering new targets to the final product. This will prepare them for a career in research, clinical trials and drug development, amongst other possibilities. An important objective of this program is to develop a link between pathophysiology and drug development. It provides many opportunities for young students for future work in science, both academically and within the pharmaceutical industry. Empirical experience of experimental strategies and scientific/analytical thinking is an intrinsic part of this program replete with exciting research projects. The application period for international Master’s programs is between October and January for autumn intake.
Lund University
Lund University consists of over 130 Master’s degree programs communicated in English across many subjects. Applicants from around 160 countries apply to the various international Master’s programs every year. It offers a very international and global perspective to young students when it comes to education and research.
The Masters program is in Biomedicine leading to a Master of Medical Science, with a major in Biomedicine and specialization in industrial or experimental biomedical research, thereby providing flexibility to students. The teaching takes place at the Biomedical Research Centre in Lund with parts of the it located at Max lab IV/European Spallation Source (ESS).
Denmark
University of Copenhagen
The program is called Master in Molecular Biomedicine. An integral part of the 2-year program is independent laboratory work. This exercise gives students the exposure in a specific field of experimental molecular biomedicine. This project also facilitates planning, execution, and documentation of laboratory experiments and presentation of the results and data , as seminars and reports. This program provides a very good platform to continue studies as a doctorate candidate or enter the biomedical industry, at hospitals and pharmaceuticals.
Norway
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
The main focus of NTNU is on science and technology. However, it also has several programs of professional studies which includes the humanities, social sciences, economics, medicine, health sciences, educational sciences, architecture, entrepreneurship, art disciplines and artistic activities. The application deadline for non EU students is December 1.
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