Introduction to Master in Medical Biology (MB)

• Studies of the molecular mechanisms involved in physiology and human pathophysiology


• Initiation to translational research (Interface between basic research and clinical applications)


• Acquisition of advanced technologies in basic research (genomics, imaging, electrophysiology, transgenesis,…)


• Developments of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools

• Immunology and cancer


• Metabolism, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular pathologies


• Pharmacology & toxicology


• Medical microbiology


• Neuroscience

Numerous sites and departments are involved.

However most of the courses take place on the site of the Bugnon (Dept. of Physiology, Dept of Pharmacology and Toxicology, CHUV) or on the site of Épalinges (CIIL).

The Master of Science in Medical Biology is intended for students who take an interest in biological research in the medical field.

The first semester consists of an introduction to human biology in its broadest sense, tackling fundamental cellular functions and systems of signal transduction within and between cells, as well as normal and pathological workings of the main systems of the human organism.

At the end of the Master of Science (MSc) studies in Medical Biology (hereinafter Master), students will be able to:

1. Mobilise and implement the knowledge gained through creativity in solving scientific problems in pre-clinical and clinical medical biology.


2. Respond to a biological question through laboratory experiments and / or computational analysis.


3. Have a capacity for observation and learning, both theoretical and experimental, and adaptation according to new information to be taken into account.


4. Analyse, integrate and summarise various types of data from the literature, both experimentally and in the field.


5. Manage bibliographic resources (databases, scientific journals, etc.) and analyse and summarise the scientific literature related to the field concerned during the development of a scientific project and its realisation.


6. Make a critical analysis of results or a scientific approach.


7. React on the spot and appropriately during discussions and problem solving.


8. Organise their work and projects individually and / or in teams, taking the initiatives and contacts required for their completion.


9. Communicate their results orally and in writing through various channels (oral presentation, presentation on the basis of a poster, writing of a written report and a scientific article).


10. Defend a project before experts and explain it to economic and political actors.


11. Have proficiency in written and spoken English for reading scientific texts, writing articles and communicating with experts.

Specific training objectives by tracks are described in their own webpage.

The second semester offers four fields of specialisation to choose from:

Each field constitutes an independent instruction programme.

The third semester is dedicated to the completion of the personal research. Almost 100 laboratories provide First step or Master projects.

There is no entry exam for this master program but  the students are strongly encouraged to know basic concepts with a list provided here.

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