Studying
How do genes regulate the development and functioning of cells, tissues and organisms? How do molecules, cells and tissues function and communicate with each other, and how are their functions studied? These are the key issues for understanding molecular and cellular mechanisms, whose disruption can contribute to the onset and progression of various diseases.

Researchers in the fields of genetics, genomics, cellular and developmental biology, biochemistry, structural biology, and biosciences of health are searching for the answers to these questions.

The Master's Programme in Genetics and Molecular Biosciences (GMB), provides you with understanding and skills in modern biosciences at the level of genes and molecules to cells and organisms.

You can specialise according to your interests in one of the four sudy tracks. Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Cell and Developmental Biology, Genetics and Genomics or Molecular Analytical Health Biosciences.

The programme is based on basic scientific research and tightly integrated with the experimental research carried out at the University of Helsinki.

What is Genetics and Molecular Biosciences (GMB)?

Find the GMB programme structure in a compact form from the link.

This Prezi presentation compiles key information from several websites in a visual format.

Why Genetics and Molecular Biosciences?

Upon completing the Master’s Programme in Genetics and Molecular Biosciences you will:

  • have in-depth knowledge of genetics and molecular biosciences and of the experimental methods used in them.
  • understand the characteristics and functions of genes and biomolecules at the cellular, tissue and organism levels.
  • be able to analyse scientific knowledge critically and communicate it to different audiences.
  • have the ability to produce new scientific information about the properties of genes, biomolecules and cells by means of experimental studies.
  • be able to take advantage of existing research data and biological databases.
  • have mastered good scientific practice and know-how to act accordingly.
  • have the capacity for independent project management and problem-solving, as well as for maintaining and developing your own expertise.
  • have the ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multicultural communities.

The Master of Science (MSc) degree gives you the ability to work in basic and applied research and to act as an expert in public administration, the private sector and biotechnology companies. It also makes you eligible for admission to postgraduate/doctoral studies.

In this blog post, you can find out why one of our students chose the Master’s Programme in Genetics and Molecular Biosciences at the University of Helsinki.

Structure, content and study tracks

The Master's Programme  Genetics and Molecular Biosciences is based on basic scientific research. In the programme, you will acquire knowledge and skills in modern genetics and molecular biosciences with focus on your chosen field of specialisation.

The Master’s Degree (120 cr) consists of:

  • Studies common to all study tracks (including the Master´s thesis): 55 cr
  • Study track -specific studies: compulsory and elective courses: 50 cr
  • Optional, free choice studies: 15 cr

In principle, the curriculum enables the student to complete 90 cr in 12 months with full-time studying and utilizing the summer months, but not including the Master’s Thesis (30 cr). Completing the Programme 120 cr studies in two years is recommended, and it will give more flexibility with the optional studies. Career planning or extracurricular activities may be included in the personal study plan.

Students studying for qualification as biology teachers will have 60 cr of pedagogical studies in their degree (applies only to Finnish or Swedish speaking students).

Based on your own interests, you specialise by choosing between four study tracks:  

  • Biochemistry and Structural Biology
  • Genetics and Genomics
  • Cellular and Developmental Biology
  • Molecular and Analytical Health Biosciences

More information about the structure, content and study tracks of the programme.

Language of instruction

The Master’s programme in Genetics and Molecular Biosciences is international. The language of instruction and of the study materials is English. All exams, reports and your Master’s thesis can be written in English. If you are fluent in Finnish or Swedish you can also use these languages.

Courses and teaching

The programme is tightly integrated with the experimental research carried out at the University of Helsinki in genetics, genomics, biochemistry, structural biology, and cellular and developmental biology. By combining course units, you will be able to acquire a broad-based understanding of biological phenomena and of the molecules that have an effect on health, including their interactions and functions at the levels of cells, tissues and organisms. In addition, you will learn about the principles, methods and practises in research in laboratory courses and research projects.  

Courses include a variety of working methods: seminars, lectures, laboratory work, oral and written presentations, project work in small groups, independent studies and study circles formed by the students. Digital learning environments are used to support learning.

In addition to science, you will acquire general academic and working life skills such as fact-finding, problem-solving, communication, project management and teamwork. You will acquire competence both for post-graduate studies in a Doctoral Programme and for expert positions immediately after gaining your Master's degree.

Check out courses in the online course catalogue for students at the University of Helsinki.

Download the PDF with the 2023-26 GMB degree structure for more detailed information about the studies and courses.

Master's thesis

All students undertake a Master’s Thesis (30 cr). You will learn how a research project proceeds, from planning the work and choosing adequate methods to performing the experiments and analysing the results. The Thesis is typically based on an experimental research project carried out in one of the University’s research groups under the supervision of an experienced researcher. You will write your Thesis as if it were a scientific publication, critically describing, contemplating and discussing your results in the light of previous scientific literature on the topic.

In theThesis, you are expected to demonstrate that you are capable of scientific thinking, that you master the relevant research methods and that you are profoundly familiar with the topic of the Thesis. Completing the Thesis work shows that you have the required skills in project management and written scientific communication.

In Master's Seminar, you will get support for all stages of the Thesis process and beyond, including data acquisition, communication skills, peer interaction and support, networking and career opportunities.

The Master’s Thesis of students studying towards biology teacher qualification can deal with pedagogical or didactic issues in biology teaching (applies only to Finnish or Swedish speaking students).

Doctoral education

The Master’s degree makes you eligible for admission to postgraduate/doctoral studies. The strong research orientation of the programme provides you with an excellent background for doctoral studies and a research career in Finland or abroad. At the University of Helsinki, the relevant doctoral programmes include:

You will find more information on Doctoral programmes on the University of Helsinki web pages.

If you have selected genetics and genomics as your specialisation, are fluent in Finnish or Swedish, and have taken the required courses and modules during your studies, you will be eligible to continue your studies towards qualifying as a hospital geneticist. Read more about becoming a hospital geneticist (in Finnish).

Why students chose the GMB programme

Watch the video where our students tell about their studies and why they chose our master's programme.

Students and student life

Check out stories and testimonials by our students about their studies and why they chose the programme.

Student life and especially the student organisation culture is exceptionally rich and diverse in Finland. Also at the University of Helsinki, the student community is very active. More than 250 student organisations operate within the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY), ranging from faculty and subject organisations to political and societal organisations, and from choirs and orchestras to sports and game clubs. Their activities include anniversary celebrations, academic dinner parties, cultural events, get-togethers and excursions.

As a student and member of the Student Union (HYY), you are entitled to many benefits and services. For example, affordable student housing, basic healthcare services, sports facilities and student-priced meals. You also get numerous discounts, for example on public transport fees across the country.  

Read more about the life and benefits as a student at the University of Helsinki.

Do you have questions about studies or student life? You can get answers to your questions by chatting directly with the students of University of Helsinki. Chat with our students!