Chemical Biology
A continuous study and research in chemistry has brought in different dimensions to the subject. Just as there is Physical Chemistry there is Chemical Biology which combines Chemistry and Biology, leaning more towards Molecular Biology. It is interesting to study how different universities are offering this subject with different aspects.
Stevens Institute of Technology runs a Master’s in Chemical Biology teaches “how to apply chemistry to the understanding and utilization of biological phenomena”. (https://www.stevens.edu/schaefer-school-engineering-science/departments/chemistry-chemical-biology/graduate-programs/chemical-biology-masters-degree) McMaster University runs an MSc in Chemical Biology which imparts learning in “the interface of chemistry, biochemistry and biology, with a primary emphasis on understanding how the chemical biology approach can be used to solve complex biological problems such as the mechanisms of disease, the regulation of biological pathways and the roles of different biomolecules in controlling cellular function (or dysfunction)”. (https://gs.mcmaster.ca/program/chemical-biology-2/). The Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research runs a Master in Chemical Biology which teaches “how to probe biological problems at the molecular level using innovative chemistry, biochemistry and biophysical approaches.” (https://nccr-chembio.ch/education-training/masters/). Roskilde University offers an MSc in Chemical Biology which imparts learning in “together with the development of a practical skillset working at the interface of chemistry and biology.” (https://ruc.dk/en/master/chemical-biology)
A slightly different orientation can be seen in the University of Stavanger’s Master of Science in Biological Chemistry which comes with two specialisations : Molecular Biology focusing on “techniques used when examining biological processes in living organisms such as bioinformatics and protein biochemistry” and Chemistry focusing on “advanced Organic chemistry and spectrometry.” (https://www.uis.no/en/studies/master-of-science-in-biological-chemistry) ETH Zurich offers a Masters in Biochemistry – Chemical Biology focusing on “chemical biology, biochemistry and organic chemistry and their interfaces with biology, bioanalytics, pharmacy and biomedical fields.” (https://ethz.ch/en/studies/master/degree-programmes/natural-sciences-and-mathematics/biochemistry.html)
The typical focus is on molecular biology. University of Oxford has an MSc in Research in Chemical Biology which focuses on “the molecular basis of biology, including the synthesis and adaptation of biomolecules, single molecule biophysics, the translational use of chemical processes inside living organisms leading to new therapeutics and the harnessing of enzymes” (https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses/msc-research-chemical-biology) University of Glasgow offers an MSc in Chemical Biology which gives training in “the areas of synthetic chemistry, biologically active molecules, and detailed knowledge of the biophysical characterisation techniques that can be used to examine these systems.” (https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/chemical-biology/) Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany has an MSc in Chemical Biology which includes studies in “molecular evolution, enzymatic specificity and catalysis, medical mechanisms of action, molecular communication and biosynthetic processes.” (https://www.sle.kit.edu/english/vorstudium/master-chemical-biology.php) Uppasala Universitet offers Master’s in Chemical Biology which gives “cutting-edge expertise in the field of molecular interactions between small molecules as well as biomolecules, enzymology, and protein engineering.” (https://www.uu.se/en/admissions/master/selma/program/?pInr=KEBI&pKod=TKE2M)
University of Geneva runs a Master of Chemical Biology which concentrates on “how to probe biological problems at the molecular level using innovative chemistry and biophysical approaches” (https://www.unige.ch/sciences/en/enseignements/formations/masters/chembiol/) Dortmund University has an MSc in Chemical Biology which also focuses on the molecular aspects of the life sciences “with respect to the understanding of biological processes and their targeted chemical manipulation. In addition, modern methods of biotechnology and bioanalytics as well as their applications are taught”. (https://www.tu-dortmund.de/en/studies/degree-programs/msc-chemical-biology/)
There are a few universities offering this course with a specific focus such as University of Michigan’s MSc in Cancer Chemical Biology which focuses on the “quantitative scientific coursework.” (https://www.chembio.umich.edu/about-program) The University of Edinburgh has an MSc in Medicine and Biological Chemistry which focuses on “the role of biomolecules in life, disease and biotechnology from a chemical perspective.” (https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/degrees/index.php?r=site/view&id=450) Imperial College London offers an MRes in Chemical Biology and Bio-Entrepreneurship which emphasizes on “skills needed to address future challenges in biological science in this emerging discipline”. (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg/chemistry/chemical-biology/)