Upon graduation, all students will have deeper understanding of different disease mechanisms, the anatomy and physiology of healthy human as well as diagnostic methods and pharmacological approaches.
Students can work at the interface of research, clinics and industry. Students have the capacity to critically analyse scientific literature and are aware of the regulatory and ethical aspects of translational research. Students also learn the basics of communicating research findings to the public.
Students learn to produce new scientific information in the field of translational medicine, and gain knowledge to apply this information in future research or in commercial or health care applications.
Check out more courses in the
The Foundations in Translational Medicine form the basis of the degree in both study tracks. These include medical sciences, research and communication skills and career planning to prepare for the selection of study track.
Independently from your choice of study track, you can direct your studies to a specific field in translational medicine, or select a broad combination of different topics. The basis of this is the module Mechanisms of Human Disease, where you can include courses from 10 to over 30 - depending of your own interests.
Thesis seminar 5 cr
Every student participates in the thesis seminar from the beginning of the studies. In the seminar, the student will develop the ability to
Clinical Rounds 3 cr
All students have the possibility to complete clinical rounds in Helsinki University Hospital under supervision of clinical teachers to get an insight of the clinical medicine, as well as the implementation of research based therapy and diagnostics in patient care.
Master's thesis 30 cr
A Master’s thesis consists of both research and written work completed as part of TRANSMED studies. The aim is to train the student in independent research work, information retrieval skills, the critical assessment of sources and research results, and academic writing. The research is usually part of a wider research project that aims to produce new scientific knowledge. Each student is assigned a personal supervisor.
Research groups suitable for completing a thesis can be found e.g. in
Students in the study track Health Industry and Innovation are encouraged to do the thesis as a commission. Commissioned Master’s theses are completed in cooperation with employer organisations.
In the Translational Research track, students gain experience in working as a member of a research group. They are able to formulate research questions, apply current methodologies, produce and present scientific results and discuss their own findings. They are well equipped for doctoral studies and careers in science, in health industry or expert positions in the public sector.
Obligatory Advanced Research Methods, 10 cr is an internship in an academic research group, where student has the opportunity to learn up-to-date research methodologies related to the translational research field of their interest and for their thesis work.
Alternative studies (min. 10 cr) include
Recommended optional studies include e.g. studies from the other study track and courses organized by other degree programmes.
In the Health Industry and Innovations track, students gain insight into innovation processes and business opportunities in health industry. They also have the opportunity to learn about different aspects in drug development from basic research to clinical trials.
Students gain experience in working in a company setting, and are encouraged to produce a Master’s thesis as a commission. Study track Health Industry and Innovations also provides all the competencies required for doctoral studies.
Obligatory traineeships, 10 cr in total, are partially or completely completed outside university in private or public enterprises or institutes.
Alternative studies (min 10 cr) include
Recommended optional studies include e.g. studies from the other study track and courses organized by other degree programmes.
Working life skills
Students may further develop their working life skills by participating in an interdisciplinary project, in student tutoring or in the administration of the university or a student organisation. These experiences are credited in the degree.
Language studies
A maximum of 15 credits of language studies in Finnish, English or Swedish language can be included in the degree to support career choices.
Sustainability skills
Both study tracks are closely related to Good health and well-being, one of the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations, and sustainability awareness is an important part of future careers in this field. All students may include 5 cr of sustainability courses to their degree.