Objectives and competences

The master's degree in Biomedicine represents one of the University of Barcelona's key strategic contributions to the field, both in terms of its academic content and on the strength of the underlying research infrastructure. The programme covers multidisciplinary aspects of biomedicine and applied research, and graduates will have excellent future prospects in life sciences. The degree also provides the necessary training for entry into postgraduate studies relating to diverse areas of biomedicine. The quality of the master's degree is guaranteed by the excellent scientific output indicators achieved by the teaching staff and researchers involved in the teaching of the programme. This is a multidisciplinary course coordinated by various departments in the faculties of Medicine and Health Sciences, Biology and Pharmacy and Food Sciences. 

The new curriculum for the master's in Biomedicine, which was introduced for the academic year 2013-2014, retains the multidisciplinary nature of the previous curriculum, but differs in three respects:
  • Increased content in molecular oncology and endocrine and metabolic diseases, which are areas of biomedicine not covered by other master's courses offered by the University of Barcelona.
  • A more clearly defined approach in the component of applied biomedical research.
  • Adaptation to the content of the new degree courses in biomedical sciences.

Basic information

TypeMaster's degree
Faculty or schoolMedicine Training and Research Section (Clínic)
Branch of knowledge
  • Biomedical sciences
  • Medicine and dentistry
  • Biology and genetics
Mode of delivery
  • Face-to-face
Credits60
Number of places available80
Length of course1 academic year
Language(s) of instruction60 % English - 20 % Catalan - 20 % Spanish
Approximate price per credit27.67 euros per credit (82 euros for students who are not EU nationals and do not currently reside in Spain). Fees for the academic year 2023-2024
CoordinationNIEVES AGELL JANE
E-mailmaster.biomedicina@ub.edu
Course detailsIndicators
Open pre-enrolmentYes
Open enrolmentNo
Lead to doctoral studiesYes
Admission for applicants not holding a degree qualificationNo
Bridging coursesYes
Specializations
  • Basic and Translational Research in Cancer
  • Basic and Translational Research in Human Pathologies
  • Basic and Translational Research in Metabolism and Endocrinology

Objectives and competences

Objectives

The master's degree in Biomedicine is primarily focused on basic and applied research and qualifies graduates for careers in the fields of biomedical research, clinical analysis and in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, for which a PhD or official specialist health sciences qualification would not be required.

The main learning objectives of the master's degree are as follows:

  • To acquire advanced training and up-to-date knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of diseases, especially cancer and metabolic diseases, as well as in the hypotheses, methodology and techniques currently used in research, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and prevention of these diseases.


  • To acquire a solid, broad and integrated foundation from which to embark on doctoral studies in basic and applied biomedical research and the skills required for experimental laboratory work, under the supervision of experts.


  • To develop the capacity to undertake professional duties in biomedical research, clinical analysis and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, that do not require a PhD or official specialist qualification in the health sciences.

Competences

General competences:

Upon completion of the course, successful students will be able to:
  • display an understanding of the value and limitations of the scientific method and a capacity for generating new ideas;

  • prepare and defend scientific reports rigorously and competently in order to communicate scientific results, especially in English, both orally and in writing;

  • work independently, and display initiative in groups and multidisciplinary teams;

  • work safely in a laboratory environment;

  • understand and transmit to others the importance of interaction between the university and business;

  • display a concern for ethical practice in biomedicine.



Specific competences:

With regard to the specific applications of the curriculum, students will also be able to:
  • design biomedical experiments;

  • describe and apply the different experimental models of biomedical research using appropriate techniques;

  • identify molecular targets for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of human diseases;

  • display the capacity to act as a bridge between basic research and clinical practice;

  • learn how to access scientific literature and biomedical databases through electronic searches of online databases;

  • assess the quality of a scientific paper in the area of biomedicine.

Access and admission

Applicant profile and access requirements

Recommended applicant profile

The master's degree in Biomedicine is primarily addressed to students who have completed a degree in the field of health sciences, biological sciences and experimental sciences (chemistry and physics).

Candidates must have a general understanding of the basic principles of molecular, cell, tissue, organic and systemic biology. It is also essential to have a working knowledge of English, in order to be able to read basic bibliographic sources (journals, textbooks, etc.) and follow subjects taught in the language.

Access requirements and conditions

General requirements
In accordance with Article 16 of Royal Decree 1393/2007, of 29 October, students wishing to be admitted to a university master's degree must hold one of the following qualifications:

  • Official Spanish university degree.

  • A degree issued by a higher education institution within the European Higher Education Area framework that authorizes the holder to access university master's degree courses in the country of issue.

  • A qualification issued by an institution outside the framework of the European Higher Education Area. In this case, applicants must request homologation of the degree to its equivalent official Spanish university qualification or obtain express approval from the University of Barcelona, which will conduct a study of equivalence to ensure that the degree is of a comparable level to an official Spanish university qualification and that it grants access to university master's degree study in the country of issue. Admission shall not, in any case, imply that prior qualifications have been recognized as equivalent to a Spanish master's degree and does not confer recognition for any purposes other than that of admission to the master's degree course.

Specific requirements
To gain access to the master's degree in Biomedicine students must be in possession of one of the following degree qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or pre-EHEA degree in Biomedical sciences (or equivalent qualifications).
  • Bachelor's degree or pre-EHEA degree in Biology (or equivalentvqualifications).
  • Bachelor's degree or pre-EHEA degree in Biochemistry (or equivalent qualifications).
  • Bachelor's degree or pre-EHEA degree in Biotechnology (or equivalent qualifications).
  • Bachelor's degree or pre-EHEA degree in Medicine.
  • Bachelor's degree or pre-EHEA degree in Pharmacy.
  • Bachelor's degree or pre-EHEA degree in Genetics (or equivalent qualifications).
  • Bachelor's degree or pre-EHEA degree in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (or equivalent qualifications).
  • Bachelor's degree or pre-EHEA degree in Biomedical Engineering (or equivalent qualifications).
  • Bachelor's degree or pre-EHEA degree in Chemistry (bridging courses required).
  • Bachelor's degree or pre-EHEA degree in Physics (bridging courses required).
  • Bachelor's degree in Nursing (bridging courses required).
  • Bachelor's degree in Podiatry (bridging courses required).
  • Bachelor's degree or pre-EHEA degree in Dentistry (bridging courses required).
  • Bachelor's degree or pre-EHEA degree in Engineering (bridging courses required).
  • Bachelor's degree or pre-EHEA degree in Nutrition (bridging courses required).
Candidates must also have a basic level of English language skills (at level B1 in the CEFR or its equivalent). Bridging courses and additional credits Students who do not have the requisite training in human physiology, molecular and cell biology, genetics and pharmacology will need to complete bridging courses. Basic knowledge of these disciplines is necessary for the optimum acquisition of competences from the different subjects in the course curriculum. For this purpose, a six-credit subject in Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology in Genetics and Pathophysiology (code 569919) has been specifically designed, and is offered for study before the compulsory subjects of the course. This subject is a bridging course and not part of the master's degree curriculum.

Pre-enrolment

Calendar

  • First period: 29 January - 31 of May 2024.
    Notification of resolutions: from the 2 April 2024.
  • Second period: 12 of June - 15 July 2024.
    Notification of resolutions: from the July 1, 2024.

Information Master and program Erasmus: course 2025-2025 and program Erasmus

Notes:

  • Pre-enrolment fee: A pre-enrolment fee of 30,21 euros is charged. Students who apply to more than one master's degree must pay the fee for each pre-enrolment request. Pre-enrolment requests cannot be processed until this fee has been paid.Fees will only be refunded if the master's degree in question is suspended.
  • Reserved places: A maximum of 5% of the new places of the master's degree are reserved for students who meet the general and specific access requirements and accredit the recognition of a degree of disability equal to or greater than 33%.

Required documentation

Selection criteria

  • Possession of a bachelor's degree or pre-EHEA degree granting access to the master's degree, or proof of having completed such a course of study. The grade-point average obtained in the relevant degree studies should be clearly indicated. Foreign students must calculate the equivalence between their rating scale and the Spanish scale (from 1-10). (10 points): Further information
  • A letter of acceptance from a research group for the completion of the experimental work required for the master's final project. (2 points)Model
  • An employment contract with a biomedical research centre. (2 points). 
  • Additional merit is awarded for the possession of extraordinary prizes for bachelor's and pre-EHEA degrees, for professional experience in the field of biomedical research and published articles. (2 points)
The selection process is overseen by the Coordination Committee. Candidates cannot be considered for final selection until they have paid the pre-enrolment fee.

Notification

The Admissions Committee meets periodically to evaluate all complete applications received by then.

Enrolment

As a general rule, at the UB you will be required to enrol online. Remember that you can lose your place if you do not enrol on the day you have been assigned

Course curriculum

Subjects and course plans

Distribution of credits

Type ECTS
Compulsory 12
Optional 21
Compulsory placements 0
Compulsory final project 27
TOTAL 60

List of subjects

Subject Type Language Credits
Specialization: Basic and Translational Research in Cancer
Advances in Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Progression and Dissemination Optional 1st semester 3
Advances in Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Transformation Optional 1st semester 3
Ageing and Senescence Optional 1st semester 3
Bioinformatics applied to Biomedicine Optional 1st semester 3
Cell Cultures and Cell Engineering Optional 1st semester 3
Epigenetics: Mechanisms and Applications in Biomedicine Optional 1st semester 3
Experimental Models in Biomedicine Compulsory 1st semester 3
Final Project Compulsory 2nd semester 27
Fluorescence Microscopy Techniques Optional 1st semester 3
From the Laboratory to the Patient: Transferring Advances in Biomedical Research to Clinical Practice Compulsory 1st semester 3
Genomics and Proteomics Optional 1st semester 3
High-Content Screening: Image and Data Analysis of Cellular Populations Optional 1st semester 3
Research and Development and Innovation Management Optional 1st semester 3
Scientific Communication Compulsory 1st semester 3
Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Optional 1st semester 3
Techniques in Histopathology Optional 1st semester 3
Translational Research and Therapy in Cancer Optional 1st semester 6
Writing Research Projects Compulsory 2nd semester 3
Specialization: Basic and Translational Research in Human Pathologies
Ageing and Senescence Optional 1st semester 3
Bioinformatics applied to Biomedicine Optional 1st semester 3
Cell Cultures and Cell Engineering Optional 1st semester 3
Epigenetics: Mechanisms and Applications in Biomedicine Optional 1st semester 3
Experimental Models in Biomedicine Compulsory 1st semester 3
Final Project Compulsory 2nd semester 27
Fluorescence Microscopy Techniques Optional 1st semester 3
From the Laboratory to the Patient: Transferring Advances in Biomedical Research to Clinical Practice Compulsory 1st semester 3
Genomics and Proteomics Optional 1st semester 3
High-Content Screening: Image and Data Analysis of Cellular Populations Optional 1st semester 3
Molecular Principles and Cancer Research Optional 1st semester 3
Molecular Principles and Neurobiology Research Optional 1st semester 3
Molecular Principles and Research in Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases and Immunology Optional 1st semester 3
Molecular Principles and Research in Metabolism and Endocrinology Optional 1st semester 3
Research and Development and Innovation Management Optional 1st semester 3
Scientific Communication Compulsory 1st semester 3
Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Optional 1st semester 3
Techniques in Histopathology Optional 1st semester 3
Writing Research Projects Compulsory 2nd semester 3
Specialization: Basic and Translational Research in Metabolism and Endocrinology
Ageing and Senescence Optional 1st semester 3
Arteriosclerosis, Dyslipidemia and Cardiovascular Disorders Optional 1st semester 3
Bioinformatics applied to Biomedicine Optional 1st semester 3
Cell Cultures and Cell Engineering Optional 1st semester 3
Epigenetics: Mechanisms and Applications in Biomedicine Optional 1st semester 3
Experimental Models in Biomedicine Compulsory 1st semester 3
Final Project Compulsory 2nd semester 27
Fluorescence Microscopy Techniques Optional 1st semester 3
From the Laboratory to the Patient: Transferring Advances in Biomedical Research to Clinical Practice Compulsory 1st semester 3
Genomics and Proteomics Optional 1st semester 3
High-Content Screening: Image and Data Analysis of Cellular Populations Optional 1st semester 3
Molecular and Cell Principles and Pathophysiology of Obesity Optional 1st semester 3
Molecular and Cell Principles and Physiopathology of Diabetes Optional 1st semester 3
New Therapies and Translational Research in Metabolic Diseases Optional 1st semester 3
Research and Development and Innovation Management Optional 1st semester 3
Scientific Communication Compulsory 1st semester 3
Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Optional 1st semester 3
Techniques in Histopathology Optional 1st semester 3
Writing Research Projects Compulsory 2nd semester 3

Bridging courses

Subject Type Language Credits
Specialization: BC for admission to the Master's Degree in Biomedicine
Fundamental Aspects of Genetics, Cell and Molecular Biology and Physiopathology Optional 1st semester 6

Previous years

Placements

Placements in a company or another type of organization are an integral part of university studies, providing first-hand experience of working methodologies in students' chosen professional fields. They offer invaluable practical experience for the transition into work after graduation.



Placements are supervised by tutors and subject to assessment. They are therefore included in the academic record.  There is also an option to complete non-curricular placements of up to 750 hours, which can be extended to 900 hours. For both curricular and non-curricular placements, an educational cooperation agreement is signed between the UB and the company, institution or other organization at which the placement will be carried out.



Institutional information


Career opportunities

What can you work on ?

The master's degree in Biomedicine is designed to train experts in biomedicine, particularly in the areas of molecular oncology, endocrinology and metabolism, with the capacity to develop scientific projects in both industrial and medical environments and in basic and applied biomedical research.

As the programme has a strong research focus, the most obvious professional path is doctoral study followed by a career in research.

The master's degree also prepares graduates for professional duties in the fields of biomedical research, clinical analysis and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, that do not require a PhD or an official specialist qualification in the health sciences.

Access to the labour market

Data from the university system in Catalonia