Master's Degree Programme in Biomedical Sciences: Molecular Biotechnology and Diagnostics
University of Turku
Key Information
Campus location
Turku, Finland
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 12,000 / per year *
Application deadline
22 Jan 2025
Earliest start date
Aug 2025
* free for citizens of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland, for citizens of non-EU/EEA countries €12,000/academic year
Introduction
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Master the exciting field of biotechnology!
The Master's Degree Programme in Biomedical Sciences: Molecular Biotechnology and Diagnostics specialisation track will equip you for a career in the exciting field of biotechnology and translation research.
Through the programme in Molecular Biotechnology and Diagnostics, you will obtain extensive theoretical and practical expertise in central concepts and techniques in modern molecular biotechnology and diagnostics.
You will also learn to apply the acquired knowledge in practice for the development of novel tools and methods used in the detection of molecular substances. Focus areas of research in molecular biotechnology and diagnostics studies are novel diagnostic concepts and technologies. The studies focus also on diagnostics applications in various areas such as medicine, environmental, and food quality monitoring. Other important research topics include:
- antibody and protein engineering,
- fluorescence marker technologies,
- nucleic acid detection techniques,
- biomarker discovery,
- development related to both communicable and non-communicable diseases of global importance.
After graduation, you will be equipped with skills that enable you to join the industry, to pursue a career as a scientist, or to enter the public sector. In addition, the curriculum gives a good foundation for entrepreneurship.
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Biomedical Sciences at Turku Universities
Turku has longstanding research traditions in the field of biomedicine. Especially the fields of drug discovery, diagnostics, and biological and medical imaging represent the top-level expertise of the University of Turku.
The Molecular Biotechnology and Diagnostics specialisation track is part of the Master’s Degree Programme in Biomedical Sciences, which is a collaboration of two universities, the University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University. The close cooperation of three biomedical programmes forms a unique educational combination of biomedical sciences in Finland and worldwide.
The programme in Biomedical Sciences is managed together by the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Technology at the University of Turku. Other specialisation tracks of the Master´s Degree Programme in Biomedical Sciences are:
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Admissions
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The specialisation track Molecular Biotechnology and Diagnostics is a two-year programme of 120 ECTS credits. The curriculum is comprised of study modules:
- Molecular biotechnology, 20 ECTS
- Diagnostics, 20 ECTS
- Practical exercises, 20 ECTS
- Master’s thesis and related courses, 40 ECTS
- Other studies, including mandatory language studies, 20 ECTS
Major subject studies are track-specific but can be offered as selectable studies for all the study tracks of MDP in Biomedical Sciences. You will make a personal study plan, which will help you select the courses that best suit your personal interests and background.
Master's Thesis & Topics
The final project aiming for the master’s thesis is based on an independent, experimental research project in a laboratory. The research work is made under the guidance of a supervisor. You will present the results obtained in the research project in a master’s seminar using common procedures known from scientific meetings.
The results obtained in the research project will be presented in a master’s seminar using common procedures known from scientific meetings.
The master’s thesis will be written based on the results from the experimental work and a review of relevant background literature.
Examples of thesis topics:
- Effect of codon usage of signal sequence on Fab fragment expression
- Antibody Expression, Purification, and Assay development for the detection of malaria
- Colorectal cancer-specific CEA lectin nanoparticle assay
- Lateral flow assay platform for infectious disease diagnostics
- Utilization of skeletal Troponin I recognizing binders in immunoassay
- Enhanced cancer-specificity of tumour markers by lectin-labelled nanoparticles
Program Outcome
Competence Description
The studies in Drug Discovery and Development provide you with a deep understanding of:
- up-to-date methods applied to identify and validate new drug targets and to generate lead drug molecules that modulate the biological activity of the target;
- technological innovations made in the lead optimisation process;
- how new drug candidates are investigated during the non-clinical drug development phase;
- methods of clinical drug research, clinical drug development phases, clinical trial design, and biostatistical study planning;
- various aspects of drug regulatory science and pharmacovigilance.
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Turku supports merited and motivated students with generous scholarships. The university offers these scholarships to students pursuing Master's level studies who are subject to tuition fees.
Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, and you can apply for a scholarship by simply answering “yes” to the corresponding question in the online application form when you apply for the programme.
One type of scholarship covers whole tuition fees for two years for Master’s degree programmes. In addition to that, there is a scholarship for the best applicants that covers tuition fees and includes an additional grant of €5,000.
Approximately 30 % of the admitted students are awarded a scholarship by the University of Turku.
Gallery
Career Opportunities
Job Options
Molecular Biotechnology and Diagnostics specialisation track has close connections in the diagnostic and biopharmaceutical industry. Numerous industrial collaborators include both Finnish and major international players, including the Indo-Finn Diagnostic Research Centre.
You will be equipped with skills that provide you with multiple career options. You will be able to join the industry in Finland or abroad, or to enter the public sector, for example, in various authoritative duties.
The biotech industry is among the fastest-growing industrial sectors globally. In Finland, there is a strong demand for biotechnology experts at the moment, especially in the diagnostic industry – largest sector of the biotech industry in Finland.
Possible job titles are:
- researcher,
- quality manager,
- product developer,
- product manager,
- project coordinator.
Career in Research
The Master of Science degree completed in this programme also qualifies you for PhD studies in Turku, elsewhere in Finland or universities worldwide.
In Turku, you can apply for a position at the University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS). The Graduate School consists of doctoral programmes, which cover all disciplines and doctoral candidates of the University.
Together with the doctoral programmes, the Graduate School provides systematic and high-quality doctoral training. UTUGS aims to train highly qualified experts with the skills required for both professional careers in research and other positions of expertise.
Several doctoral programmes at the University of Turku are available for graduates: