Programme structure
1. The programme option’s structure
The programme’s duration is four semesters. This includes courses (60 ECTS credits) and the Master’s thesis which is usually 60 ECTS credits. The Master’s thesis includes a laboratory based research assignment. It is possible to do a 30 ECTS credit thesis if discussed with your supervisor. Some of the courses are obligatory, and others may be chosen more freely (please see information below).
Example of study plan for students who commence on their studies in the Autumn semester:
| 4. semester | Master's thesis | Optional Master's course | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3. semester | Master's thesis | Optional Master's course | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2. semester | Master's thesis | Optional Master's course | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1. semester | Optional Master's course | Optional Master's course | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Example of study plan for students who commence on their studies in the Spring semester:
| 4. semester | Master's thesis | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3. semester | Master's thesis | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2. semester | MBV4010 - Methods in molecular biology and biochemistry I | MBV4020 - Methods in molecular biology and biochemistry II | Optional Master's course | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1. semester | Optional Master's course | Optional Master's course | Optional Master's course | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The courses are 10 ECTS credit courses. Tuition is given based on lectures, practical exercises, colloquiums and seminars. How much of each, varies from course to course.
MBV4010, MBV4020 are mandatory for the programme option Biochemistry.
At the beginning of the first semester, you also have to attend two mandatory e-learning courses in Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) and a practical course in firesafety as follows:
- HMS0501 Safety and Physical Environment
- HMS05020 Positive Learning Environment
- HMS0503 Laboratory Safety
- HMS0507 Fire Safety
You are exempted from these HSE course requirements, if you have already completed the equivalent HSE courses in relation to a bachelor programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at UiO.
Optional Courses
Optional courses can be chosen from all MBV4000 courses. Choose a course in collaboration with your supervisor.
Many of the courses that are offered at the Department of Chemistry can be used as part of a Master’s programme in Biochemistry.
2. How the Master’s programme is organised
Apply for admission to the programme option Biochemistry. After admission, follow the study plan with obligatory and optional courses for the programme option. You will be given a supervisor during the first semester. During the first week of tuition, a seminar will be arranged with short lectures and posters where each supervisor presents topics for Master’s theses. A synopsis of each thesis can be found on the Master’s programme’s website and you choose among the theses presented here. A prioritized list of theses you are interested in, is to be handed in at a given date.
Details concerning your thesis can be discussed with your supervisor.
In the final examination you present your results from the practical part of your Master’s thesis. Your thesis and oral presentation is evaluated by an external examiner. Throughout the programme you will receive guidance in regard to the writing process.
Recognition of Master courses from former education
If you are admitted to the Masters Programme and you have completed Master courses outside the University of Oslo, you may apply to have these courses recognised as part of your degree. Please contact the Department of Biosciences for more information.