Master in Biochemistry

Adobe Stock - Sergey Nivens

The Master in Biochemistry allows students to specialise in domains such as transmembrane transport and membrane biochemistry, bioinformatics, cellular and molecular biology, and biophysics. Through this programme, students develop the methodological knowledge and experimental rigour which are essential for conducting research. The programme also provides state-of-the-art training in the area of cellular energy production. Students will master the key concepts in biochemistry from the molecular level to the cellular level in order to understand the precise mechanisms at work in cells.

Students undertake a two-month internship (15 credits) followed by a two semesters research project (60 credits) in laboratories. These research projects provide students with their first opportunity for independent research, allowing them to explore their own ideas and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge. Through these experiences, students develop essential skills and expertise for diverse careers in academia, industry, and beyond.

Study programme

4 semesters (max. 8 semesters) | 120 ECTS credits

Electives courses (45 credits)

Hot topics and breakthroughs in biochemistry
Current topics in chemical biology and biochemistry
Biochemistry and biophysics of membranes
Cellular and molecular biology
Molecular genetics of development
Principles of neurobiology
Bioinformatics
Bioorganic chemistry
Bioethic, etc.

Check the full list in the online course program

Research Projects

Practical Training in Research (15 credits)
A 2-month project within a research group of the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, or, under some conditions, external (academic or industry).

Master Thesis (60 credits)
A 2-semester project within a research group of the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, or, under some conditions, external (academic or industry).

Registration

Applications must be done online at the following website. On this website you will find all the information regarding application deadlines, required documents, visa informations, etc.

www.unige.ch/enrolment

Questions regarding applications, required documents, visa informations, admission conditions... should be addressed at the enrolment office using the link below: 

https://www.unige.ch/immatriculations/en/horaires-en

 

Scholarships

Faculty of Science Excellence Fellowship

The Faculty of Science, with the support of external partners, has established an Excellence Fellowship program open to outstanding and highly motivated students. Candidate selection is based on excellence.

The Excellence Fellowship consists of a grant amounting to CHF 10'000 to CHF 15’000/year (no teaching duties); it is awarded for one year and extended for the regular duration of the chosen Master's program (three or four semesters) provided the applicant is academically successful at the end of his/her first semester of studies.

Information & application procedure to Master of Excellence Fellowship 

Werner Fellowship

The Alfred Werner Fund of the Swiss Chemical Society Foundation offers scholarship  to carry out Master degree studies in Chemistry or Biochemistry at a Swiss University or a Federal Institute of Technology. This opportunity targets foreign students in the top 10% of their undergraduate programs.

To apply to the Werner Fellowship for a Master in Biochemistry of UNIGE,  apply to the above mentioned "Faculty of Science Excellence Fellowship". The School of Chemistry and Biochemistry of UNIGE will automatically considered your application for the Werner Fellowship and send the nominees to the SCS. To apply to the  "Faculty of Science Excellence Fellowship", follow the procedure described here

Admission conditions

A Bachelor in Chemistry or Biochemistry, or a degree deemed equivalent upon review of the application, subject to supplementary classes and prerequisites for certain degrees. Applications undergo assessment by the Equivalence Committee of the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, all application must be submitted through the admission website (see the Registration section of the current page). Please note that no preliminary evaluations will be provided via email.

General UNIGE conditions: www.unige.ch/conditions/MA

Languages of instruction

Almost entirely in English (few elective courses only given in French).

In the course program, courses whose titles are given in French are taught in French; courses whose titles are given in English are taught in English.

No language certification are required. 

C1 level in English recommended to be able to follow the classes.

More informations

Academic calendar

Contacts