Master's programme in Biochemistry with specialization in protein chemistry

Proteins are the building blocks of life. They play a central role in various disease processes and can also be used for therapeutic purposes. If you want to learn more about these fascinating molecules then the master’s program in Biochemistry with Specialization in Protein Chemistry is for you.
Hello självlysandeprotein

These are streaks of bacteria that express different mutants of green fluorescent protein (GFP). The recombinant proteins fluoresce under UV-light in colours ranging from red to green.

The master’s program in Biochemistry with Specialization in Protein Chemistry will provide a detailed understanding of proteins, from their physical properties and structures, to how they behave, interact and function in complex environments. You will study current techniques which are used to understand proteins, their folding, structure, cellular localization, interactions and functions.

You will learn the basics principles of recombinant protein production, protein engineering and protein purification, as well biophysical characterisation and structure determination of proteins by for instance x-ray crystallography, NMR and cryo-EM. Moreover, you will also get to dive into the world of biological membranes, which consist of both proteins and lipids, as wells as to study how protein expression can be modified and studied in live eukaryotic cells.

The fast-paced courses in this program are taught in small groups and they include significant lab time, allowing you to develop the lab skills that Stockholm University graduates are renowned for, and which employers expect. Writing reports, giving presentatations and reading papers will be second nature to you when you have finshed the program.

The teaching is problem-based, meaning you will also be challenged to develop skills like self-sufficiency and creative thinking, which will help your career outside the lab. It is real science for the real world.

While attending the Biochemistry with Specialization in Protein Chemistry program you will be surrounded by internationally recognised biochemistry researchers, including some of the people who choose the Nobel Prize winners. In addition, you will be able to attend the Nobel lectures of the prize winners themselves.

The program is also structured in a way which makes it possible to study abroad for one semester (the third). One of our exchange partners is University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which many of our students take advantage of since it is a great experience personally and because of its focus on biomolecular science.

Read more about exchange here!

The program is 120 ECTS and starts at the end of August each year. The program consists of four obligatory courses for a total of 30 ECTS, 30 ECTS from a list of optional (elective) courses given by the department of Biochemistry and Biophysics (DBB), and an obligatory independent master thesis degree project comprising at least 30 ECTS.

You will also be able to take freely chosen university level courses of 0-30 ECTS depending on the length of the master thesis project. This will enable you to broaden your horizons even further by studying a different branch of chemistry to become interdisciplinary, if you wish. You could also study abroad for one semester.

Year 1

Year 2

60 ECTS independent degree project (KB9026)
or

15 ECTS freely chosen courses and 45 ECTS independent degree project (KB9025)
or

30 ECTS freely chosen courses and 30 ECTS independent degree project (KB9024).




Independent project

The independent project is your chance to really focus on research and to study something you are really interested in. The project can be performed in a research group at Stockholm University, at another university or at a research organisation.

Here are all the research groups at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics!

Read our step-by-step guide on how to apply

There are two application rounds:

  1. The international application round
    - This is open from the middle of October until the middle of January
  2. The Swedish - EU/EES application round
    - This is open from the middle of March until the middle of April

Note! Students from outside EU/EES countries, which require a VISA to come to Sweden for studies, have to apply in the international application. Swedish/EU/EES students are welcome to apply in either application rounds.

You apply for the program through universityadmissions.se

You need a bachelor's degree in natural sciences or equivalent, including at least 60 ECTS in Chemistry, of which at least 15 ECTS should be in biochemistry. You also need an additional 30 ECTS in either chemistry, physics or molecular life sciences, as well as knowledge equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6 or equivalent. 

Read more about the entry requirement in English here!

Selection process

Additional eligibility criteria

The selection will be done based on relevance of previous studies in relation to the programme, and motivation letter (more information about that below).

Note! No interview will be held.

As part of the application for this master's program you will be asked to provide a motivation letter in English. The motivation letter is an important selection criteria and must be uploaded together with your application at the university admissions website (link above). We expect maximum one A4 page. Please address the following in your letter, and add the document to your application on university admissions:

  • Your full name
  • E-mail address
  • The name of the masters program you are applying to
  • A list of completed courses, including number of credits, which count toward meeting the specific eligibility requirements for the program (see under Eligibility above). Please include courses not completed as well
  • What inspired you to apply to this particular program
  • Lab experience
    (this program require very good laboratory skills)
  • Why you are a good candidate for this program
  • What you hope to achieve with your degree
  • What research questions interest you and how do they relate to the ongoing research at Stockholm University

Upload this letter with your application on to universityadmissions.se


Study abroad
We offer exchange programs with partner universities in both Europe and beyond. Studying abroad is a great way to gain new perspectives and experience a different culture.
Read more here!

Erasmus Traineeship
Many students choose to go abroad to collect data for their project work. A traineeship abroad provides valuable international experience and can be a great boost for your career. We strongly encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity during their studies.
Read more about Erasmus traineeship here!

Many of our students use this programme as a stepping stone towards obtaining a PhD and an academic career. However, alumni from the programme have also landed jobs with top pharmaceutical and biotech firms.

Program coordinator

Jan-Willem de Gier, email: Jan-Willem.deGier@dbb.su.se

 

Chemistry Section & Student Affairs Office: chemistry@su.se