Master's Programme in Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology
Understanding the human brain, with its billions of neurons and trillions of synapses, is one of the most complex challenges in modern science. This master’s program specializes in neurochemistry, molecular functions, and disorders of the nervous system, with a strong focus on research. You will begin by studying the biochemistry of molecular components, then progress to understanding how neurons communicate with each other, before exploring how different neuronal networks regulate body functions, emotions, and behaviours.
The Master’s in Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology teaches you to become a researcher. A variety of teaching activities, including lectures, theoretical and practical projects, laboratory work, journal clubs, and problem-based exercises, are utilized. A generous amount of laboratory time ensures that you can practice the theory you learn and develop the proficiency in the lab for which our graduates are known. You will work closely with leading researchers in various specializations, including the biochemistry of the molecular components that underpin the nervous system, the organization of brain circuits, neurotoxicity, and the mechanisms behind neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. You will be coached in small groups with a high teacher-to-student ratio and challenged to reason critically, think creatively, and solve problems independently.
At Stockholm University you will be surrounded by some of the world’s top chemists, including individuals involved in selecting Nobel Prize winners, and have the opportunity to attend Nobel lectures given by the laureates themselves. While all of our master’s programs in chemistry are internationally recognized, the Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology program is particularly global in scope. Students come from many different countries and often complete their diploma projects as exchange students in other countries.
The program is 120 ECTS and begins at the end of August each year.
The program consists of four mandatory courses, for a total of 60 ECTS and an independent master thesis degree project of 30, 45 or 60 ECTS.
You will also have the opportunity to take university-level elective courses. Perhaps study a different branch of chemistry, psychology or immunology to gain interdisciplinary insights. Some of the most significant discoveries occur at the intersection of multiple disciplines, such as where neurochemistry meets biology, organic chemistry, or biochemistry.
Year 1
Fall semester
Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology
followed by
Spring semester
Advanced Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology
followed by
Year 2
60 ECTS independent degree project (mandatory).
or
15 ECTS elective courses and 45 ECTS independent degree project (mandatory).
or
30 ECTS elective courses and 30 ECTS independent degree project (mandatory).
Independent project
The Master's program in Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology includes an independent project of a minimum of 30 ECTS.
In order to start working on your independent degree project you will have to have passed at least two of the four mandatory courses during year 1.
You can do your independent degree project at Stockholm University or at any other Swedish university that offers a project matching the program.
Many students on the Master's program in Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology do their independent degree project abroad through the Erasmus traineeship program.
Read more about Erasmus traineeship here!
There are two application rounds:
1) An international application round open from around October 15 to January 15.
2) A Swedish - EU/EES application round open from around March 15 to April 15.
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 round.
You apply for the program through universityadmissions.se
Selection process
We admit a maximum of 18 students into the Master’s programme in Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology each fall.
All applicants who meet the entry requirements are merit-ranked, and candidates are then offered a seat on the programme in order of merit ranking score.
The merit ranking is determined by the relevance of previous studies to the programme, grades and the motivation letter.
The motivation letter is a crucial selection criterion and must be uploaded with your application on the university admissions site.
The motivation letter should be maximum two A4-pages and contain the following
• Your name and e-mail address
• The name of the Master’s programme you are applying to
• A list of completed courses, including number of credits, which count toward meeting the specific eligibility requirements for the program (please include courses not completed as well)
• Why are you a good candidate?
• Relevant experiences, such as research, employment, volunteering, that contribute to making you a good candidate for the programme
• What inspired you to apply to this particular program?
• What do you hope to achieve with your degree? What is your long-term carrier goal?
• What research questions interest you and how do they relate to the ongoing research at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Stockholm University?
Upload this letter with your application on to universityadmission.se
Meet our students
Meet Greta, former masters student
Meet our alumni
Many of our students use this programme as a stepping stone to obtaining a PhD and an academic career. They have also landed jobs with top pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
Program coordinator
Anna-Lena Ström, email: anna-lena.strom@dbb.su.se
Chemistry Section & Student Affairs Office: chemistry@su.se
