The Master's program in Biomedicine will shed light on contemporary problems and methods in biomedicine. You will be trained in experimental work as well as written and oral presentations of independent scientific papers.

We offer a high quality laboratory course (MBI-3012), where you will be trained in cell culturing, detection and expression of DNA, RNA and proteins, imaging, electron microscopy, histological analysis and immunohistochemistry. You will also be trained in health and safety procedures in laboratories.

In the second semester you will choose 3 elective courses (30 ECTS). International students will attend courses in Tromsø while Norwegian students also have the opportunity to go abroad as exchange students. There will be elective courses available in biomedical topics, as listed in the table (programme structure).

After passing the laboratory- and the elective courses, you will be able to start working on your master project (3rd and 4th semester - a total of 60 ECTS). You will work under supervision alongside our researchers in one of our research groups. We offer an international research-environment with researchers from all corners of the world. Your specialization will be chosen according to the project you choose to work with. Your project thus will be based on research performed by one of the researchgroups at the Department of Medical Biology (IMB). You are expected to do individual research under supervision. The Master's thesis is expected to be an independent body of scientific work performed and presented by each student.

When you have completed the Masterprogram in biomedicine, you are expected to have advanced and comprehensive knowledge of biomedical methodology, theories, concepts and scientific approaches specified by the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

As a Master in Biomedicine the candidate…

• can explain current scientific theories and methods in biomedicine
• can discuss the theoretical background, including strengths and weaknesses/ shortcomings, of advanced laboratory techniques and methods used in a chosen scientific discipline within biomedicine, based on the candidate´s own research
• can apply acquired knowledge in new areas within biomedicine
• can analyze professional issues, based on the history and traditions of biomedicine and its place in society

Skills

As a Master in Biomedicine the candidate…

• can analyze and assess different information sources in a critical manner and use these to structure and enunciate professional reasoning
• can analyze existing theories and interpretations in biomedicine and work independently with theoretical and practical problem solving
• can choose and perform relevant methods to solve specific problems in biomedical research
• can design and execute controlled experiments to address specific research questions within the field
• perform an independent research project in biomedicine under guidance and in accordance with recognized norms in research ethics

General proficiency

As a Master in Biomedicine the candidate …

• can analyze relevant issues connected with professional ethics and research ethics in biomedicine
• can apply knowledge and skills in biomedical theory and methods in new areas in order to implement advanced work tasks and projects
• can communicate her/his own scientific work both orally and in writing, using the relevant scientific language
• can communicate about professional issues, analyses and conclusions with specialists in the field and to the community in general
• can contribute to innovation processes in biomedicine

With a Master's degree in biomedicine you will be prepared for a range of exciting assignments related to research and the development of methods in business, management and research-oriented institutions where the demands for qualified professionals are increasing.

Career options may include: molecular diagnostics, medical research, fisheries, food processing, public administration, educational institutions at all levels, the pharmaceutical industry, private research and innovation enterprises, technical positions at hospitals, universities and other laboratories.

Admission to the programme requires a 3-year bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) or equivalent qualification in Biomedicine. An additional requirement is specialization in biomedical topics (e.g. biochemistry, bioinformatics, cell-and molecular biology, human physiology, immunology, microbiology or pharmacology) worth a minimum of 80 ECTS. Applicants are expected to have practical laboratory experience in their bachelor degree.

Applicants with a degree in Biomedical laboratory sciences ("Bioingeniør") must have have their degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian degree in laboratory sciences by NOKUT. Applicants also need authorization with the Norwegian authorization board as a qualified Bioingeniør.

Bachelor of Pharmacy, Medicine or Dentistry does not fulfil the admission requirements.

Applicants who hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent issued in Nordic countries, Europe, Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand: An average grade C as a minimum requirement,  

Applicants who hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent issued in countries other than the above mentioned region/countries: An average grade B as a minimum requirement in addition to fulfilling formal admission requirements for Master's level entry. 

The average grade is calculated from the entire bachelor´s degree.

Applicants from Norway or Nordic countries:

• The application deadline for Norwegian and other Nordic applicants is April 15th for admission to the autumn semester
• Her finner du all informasjon knyttet til søking og opptak.

Applicants from outside the Nordic countries:

• The application deadline is December 1st for admission to the autumn semester
• Online application, study code 2015
• You will find more information about international admission here.

A combination of teaching and assessment forms is used, including lectures, project reports, experimental and laboratorial assignments.

English.

During your 2nd semester you have the opportunity to spend one semester studying abroad. The Department of medical biology has Erasmus+ exchange agreements with the University of Navarra in Spain, and the universities of Utrecht and Maastricht in The Netherlands.

Your student advisor can help you with more information about your options. You can also find more information on exchange possibilities here: Studentutveksling for more information.

If you are already in Tromsø as an international student with the masterprogram in biomedicine you don't have the opportunity to also go abroad for an exchange semester.