Programme-specific Section of the

Curriculum for the MSc Programme in

Biochemistry
at the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen
2009 (Rev. 2021)

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 ............................................................................................................. 3
2.4 Career opportunities ..................................................................................................................................... 3
3 Description of competence profiles ...................................................................................... 3
3.1 Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology .................................................................................................... 3
3.2 Molecular Genetics ...................................................................................................................................... 4
3.3 Molecular Microbiology............................................................................................................................... 5
3.4 Protein Chemistry ......................................................................................................................................... 5
4 Admission requirements ....................................................................................................... 6
4.1 Applicants with a closely related Bachelor’s degree .................................................................................... 6
4.2 Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree within the field of Science ................................................................. 6
4.3 Other applicants............................................................................................................................................ 7
4.4 Language requirements ................................................................................................................................ 7
4.5 Supplementary subject elements .................................................................................................................. 7
5 Prioritisation of applicants ................................................................................................... 7
6 Structure of the programme................................................................................................. 7
6.1 Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology .................................................................................................... 8
6.2 Molecular Genetics ...................................................................................................................................... 9
6.3 Molecular Microbiology............................................................................................................................. 10
6.4 Protein Chemistry ....................................................................................................................................... 11
7 Exemptions ........................................................................................................................... 13
8 Commencement etc. ............................................................................................................ 13
8.1 Validity ....................................................................................................................................................... 13
8.2 Transfer ...................................................................................................................................................... 13
8.3 Amendment ................................................................................................................................................ 13
Appendix 1 Tables .................................................................................................................. 14
Appendix 2 Interim arrangements ....................................................................................... 17
Appendix 3 Description of objectives for the thesis ............................................................ 24

Page 1 of 24
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 Biochemistry with a specialisation in Molecular Cell Biology and
Immunology leads to a Master of Science (MSc) in Biochemistry with a specialisation in
Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology with the Danish title: Cand.scient.
(candidatus/candidata scientiarum) i biokemi med en specialisering i molekylær cellebiologi
og immunologi.

The MSc Programme in Biochemistry with a specialisation in Molecular Genetics leads to a

Master of Science (MSc) in Biochemistry with a specialisation in Molecular Genetics with the
Danish title: Cand.scient. (candidatus/candidata scientiarum) i biokemi med en specialisering
i molekylær genetik

The MSc Programme in Biochemistry with a specialisation in Molecular Microbiology leads

to a Master of Science (MSc) in Biochemistry with a specialisation in Molecular
Microbiology with the Danish title: Cand.scient. (candidatus/candidata scientiarum) i
biokemi med en specialisering i molekylær mikrobiologi.

The MSc Programme in Biochemistry with a specialisation in Protein Chemistry leads to a

Master of Science (MSc) in Biochemistry with a specialisation in Protein Chemistry with the
Danish title: Cand.scient. (candidatus/candidata scientiarum) i biokemi med en
specialisering i proteinkemi.

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).

1.4 Language
The language of this MSc Programme is English.

2 Academic profile
2.1 Purpose
The MSc Programme in Biochemistry is a research-based programme that aims to provide
students with competences, skills and knowledge within one of the biochemistry subject
areas, with an individually chosen specialisation centred on an independent, experimental
research project.

2.2 General programme profile

The student chooses one of the four different specialisations (Molecular Cell Biology and
Immunology, Molecular Genetics, Molecular Microbiology, and Protein Chemistry). In
addition, the student follow supplementary courses where restricted optional courses are
within their specialisation and optional courses can be in other disciplines. Thus, it is possible
to create an individual academic profile within one of the five broad specialisations.

Page 2 of 24
Biochemistry is the key subject area of the programme. The student will be trained to
critically understand, analyse and evaluate theoretical and experimental methods in
biochemistry and evaluate scientific conclusions within their specialization. Both from
original scientific literature and in relation to their own experiments carried out during the
thesis.

2.3 General structure of the programme

The MSc Programme is set at 120 ECTS.

The MSc Programme in Biochemistry consists of the following elements:

 Specialisation, 120 ECTS, including the thesis.

The student must choose one of the following specialisations:

 Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology.
 Molecular Genetics.
 Molecular Microbiology.
 Protein Chemistry.

2.4 Career opportunities

The MSc Programme in Biochemistry qualifies students to become professionals within
business functions and/or areas such as:
 A PhD programme
 Within their area of specialisation, graduates will attain a high level of theoretical and
experimental expertise that will qualify them to work independently, be part of a
research team and manage projects at universities, biotech and pharmaceutical
industry and hospitals.

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 Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology

On completion of the programme, an MSc in Biochemistry with a specialisation in Molecular
Cell Biology and Immunology has acquired the following:

Knowledge about:
 Research at a high international level, including an overview of the latest research in
in Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology and relevant adjacent main subject areas.
 Industrial and medical applications of their subject.
 The latest research and relevant theoretical and experimental methods in Molecular
Cell Biology and Immunology

Skills in/to:
 Master relevant theoretical and experimental scientific methods in Molecular Cell
Biology and Immunology.
 Read and understand original biochemistry literature.
 Document the results of experiments.
 Use the subject’s main databases and relevant IT Technology.

Page 3 of 24
Competences in/to:
 Formulate, structure and manage a research project.
 Develop and apply biochemical methodology to generate new knowledge.
 Generate, evaluate and analyse data, including its degree of uncertainty, potential
sources of error, the relevance of the methodology used and the validity of the data.
 Organise their own work, both individually and as part of a research group.
 Manage projects in public- and private-sector institutions and companies.
 Critically read and evaluate original biochemical literature within Molecular Cell
Biology and Immunology, identify scientific issues, reflect on the model solutions
used and develop alternative solutions.
 Discuss the application of biochemistry research results in social, environmental and
ethical contexts on the basis of academic arguments.
 Disseminate the results of their own and other people's experiments and complex
problems using correct academic terminology, both orally and in writing.
 Take independent responsibility for their own academic development and
specialisation.

3.2 Molecular Genetics

On completion of the programme, an MSc in Biochemistry with a specialisation in Molecular
Genetics has acquired the following:

Knowledge about:
 Research at a high international level, including an overview of the latest research in
in Molecular Genetics and relevant adjacent main subject areas.
 Industrial and medical applications of their subject.
 The latest research and relevant theoretical and experimental methods in Molecular
Genetics.

Skills in/to:
 Master relevant theoretical and experimental scientific methods in Molecular
Genetics.
 Read and understand original biochemistry literature.
 Document the results of experiments.
 Use the subject’s main databases and relevant IT Technology.

Competences in/to:
 Formulate, structure and manage a research project.
 Develop and apply biochemical methodology to generate new knowledge.
 Generate, evaluate and analyse data, including its degree of uncertainty, potential
sources of error, the relevance of the methodology used and the validity of the data.
 Organise their own work, both individually and as part of a research group.
 Manage projects in public- and private-sector institutions and companies.
 Critically read and evaluate original biochemical literature within Molecular Genetics,
identify scientific issues, reflect on the model solutions used and develop alternative
solutions.
 Discuss the application of biochemistry research results in social, environmental and
ethical contexts on the basis of academic arguments.
 Disseminate the results of their own and other people's experiments and complex
problems using correct academic terminology, both orally and in writing.
 Take independent responsibility for their own academic development and
specialisation.

Page 4 of 24
3.3 Molecular Microbiology
On completion of the programme, an MSc in Biochemistry with a specialisation in Molecular
Microbiology has acquired the following:

Knowledge about:
 Research at a high international level, including an overview of the latest research in
in Molecular Microbiology and relevant adjacent main subject areas.
 Industrial and medical applications of their subject.
 The latest research and relevant theoretical and experimental methods in Molecular
Microbiology

Skills in/to:
 Master relevant theoretical and experimental scientific methods in Molecular
Microbiology.
 Read and understand original biochemistry literature.
 Document the results of experiments.
 Use the subject’s main databases and relevant IT Technology.

Competences in/to:
 Formulate, structure and manage a research project.
 Develop and apply biochemical methodology to generate new knowledge.
 Generate, evaluate and analyse data, including its degree of uncertainty, potential
sources of error, the relevance of the methodology used and the validity of the data.
 Organise their own work, both individually and as part of a research group.
 Manage projects in public- and private-sector institutions and companies.
 Critically read and evaluate original biochemical literature within Molecular
Microbiology, identify scientific issues, reflect on the model solutions used and
develop alternative solutions.
 Discuss the application of biochemistry research results in social, environmental and
ethical contexts on the basis of academic arguments.
 Disseminate the results of their own and other people's experiments and complex
problems using correct academic terminology, both orally and in writing.
 Take independent responsibility for their own academic development and
specialisation.

3.4 Protein Chemistry

On completion of the programme, an MSc in Biochemistry with a specialisation in Protein
Chemistry has acquired the following:

Knowledge about:
 Research at a high international level, including an overview of the latest research in
in Protein Chemistry and relevant adjacent main subject areas.
 Industrial and medical applications of their subject.
 The latest research and relevant theoretical and experimental methods in Protein
Chemistry.

Skills in/to:
 Master relevant theoretical and experimental scientific methods in Protein Chemistry.
 Read and understand original biochemistry literature.
 Document the results of experiments.
 Use the subject’s main databases and relevant IT Technology.

Page 5 of 24
Competences in/to:
 Formulate, structure and manage a research project.
 Develop and apply biochemical methodology to generate new knowledge.
 Generate, evaluate and analyse data, including its degree of uncertainty, potential
sources of error, the relevance of the methodology used and the validity of the data.
 Organise their own work, both individually and as part of a research group.
 Manage projects in public- and private-sector institutions and companies.
 Critically read and evaluate original biochemical literature within Protein Chemistry,
identify scientific issues, reflect on the model solutions used and develop alternative
solutions.
 Discuss the application of biochemistry research results in social, environmental and
ethical contexts on the basis of academic arguments.
 Disseminate the results of their own and other people's experiments and complex
problems using correct academic terminology, both orally and in writing.
 Take independent responsibility for their own academic development and
specialisation.

4 Admission requirements
With a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Copenhagen the student is
granted reserved access and guaranteed a place on the MSc Programme in Biochemistry 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 closely related Bachelor’s degree

Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in the following are directly academically qualified for
admission to the MSc programme in Biochemistry:
 Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biomedicine or
Nanoscience from the University of Copenhagen.
 Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology or Molecular Biology from
Aarhus University.

4.2 Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree within the field of Science

Applicants with one of the following:
 Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of
Southern Denmark
 Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology from Roskilde University
 Bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen
 Bachelor's degree from a Danish, Nordic or international university
may also be admitted if their programme includes the following:
 A minimum of 60 ECTS within chemistry and biochemistry/molecular biology of
which a minimum of 30 ECTS must be in chemistry and 22.5 ECTS in
biochemistry/molecular biology.
 In total, the applicant must have a minimum of 30 ECTS that stem from courses with
experimental laboratory exercises.

Subject elements in protein chemistry or biophysical chemistry may be counted either as

chemistry or biochemistry/molecular biology.

Page 6 of 24
4.3 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 Subclauses 4.1-2.

4.4 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.

4.5 Supplementary subject elements

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

However, subject elements passed before the completion of the bachelor’s programme may be
included in the overall assessment. This includes subject elements completed as continuing
education as well as subject elements completed as part of a former higher education
programme. 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 (§12-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 Biochemistry 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 (all criteria apply):

 Applicant’s total number of ECTS in the areas metabolism, enzymology, protein

science, cell biology, organic chemistry and physical chemistry and documented
laboratory experience.
 Applicants ranked according to grades achieved in the areas concerned. If different
grading systems make comparison impossible, applicants will be prioritised on the
basis of an individual evaluation by the Admission Committee.
 Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree age of more than 5 years have low priority.

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).

Before the beginning of the MSc Programme the student must choose a specialisation.

Page 7 of 24
6.1 Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology
The specialisation is set at 120 ECTS and consists of the following:
 Compulsory subject elements, 22.5 ECTS
 Restricted elective subject elements, 22.5 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 (22.5 ECTS):
 NBIK20003U Principal Subject in Molecular Cell Biology and Block 1+2 15 ECTS
Immunology
 NBIK13014U Major Subject Project Block 4 7.5 ECTS

6.1.2 Restricted elective subject elements

22.5 ECTS are to be covered as subject elements from the following list:
 NBIK15006U Advanced Cell Biology Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK10015U Cell Cycle Control and Cancer Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK10017U RNA Biology Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK15009U Cellular Signalling in Health and Disease Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK10020U Developmental Biology Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK14034U Molecular Neurobiology Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK15010U Epigenetics and Cell Differentiation Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIA08004U Evolutionary Medicine Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 SMOK14003U Chronic Inflammation. From Basic Research to Block 3 7.5 ECTS
Therapy
 NBIK20005U Cellular and Integrative Physiology Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK13017U Molecular Biotechnology Block 4 7.5 ECTS
Thesis Preparation Project Block 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 7.5 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 15 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 be included in the elective section of the programme with 7.5
ECTS. Thesis preparation projects may not exceed 7.5 ECTS in total of the programme. The
regulations are described in Appendix 6 to the shared section of the curriculum.

Projects outside the course scope, projects in practice and thesis preparation projects may not
exceed 45 ECTS of the programme.

Page 8 of 24
 6.1.4 Thesis
The MSc Programme in Biochemistry with a specialisation in Molecular Cell Biology and
Immunology 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.

6.1.5 Academic mobility

The curriculum makes it possible to follow subject elements outside the Faculty of Science.

For students admitted in September the academic mobility in the MSc Programme in
Biochemistry with a specialisation in Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology is placed in
block 3+4 of the 1st year.

Academic mobility requires that the student follows the rules and regulations regarding pre-
approval and credit transfer.

In addition the student has the possibility to arrange similar academic mobility in other parts
of the programme.

6.2 Molecular Genetics

The specialisation is set at 120 ECTS and consists of the following:
 Compulsory subject elements, 22.5 ECTS
 Restricted elective subject elements, 22.5 ECTS
 Elective subject elements, 15 ECTS
 Thesis, 60 ECTS

6.2.1 Compulsory subject elements

All of the following subject elements are to be covered (22.5 ECTS):
 NBIK20002U Principal Subject in Molecular Genetics Block 1+2 15 ECTS
 NBIK13014U Major Subject Project Block 4 7.5 ECTS

6.2.2 Restricted elective subject elements

22.5 ECTS are to be covered as subject elements from the following list:
 NBIK15017U Theoretical Molecular Genetics Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK15011U Experimental Molecular Genetics Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK10017U RNA Biology Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK10015U Cell Cycle Control and Cancer Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK10020U Developmental Biology Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK15013U Genome Sequence Analysis Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK13005U Experimental Higher Model Organisms Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK15010U Epigenetics and Cell Differentiation Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK15014U Human Genetics Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 NBIA09043U Population Genetics Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 LBIK10207U Synthetic Biology Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK13017U Molecular Biotechnology Block 4 7.5 ECTS
Thesis Preparation Project Block 4 7.5 ECTS
 SGBK20010U Forensic Geobiology Block 5 7.5 ECTS

6.2.3 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.

Page 9 of 24
BSc subject elements corresponding to 7.5 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 15 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 be included in the elective section of the programme with 7.5
ECTS. Thesis preparation projects may not exceed 7.5 ECTS in total of the programme. The
regulations are described in Appendix 6 to the shared section of the curriculum.

Projects outside the course scope, projects in practice and thesis preparation projects may not
exceed 45 ECTS of the programme.

6.2.4 Thesis
The MSc Programme in Biochemistry with a specialisation in Molecular Genetics 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.

6.2.5 Academic mobility

The curriculum makes it possible to follow subject elements outside the Faculty of Science.

For students admitted in September the academic mobility in the MSc Programme in
Biochemistry with a specialisation in Molecular Genetics is placed in block 3+4 of the 1st
year.

Academic mobility requires that the student follows the rules and regulations regarding pre-
approval and credit transfer.

In addition the student has the possibility to arrange similar academic mobility in other parts
of the programme.

6.3 Molecular Microbiology

The specialisation is set at 120 ECTS and consists of the following:
 Compulsory subject elements, 22.5 ECTS
 Restricted elective subject elements, 22.5 ECTS
 Elective subject elements, 15 ECTS
 Thesis, 60 ECTS

6.3.1 Compulsory subject elements

All of the following subject elements are to be covered (22.5 ECTS):
 NBIK20000U Principal Subject in Molecular Microbiology Block 1+2 15 ECTS
 NBIK13014U Major Subject Project Block 4 7.5 ECTS

6.3.2 Restricted elective subject elements

22.5 ECTS are to be covered as subject elements from the following list:
 NBIK15003U Advanced Bacteriology 1 Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIA05008U Biological Sequence Analysis Block 1 7.5 ECTS

Page 10 of 24
  NBIK15016U The Human Microbiome Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK15005U Advanced Bacteriology 2 Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 LLEK10219U Control of Foodborne Microorganism Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK15013U Genome Sequence Analysis Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK14035U Medical Bacteriology Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 LBIK10136U Heterologous Expression Block 3 15 ECTS
 NBIK16003U Marine Microbiology and Virology Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK13017U Molecular Biotechnology Block 4 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK16000U The Human Microbiome - Experiments Block 4 7.5 ECTS
Thesis Preparation Project Block 4 7.5 ECTS

6.3.3 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 7.5 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 15 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 be included in the elective section of the programme with 7.5
ECTS. Thesis preparation projects may not exceed 7.5 ECTS in total of the programme. The
regulations are described in Appendix 6 to the shared section of the curriculum.

Projects outside the course scope, projects in practice and thesis preparation projects may not
exceed 45 ECTS of the programme.

6.3.4 Thesis
The MSc Programme in Biochemistry with a specialisation in Molecular Microbiology
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.

6.3.5 Academic mobility

The curriculum makes it possible to follow subject elements outside the Faculty of Science.

For students admitted in September the academic mobility in the MSc Programme in
Biochemistry with a specialisation in Molecular Microbiology is placed in block 3+4 of the 1st
year.

Academic mobility requires that the student follows the rules and regulations regarding pre-
approval and credit transfer.

In addition the student has the possibility to arrange similar academic mobility in other parts
of the programme.

6.4 Protein Chemistry

The specialisation is set at 120 ECTS and consists of the following:

Page 11 of 24
  Compulsory subject elements, 22.5 ECTS
 Restricted elective subject elements, 22.5 ECTS
 Elective subject elements, 15 ECTS
 Thesis, 60 ECTS

6.4.1 Compulsory subject elements

All of the following subject elements are to be covered (22.5 ECTS):
 NBIK20001U Principal Subject in Protein Chemistry Block 1+2 15 ECTS
 NBIK13014U Major Subject Project Block 4 7.5 ECTS

6.4.2 Restricted elective subject elements

22.5 ECTS are to be covered as subject elements from the following list:
 NKEK14015U The Chemistry of Metal Ions in Biological Systems Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK19000U Protein Research Lab Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NKEA06015U Crystallography Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIA05014U Structural Bioinformatics Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK16001U NMR Spectroscopy Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK10023U Advanced Protein Science 1 – Protein Interactions Block 3 7.5 ECTS
and Sequences
 NFYK14039U Radioactive Isotopes and Ionizing Radiation Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK10024U Advanced Protein Science 2 – Protein Structure Block 4 7.5 ECTS
Determination
 NBIK13017U Molecular Biotechnology Block 4 7.5 ECTS
Thesis Preparation Project Block 4 7.5 ECTS

6.4.3 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 7.5 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 15 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 be included in the elective section of the programme with 7.5
ECTS. Thesis preparation projects may not exceed 7.5 ECTS in total of the programme. The
regulations are described in Appendix 6 to the shared section of the curriculum.

Projects outside the course scope, projects in practice and thesis preparation projects may not
exceed 45 ECTS of the programme.

6.4.4 Thesis
The MSc Programme in Biochemistry with a specialisation in Protein Chemistry 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.

Page 12 of 24
 6.4.5 Academic mobility
The curriculum makes it possible to follow subject elements outside the Faculty of Science.

For students admitted in September the academic mobility in the MSc Programme in
Biochemistry with a specialisation in Protein Chemistry is placed in block 3+4 of the 1st year.

Academic mobility requires that the student follows the rules and regulations regarding pre-
approval and credit transfer.

In addition the student has the possibility to arrange similar academic mobility in other parts
of the programme.

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.

Page 13 of 24
 Appendix 1 Tables
Tables for students admitted to the programme in September (summer):
Table– Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology
Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4
Principal Subject in Molecular Cell Biology and
Restricted elective Restricted elective
1st Immunology
year
Elective Elective Restricted elective Major Subject Project

2nd
Thesis
year

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 – Molecular Genetics

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4

Principal Subject in Molecular Genetics Restricted elective Restricted elective

1st
year
Elective Elective Restricted elective Major Subject Project

2nd
Thesis
year

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 – Molecular Microbiology

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4

Principal Subject in Molecular Microbiology Restricted elective Restricted elective

1st
year
Elective Elective Restricted elective Major Subject Project

2nd
Thesis
year

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

Page 14 of 24
 Table – Protein Chemistry
Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4

Principal Subject in Protein Chemistry Restricted elective Restricted elective

1st
year
Elective Elective Restricted elective Major Subject Project

2nd
Thesis
year

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

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

Table– Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology*

Block 3 Block 4 Block 1 Block 2
Principal Subject in Molecular Cell Biology and
Elective Restricted elective
1st Immunology
year
Elective Restricted elective Major Subject Project Restricted elective

2nd
Thesis
year

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).

Table– Molecular Genetics*

Block 3 Block 4 Block 1 Block 2

Elective Restricted elective Principal Subject in Molecular Genetics

1st
year
Elective Restricted elective Major Subject Project Restricted elective

2nd
Thesis
year

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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 Table – Molecular Microbiology*
Block 3 Block 4 Block 1 Block 2

Elective Restricted elective Principal Subject in Molecular Microbiology

1st
year
Elective Restricted elective Major Subject Project Restricted elective

2nd
Thesis
year

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).

Table – Protein Chemistry*

Block 3 Block 4 Block 1 Block 2

Elective Restricted elective Principal Subject in Protein Chemistry

1st
year
Elective Restricted elective Major Subject Project Restricted elective

2nd
Thesis
year

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.
Different competence profiles may apply to students admitted to the programme in different
academic years. Competence profiles applicable to previous admissions can be found in
Revision History for Competence Profiles at SCIENCE.

1 General changes for students admitted in the academic year 2019/20 or 2018/19
Students admitted to the MSc Programme in the academic year 2019/20 or 2018/19 must
finish the programme as listed in the curriculum above with the following exceptions

1.1 Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology

Structure of the programme
The specialisation 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

Table– Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology (summer)

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4
Principal Subject in Principal Subject in
Principal Subject in
Molecular Cell Biology Molecular Cell Biology
Molecular Cell Biology Restricted elective
1st and Immunology 2 and Immunology 3
and Immunology 1
(NBIK18003U) (NBIK18004U)
year
Elective
Elective Restricted elective Major Subject Project

2nd
Thesis
year

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– Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology* (winter)

Block 3 Block 4 Block 1 Block 2
Principal Subject in Principal Subject in
Principal Subject in
Molecular Cell Biology Molecular Cell Biology
Molecular Cell Biology Restricted elective
1st and Immunology 2 and Immunology 3
and Immunology 1
year (NBIK18003U) (NBIK18004U)

Elective Elective Restricted elective Major Subject Project

Page 17 of 24
 Block 3 Block 4 Block 1 Block 2

2nd
Thesis
year

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).

Restricted elective subject elements

15 ECTS are to be covered as subject elements from the following list:
 NBIK15006U Advanced Cell Biology Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK10015U Cell Cycle Control and Cancer Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK10017U RNA Biology Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK15009U Cellular Signalling in Health and Disease Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK10020U Developmental Biology Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK14034U Molecular Neurobiology Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK15010U Epigenetics and Cell Differentation Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIA08004U Evolutionary Medicine Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 SMOK14003U Chronic Inflammation. From Basic Research to Block 3 7.5 ECTS
Therapy
 NBIK20005U Cellular and Integrative Physiology Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK13017U Molecular Biotechnology Block 4 7.5 ECTS

1.2 Molecular Genetics

Structure of the programme
The specialisation 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

Table – Molecular Genetics (summer)

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4
Principal Subject in Principal Subject in
Principal Subject in
Molecular Genetics 2 Restricted elective Molecular Genetics 3
1st Molecular Genetics 1
(NBIA09015U) (NBIA09016U)
year
Elective Elective Restricted elective Major Subject Project

2nd
Thesis
year

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– Molecular Genetics (winter)*

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 Block 3 Block 4 Block 1 Block 2
Principal Subject in Principal Subject in
Principal Subject in
Restricted elective Molecular Genetics 2 Molecular Genetics 3
1st Molecular Genetics 1
(NBIA09015U) (NBIA09016U)
year
Elective Elective Restricted elective Major Subject Project

2nd
Thesis
year

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).

Restricted elective subject elements

15 ECTS are to be covered as subject elements from the following list:
 NBIK15017U Theoretical Molecular Genetics Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK15011U Experimental Molecular Genetics Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK10017U RNA Biology Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK10015U Cell Cycle Control and Cancer Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK10020U Developmental Biology Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK15013U Genome Sequence Analysis Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK13005U Experimental Higher Model Organisms Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK15010U Epigenetics and Cell Differentation Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK15014U Human Genetics Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 NBIA09043U Population Genetics Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 LBIK10207U Synthetic Biology Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK13017U Molecular Biotechnology Block 4 7.5 ECTS
 SGBK20010U Forensic Geobiology Block 5 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK14020U Archaea Biology Discontinued* 7.5 ECTS

1.3 Molecular Microbiology

Structure of the programme
The specialisation 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

Table – Molecular Microbiology (summer)

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4
Principal Subject in Principal Subject in
Principal Subject
Molecular Microbiology Molecular
in Molecular Restricted elective
1st 2 Microbiology 3
Microbiology 1
(NBIA09018U) (NBIA09013U)
year

Restricted elective Elective Elective Major Subject Project

Page 19 of 24
 Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4

2nd
Thesis
year

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 – Molecular Microbiology* (winter)

Block 3 Block 4 Block 1 Block 2
Principal Subject in
Principal Subject
Molecular
Restricted elective Restricted elective in Molecular
Microbiology 2
Microbiology 1
1st (NBIA09018U)
year Principal Subject in
Molecular
Elective Elective Major Subject Project
Microbiology 3
(NBIA09013U)

2nd
Thesis
year

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).

Restricted elective subject elements

15 ECTS are to be covered as subject elements from the following list:
 NBIK15003U Advanced Bacteriology 1 Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIA05008U Biological Sequence Analysis Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK15016U The Human Microbiome Block 1 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK15005U Advanced Bacteriology 2 Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 LLEK10219U Control of Foodborne Microorganism Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK15013U Genome Sequence Analysis Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK14035U Medical Bacteriology Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 LBIK10136U Heterologous Expression Block 3 15 ECTS
 NBIK16003U Marine Microbiology and Virology Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK13017U Molecular Biotechnology Block 4 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK16000U The Human Microbiome - Experiments Block 4 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK14020U Archaea Biology Discontinued* 7.5 ECTS

1.4 Protein Chemistry

Structure of the programme
The specialisation 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

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  Thesis, 60 ECTS

Table – Protein Chemistry (summer)

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4
Principal Subject in Principal Subject in
Principal Subject in
Restricted elective Protein Chemistry 2 Protein Chemistry 3
Protein Chemistry 1
1st (NBIA09021U) (NBIA09022U)
year
Elective Elective Restricted elective Major Subject Project

2nd
Thesis
year

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 – Protein Chemistry* (winter)

Block 3 Block 4 Block 1 Block 2
Principal Subject in Principal Subject in
Principal Subject in
Restricted elective Protein Chemistry 2 Protein Chemistry 3
1st Protein Chemistry 1
(NBIA09021U) (NBIA09022U)
year
Elective Elective Restricted elective Major Subject Project

2nd
Thesis
year

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).

Restricted elective subject elements

15 ECTS are to be covered as subject elements from the following list:
 NKEK14015U The Chemistry of Metal Ions in Biological Block 1 7.5 ECTS
Systems
 NKEA06015U Crystallography - MSc Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIA05014U Structural Bioinformatics Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK16001U NMR Spectroscopy Block 2 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK10023U Advanced Protein Science 1 – Protein Block 3 7.5 ECTS
Interactions and Sequences
 NFYK14039U Radioactive Isotopes and Ionizing Radiation Block 3 7.5 ECTS
 NBIK10024U Advanced Protein Science 2 – Protein Block 4 7.5 ECTS
Structure Determination
 NBIK13017U Molecular Biotechnology Block 4 7.5 ECTS
 NKEK12006U Surface Physical Chemistry Discontinued* 7.5 ECTS
* See course specific changes below. The course was restricted elective in the academic year
2018/19 and not in 2019/20.

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 2 Course specific changes
Discontinued course Interim arrangement
Archaea Biology (NBIK14020U), 7.5 The course was restricted elective on the specialisation in
ECTS Molecular Genetics and Molecular Microbiology in the
academic year 2018/19 and 2019/20.

Offered for the last time: 2019/20

Last exam if applicable (cf. SCIENCE's Teaching and exam
rules): 2020/21
Principal Subject in Molecular Cell The course was compulsory on the specialisation in
Biology and Immunology 1 Molecular Biology and Immunology in the academic year
(NBIK18002U), 7.5 ECTS 2019/20 and 2018/19.

Offered for the last time: 2019/20

In this curriculum, Principal Subject in Molecular Cell

Biology and Immunology (NBIK20003U), 15 ECTS
replaces the course if both Principal Subject in Molecular
Cell Biology and Immunology 1 and 2 are not passed.
Principal Subject in Molecular Genetics The course was a compulsory course on the specialisation in
1 (NBIA09014U), 7.5 ECTS Molecular Genetics in the academic year 2019/20 and
2018/19.

Offered for the last time: 2019/20

If both Principal Subject in Molecular Genetics 1 and 2 are

not passed: In this curriculum, Principal Subject in
Molecular Genetics (NBIK20002U), 15 ECTS replaces the
two courses.
Principal Subject in Molecular The course was a compulsory course on the specialisation in
Microbiology 1 (NBIA09011U), 7.5 Molecular Microbiology in the academic year 2019/20 and
ECTS 2018/19.

Offered for the last time: 2019/20

If both Principal Subject in Molecular Microbiology 1 and 2

are not passed: In this curriculum, Principal Subject in
Molecular Microbiology (NBIK20000U), 15 ECTS replaces
the two courses
Principal Subject in Protein Chemistry 1 The course was a compulsory course on the specialisation in
(NBIK09021U), 7.5 ECTS Protein Chemistry in the academic year 2019/20 and
2018/19.

Offered for the last time: 2019/20

If both Principal Subject in Protein Chemistry 1 and 2 are

not passed: In this curriculum, Principal Subject in Protein
Chemistry (NBIK20001U), 15 ECTS replaces the two
courses

Page 22 of 24
Surface Physical Chemistry The course was a restricted elective course on the
(NKEK12006U), 7.5 ECTS specialisation in Protein Chemistry in the academic year
2018/19.

Offered for the last time: 2018/19

Last exam if applicable (cf. SCIENCE's Teaching and exam
rules): 2019/20.

Page 23 of 24
Appendix 3 Description of objectives for the thesis
After completing the thesis, the student should have:

Knowledge about:
 Theory and methods (experimentally and theoretically) within biochemistry and the
selected specialisation (Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Molecular Genetics,
Molecular Microbiology or Protein Chemistry).
 The strength and limitations of a broad range of experimental methods in biochemistry
and chemistry.
 Formulation and analysis of problems.

Skills in/to:
 Define a professionally defined issue of biochemical relevance.
 Handle model organisms scientifically and safely.
 Select appropriate theories and methods to address one or more issues in a given
academic frame within one or more selected fields (Molecular Cell Biology and
Immunology, Molecular Genetics, Molecular Microbiology or Protein Chemistry).
 Communicate an issue clearly and manageable in a biochemical scientific context -
both in writing and orally - to the appropriate audience using sound professional
biochemical terminology.
 Organize and carrying out a major experimental work.
 Select and use a wide range of different methods and in silico analyses and equipment
relevant to the experimental biochemical, chemical and biological analysis from their
practical laboratory experience and within a given academic frame of one or more
selected fields (Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Molecular Genetics,
Molecular Microbiology or Protein Chemistry).
 Work on personal experimental data of biochemical, biological, or chemical in nature,
exhaustively.
 Comply with applicable standards and regulations for laboratory work.
 Use standard and specialized software as well as modern information technology for
biochemical work.
 Journalize own laboratory work in a level of detail so that others have the opportunity
to recreate results.

Competences in/to:
 Implement a research-oriented project independently.
 Analyse, interpret and compare their own and others' experimental data from the
underlying biochemical, biological and chemical Principals.
 Put their own results in scientific biochemical, biological and chemical relevant
context.
 Discuss their own data generation and relate their own data to other people's data
within the given academic frame of one or more selected fields (Molecular Cell
Biology and Immunology, Molecular Genetics, Molecular Microbiology or Protein
Chemistry).
 Critically assess the quality, relevance and probability of their own and others' data.
 Independently develop their knowledge and skills related to biochemistry, chemistry
and biology.
 Assess the safety and environmental aspects of the biochemical, biological and
chemical work.

Page 24 of 24