Programme-specific Section of the

Curriculum for the MSc Programme in

Molecular Biomedicine
at the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen
2009 (Rev. 2020)

Contents
1 Title, affiliation and language .............................................................................................. 2
1.1 Title .............................................................................................................................................................. 2
1.2 Affiliation ..................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Corps of external examiners ......................................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Language ...................................................................................................................................................... 2
2 Academic profile .................................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Purpose ......................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.2 General programme profile .......................................................................................................................... 2
2.3 General structure of the programme ............................................................................................................. 2
2.4 Career opportunities ..................................................................................................................................... 2
3 Description of competence profiles ...................................................................................... 3
3.1 Competence profile ...................................................................................................................................... 3
4 Admission requirements ....................................................................................................... 4
4.1 Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biomedicine or Molecular Medicine ............................ 4
4.2 Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry ................................................................................. 4
4.3 Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine ........................................................................................ 4
4.4 Applicants with a related Bachelor’s degree ................................................................................................ 4
4.5 Other applicants............................................................................................................................................ 4
4.6 Language requirements ................................................................................................................................ 4
4.7 Supplementary subject elements .................................................................................................................. 4
5 Prioritisation of applicants ................................................................................................... 5
6 Structure of the programme................................................................................................. 5
6.1. Programme components .............................................................................................................................. 5
7 Exemptions ............................................................................................................................. 7
8 Commencement etc. .............................................................................................................. 7
8.1 Validity ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
8.2 Transfer ........................................................................................................................................................ 7
8.3 Amendment .................................................................................................................................................. 7
Appendix 1 Tables .................................................................................................................... 8
Appendix 2 Interim arrangements ......................................................................................... 9
Appendix 3 Description of objectives for the thesis ............................................................ 10

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1 Title, affiliation and language
A shared section that applies to all BSc and MSc Programmes at the Faculty of Science is
linked to this programme-specific curriculum.

1.1 Title
The MSc Programme in Molecular Biomedicine leads to a Master of Science (MSc) in
Molecular Biomedicine with the Danish title: Cand.scient. (candidatus/candidata
scientiarum) i molekylær biomedicin.

1.2 Affiliation
The programme is affiliated with the Study Board for the Biological Area, and the students
can both elect, and be elected, to this study board.

1.3 Corps of external examiners

The following corps of external examiners is used for the central parts of the MSc
Programme:
 Corps of External Examiners for Biology (biologi).
 In addition, examiners from other corps can be brought in for subject elements not
covered by the primary corps.

1.4 Language
The language of this MSc Programme is English.

2 Academic profile
2.1 Purpose
The programme is taught in English and the objective is to produce graduates with extensive,
internationally competitive knowledge of a particular area of experimental molecular
biomedicine, who have carried out a significant independent experimental project within this
academic field. In addition, the programme aims to provide graduates with an extensive
knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of disease and knowledge of relevant bioinformatics
and statistical working methods.

2.2 General programme profile

The programme is composed of an experimental Master’s thesis project and compulsory
courses in human molecular pathology, statistics and bioinformatics of high throughput
analyses. Elective courses provide the opportunity to individualize the MSc programme.

Molecular insight into the function of the human body in health and disease is the key subject
area of the programme.

2.3 General structure of the programme

The MSc Programme is set at 120 ECTS.

There are no defined specialisations in this programme.

2.4 Career opportunities

The MSc Programme in Molecular Biomedicine qualifies students to become professionals
within business functions and/or areas such as:
 A PhD programme
 Membership of research groups in the biomedical industry, providing independent
contributions to experimental work and internal debates.

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  Teamwork in method development and quality control in the biomedical industry,
hospitals and the healthcare sector in general.

3 Description of competence profiles

Students following the MSc Programme acquire the knowledge, skills and competences listed
below. Students will also acquire other qualifications through elective subject elements and
other study activities.

3.1 Competence profile

On completion of the programme, an MSc in Molecular Biomedicine has acquired the
following:

Knowledge about:
 A large part of recent original literature within their chosen thesis field as well as some
original literature within several other fields in molecular biomedicine.
 Human molecular pathology.
 Relevant statistical theories and methods.
 Relevant bioinformatics tools and methods.
 Locate, evaluate and summarise up-to-date knowledge within a given area of
molecular biomedicine.
 Critically evaluate other researchers’ results within the field of molecular biomedicine
based upon a broad knowledge of the methodology and critical analysis within the
field.

Skills in/to:
 Communicate research-based knowledge and discuss professional and biomedical
problem areas with both fellow specialists and non-specialists.
 Document knowledge and experimental work in a manner that meets the requirements
set out by international scientific publications.
 Understand and reflect, scientifically, on the current knowledge of molecular
biomedicine and identify molecular biomedical problems that can be solved
experimentally.
 Evaluate and choose from within their thesis area’s scientific theories, methods, tools
and techniques in order to construct a problem-solving strategy for a hitherto unsolved
molecular biomedical problem.

Competences in/to:
 Formulate, structure and carry out an independent molecular biomedical research
project.
 Manage complex work and development situations that they are not familiar with in
advance and which require new problem-solving models.
 Independently take responsibility for their own academic development and
specialisation.
 Independently initiate and carry out collaborations both within their field and across
scientific fields and take on professional responsibility.

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4 Admission requirements
With a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biomedicine from the University of Copenhagen the
student is granted reserved access and guaranteed a place on the MSc Programme in
Molecular Biomedicine if the student applies in time to begin the Msc programme within
three years of the completion of the Bachelor’s degree.

4.1 Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biomedicine or Molecular

Medicine
Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biomedicine from the University of
Copenhagen or a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Medicine from Aarhus University are
directly academically qualified for admission to the MSc Programme in Molecular
Biomedicine.

4.2 Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry

Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Copenhagen may
also be admitted if their programme includes the following:
 A minimum of 22.5 ECTS from courses in cell biology.
 A minimum of 15 ECTS from courses in human physiology.

4.3 Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine

Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine from the University of Copenhagen may
also be admitted if their programme includes the following:
 A minimum of 30 ECTS from courses in molecular biology.

4.4 Applicants with a related Bachelor’s degree

Applicants with a related Bachelor’s degree from the University of Copenhagen or other
Danish or international universities may also be admitted if their programme includes the
following:
 A minimum of 60 ECTS of formal classes in the fields of protein chemistry, cell
biology, molecular biology, human physiology and pathology of which a minimum of
30 ECTS must be from courses in molecular biology.
 Relevant laboratory experience equivalent to a minimum of 30 ECTS from courses,
projects etc. (must be documented).

4.5 Other applicants

The Faculty may also admit applicants who, after an individual academic assessment, are
deemed to possess educational qualifications equivalent to those required in Subclause 4.1-5.

4.6 Language requirements

Applicants must as a minimum document English language qualifications comparable to a
Danish upper secondary school English B level or English proficiency corresponding to the
tests and scores required. Accepted tests and required minimum scores are published online at
www.science.ku.dk.

4.7 Supplementary subject elements

The qualifications of an applicant to the MSc program are assessed exclusively on the basis of
the qualifying bachelor’s degree. Supplementary subject elements passed between the
completion of the bachelor’s program and the admission to the MSc program cannot be
included in the overall assessment.

However, subject elements passed before the completion of the bachelor’s program may be
included in the overall assessment. This includes subject elements completed as continuing

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 education as well as subject elements completed as part of a former higher education program.
A maximum of 30 ECTS supplementary subject elements can be included in the overall
assessment.

Subject elements passed before completing the BSc programme which are to form part of the
MSc programme to which the student has a legal right of admission (§9-courses) cannot be
included in the overall assessment.

5 Prioritisation of applicants
If the number of qualified applicants to the programme exceeds the number of places
available, applicants will be prioritised as follows:
1) Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biomedicine from the University of
Copenhagen with reserved access to the programme.
2) Other applicants.

If the number of qualified applicants within a category exceeds the number of places
available, applicants will be prioritised according to the following criteria (listed below in
prioritized order):

 Obtained ECTS in individual subjects. Each of the following subjects will be assessed
individually until all applicants have been prioritised:

1) Human/mammalian molecular biology.

2) Human/mammalian cellular biology.
3) Human pathology and physiology.
4) Protein chemistry.
5) Finally, the extent of the applicant’s documented experience of relevant laboratory
work will be assessed.

6 Structure of the programme

The compulsory subject elements, restricted elective subject elements and the thesis constitute
the central parts of the programme (Section 21 of the Ministerial Order on Bachelor and
Master’s Programmes (Candidatus) at Universities).

6.1. Programme components

The programme is set at 120 ECTS and consists of the following:
 Compulsory subject elements, 30 ECTS.
 Restricted elective subject elements, 15 ECTS.
 Elective subject elements, 15 ECTS.
 Thesis, 60 ECTS.

6.1.1 Compulsory subject elements

All of the following subject elements are to be covered (30 ECTS):
 SMOK15001U Molecular Pathology Block 1+2 15 ECTS
 NBIA08011U Statistics for Molecular Biomedicine Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 NBIA07023U Bioinformatics of High Throughput Analyses Block 4 7.5 ECTS

6.1.2 Restricted elective subject elements

15 ECTS are to be covered as subject elements from the following list:
 NBIK15016U The Human Microbiome Block 1 7.5 ECTS

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 NBIK10015U Cell Cycle Control and Cancer Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK10017U RNA Biology Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIA05008U Biological Sequence Analysis Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK15003U Advanced Bacteriology I Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK15017U Theoretical Molecular Genetics Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 SBIK19001U Basic Immunology Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NIFK14026U Entrepreneurship and Innovation Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 SBIK19002U Current and Experimental Immunology Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK15013U Genome Sequence Analysis Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK10020U Developmental Biology Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK15010U Epigenetics and Cell Differentiation Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK15005U Advanced Bacteriology 2 Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 SBIK10182U From Gene to Function in Pathogenic Bacteria Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NDAK15007U Machine Learning Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIA05014U Structural Bioinformatics Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 SBIA10210U Applied Programming for Biosciences Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NDAK16003U Introduction to Data Science (IDS) Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 SFKKIF105U Entrepreneurship in Pharmaceuticals Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK14035U Medical Bacteriology Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 NBIA08004U Evolutionary Medicine Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 LBIK10207U Synthetic Biology Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 SMOK14002U Gene Therapy Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 SMOK14003U Chronic Inflammation. From Basic Research to Block 3 7.5 ECTS
Therapy
 NIFK14032U Business Development and Innovation Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK13017U Molecular Biotechnology Block 4 7.5 ECTS
 SFKKIL004U Neuropharmacology Block 4 7.5 ECTS
 NIFK14026U Entrepreneurship and Innovation Block 4 7.5 ECTS
 NFYK14009U Physics of Molecular Diseases Block 4 7.5 ECTS
 SVEK17001U Laboratory Animal Science Function ABD Block 1-4 7.5 ECTS

6.1.3 Elective subject elements

15 ECTS are to be covered as elective subject elements.
All subject elements at MSc level may be included as elective subject elements in the MSc
Programme.

BSc subject elements corresponding to 15 ECTS may be included in the MSc Programme.

Projects outside the course scope may be included in the elective section of the programme
with up to 7.5 ECTS. The regulations are described in Appendix 5 to the shared section of the
curriculum.

Projects in practice may be included in the elective section of the programme with up to 15
ECTS. The regulations are described in Appendix 4 to the shared section of the curriculum.

Thesis preparation projects may not be included in the elective section of the programme.

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 6.1.4 Thesis
The MSc Programme in Molecular Biomedicine includes a thesis corresponding to 60 ECTS,
as described in Appendix 2 to the shared curriculum. The thesis must be written within the
academic scope of the programme.

If you are admitted to the program in September you must start your thesis at block 2, 1st year
and submit your thesis report May 31st, 2nd year. If you are admitted to the program in
February you must start your thesis at block 4, 1st year and submit you thesis report October
31st, 2nd year.

The main supervisor must be employed at either The Faculty of Science or The Faculty of
Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen.

6.1.5 Academic mobility

This MSc Programme does not include a pre-defined window for academic mobility. The
student has the possibility to arrange academic mobility during the programme according to
rules and regulations regarding pre-approvals and credit.

7 Exemptions
In exceptional circumstances, the study board may grant exemptions from the rules in the
curriculum specified solely by the Faculty of Science.

8 Commencement etc.
8.1 Validity
This subject specific section of the curriculum applies to all students enrolled in the
programme – see however Appendix 2.

8.2 Transfer
Students enrolled on previous curricula may be transferred to the new one as per the
applicable transfer regulations or according to an individual credit transfer by the study board.

8.3 Amendment
The curriculum may be amended once a year so that any changes come into effect at the
beginning of the academic year. Amendments must be proposed by the study board and
approved by the Dean.

Notification about amendments that tighten the admission requirements for the programme
will be published online at www.science.ku.dk one year before they come into effect.

If amendments are made to this curriculum, an interim arrangement may be added if

necessary to allow students to complete their MSc Programme according to the amended
curriculum.

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Appendix 1 Tables

Table for students admitted to the programme in September (summer):

Table – MSc Programme in Molecular Biomedicine

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4
Statistics for Bioinformatics of
Molecular Pathology Molecular High Throughput
1st Biomedicine Analyses
year
Restricted elective Thesis

Elective Elective Restricted elective

2nd
year
Thesis

Compulsory Restricted elective The table illustrates the recommended academic progression. The student
Elective is allowed to plan an alternative progression within the applicable rules.

Table for students admitted to the programme in February (winter):

Table – MSc Programme in Molecular Biomedicine*:

Block 3 Block 4 Block 1 Block 2
Statistics for Bioinformatics of
Molecular High Throughput Molecular Pathology
1st Biomedicine Analyses
year
Restricted elective Thesis

Elective Restricted elective Elective

2nd
year
Thesis

Compulsory Restricted elective The table illustrates the recommended academic progression. The student
Elective is allowed to plan an alternative progression within the applicable rules.

*This table is only relevant for students who begin the MSc Programme in February (block 3)

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 Appendix 2 Interim arrangements
The Shared Section of the BSc and MSc Curricula for Study Programmes applies to all
students.
The interim arrangements below only consist of parts where the current curriculum differs
from the rules and regulations that were previously valid. Therefore, if information about
relevant rules and regulations are missing, it can be found in the curriculum above.

1 General changes for students admitted in the academic year 2019/20

Students admitted to the MSc Programme in the academic year 2019/20 must finish the
programme as listed in the curriculum above with the following exceptions.

Restricted elective subject elements

15 ECTS are to be covered as subject elements from the following list:
 Restricted elective subject elements offered as part of the curriculum (see above)
 SMOK17001U Development and Clinical Implementation Block 3** 7.5 ECTS
of Innovative Treatment Modalities: From
Initial Idea to Clinical Application
 NBIK18002U Principal Subject in Molecular Cell Discontinued* 7.5 ECTS
Biology and Immunology 1
*See course specific changes below.
**The course is not offered in the academic year 2020/21.

2 General changes for students admitted in the academic year 2018/19

Students admitted to the MSc Programme in the academic year 2018/19 must finish the
programme as listed in the curriculum above with the following exceptions.

Restricted elective subject elements

15 ECTS are to be covered as subject elements from the following list:
 Restricted elective subject elements offered as part of the curriculum (see above)
 SMOK17001U Development and Clinical Implementation Block 3** 7.5 ECTS
of Innovative Treatment Modalities: From
Initial Idea to Clinical Application
 SBIK10167U Immunology - Theoretical Discontinued* 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK18002U Principal Subject in Molecular Cell Discontinued* 7.5 ECTS
Biology and Immunology 1
*See course specific changes below.
**The course is not offered in the academic year 2020/21.

3 Course specific changes

Discontinued course Interim arrangement
Immunology – Theoretical The course was a restricted elective course in the academic
(SBIK10167U), 7.5 ECTS year 2018/19 or earlier.
Offered for the last time: 2018/19
Last exam if applicable (cf. SCIENCE's Teaching and exam
rules): 2019/20
Principal Subject in Molecular The course was a restricted elective course in the academic
Cell Biology and Immunology year 2019/20 or earlier.
1 (NBIK18002U), 7.5 ECTS
Offered for the last time: 2019/20
Last exam if applicable (cf. SCIENCE's Teaching and exam
rules): 2020/21

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Appendix 3 Description of objectives for the thesis
After completing the thesis, the student should have:

Knowledge about:
 The latest original literature within their chosen thesis field.
 Knowledge about present methods in molecular biomedicine, their individual strengths
and weaknesses.
 Statistical theories and methods relevant for the experimental thesis work.
 Bioinformatics tools and methods relevant for the experimental thesis work.

Skills in/to:
 Use an extended array of experimental methods and the associated equipment to analyze a
problem in biomedical sciences.
 Maintain a professional level laboratory notebook, detailing all of the student’s
experimental work.
 Independently initiate and carry out collaborations both within their field and across
scientific fields and take on professional responsibility.
 Communicate research-based knowledge and discuss professional and biomedical
problem areas with both fellow specialists and non-specialists.

Competences in/to:
 Formulate, structure and carry out an independent experimental molecular biomedical
research project.
 Document their knowledge and experimental work at a level that meets the requirements
set out by international scientific publications.
 Discuss their work and its connection to the field in general at a level that meets the
requirements set out by international scientific publications.
 Evaluate and choose from within their thesis area’s scientific theories, methods, tools and
techniques in order to construct a problem-solving strategy for a hitherto unsolved
molecular biomedical problem.
 Identify molecular biomedical problem areas that can be solved experimentally.
 Identify, evaluate and summarize the newest knowledge within a given area of molecular
biomedicine.

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