The Nordic education system has continuously received international recognition for its academic innovation and in no country is this truer than in Sweden. The Swedish system of higher education is praised for its focus on academic interests rather than on a student’s grade-point average. Furthermore, a majority of study programs in Sweden tend to combine theoretical and practical work, thus preparing students for fieldwork even before they have earned their diplomas. To get a better understanding of the Swedish system of higher education, this article presents the five best universities for biology in Sweden!

Top Universities for Biology in Sweden

1. University of Gothenburg

Situated in the city bearing the same name, the University of Gothenburg is among the most prominent universities and is an excellent biology school in both Sweden and the world. Its roots may be traced back to the Gothenburg University College founded in 1891. Shortly after its establishment, it was granted university status, thus becoming the third Swedish university alongside Uppsala University and Lund University. As of the present, the University of Gothenburg consists of eight faculties and almost forty departments, making it one of the most versatile universities in both Sweden and Europe.

For students wishing to pursue a degree in biology, they may do so at the Gothenburg Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, commonly referred to as BioEnv. The department aims to provide comprehensive and diverse curriculums that deal with all biological and environmental areas that surround us. Thus, the focus is placed both on the study of living organisms as well as on the interconnectedness of humans and nature. In addition to its versatile curriculum, the department takes great pride in its faculty members, among who are some of the most notable figures in the field of biology and environmental sciences.

2. Stockholm University

Stockholm University is a top-tier institution for higher education situated in the Swedish capital. The university was originally established as a college in the late 19th century, only to gain university status a couple of decades later. Presently, Stockholm University is known for being a leading institution for biology in Sweden that divides its academic fields into the study of natural sciences on the one hand and humanities on the other, which together encompass four faculties and over fifty departments, institutes, and research centers. In addition to its academic goals, the university is focused on establishing partnerships with other business, cultural, and social institutions. Through these ties, it aims to facilitate the development of society with equal opportunities for all.

One of Stockholm University’s most prestigious departments is the Department of Biology, also known as DIB. The department views the study of biology as a field encompassing all levels of study, from the molecular to the ecosystem level. During their studies, biology students develop and fine-tune their theoretical and practical skills in the laboratory and beyond it. They are encouraged to work alongside their professors and suggest solutions for the leading biological issues of today.

3. Uppsala University

Founded in 1477, Uppsala University is the oldest institution for higher education still in operation in both Sweden and all other Nordic countries. As a result of its centuries-long tradition, the university has a significant place in Swedish national culture. In addition to establishing the academic fields of literature, politics, and music in Sweden, Uppsala University is also responsible for academic traditions such as the white student cap and the student nation system. Today, Uppsala University is a recognized university for biology in Sweden that makes great efforts to invest in research and education, as its leading premise is that this will result in a better future.

The field of biology is one of six research areas found at the Uppsala Department of Science and Technology. Within the field in question, students may choose to focus on areas ranging from ecology and genetics to molecular and cellular biology. The curriculum for each biological sub-field is constructed in a multidisciplinary manner to provide students with a comprehensive education. While at the university, students will have the chance to familiarize themselves and work in the Botanical Garden and Swedish Biodiversity Centre.

4. Lund University

Situated in the Swedish province of Scania, Lund University is a prestigious and world-renowned center for higher education. Its origins may be traced back to the Franciscan studium generale founded in Lund at the beginning of the 15th century. As of the present, the University is known for being an excellent school for biology in Sweden that spans three cities and numbers 44.000 students. Furthermore, today it is led by the need to understand, explore, and improve society and the human condition. All departments and faculties are centered on a multidisciplinary approach to research which places each of them at the forefront of their respective fields.

One of the most prominent and popular departments at Lund University is the Department of Biology. Although the Department of Biology may be considered relatively new, the field of biology at Uppsala University has a centuries-old tradition. During the 17th century, the department’s main biological field was botany. However, since then it has continued to develop and now encompasses research of the ecological systems, as well as genetic code and behavior. Furthermore, the department insists on an interdisciplinary approach to education and thus includes areas such as medicine, technology, physics, chemistry, and philosophy.

5. KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Another university situated in the Swedish capital, the Royal Institute of Technology is an internationally acclaimed top-tier research institution. Although its roots may be traced back to the end of the 18th century, it was formally founded in 1827 in Stockholm. In line with its long history of academic excellence, the Royal Institute of Technology has continuously been ranked among the hundred best universities in the world. In addition to its academic acclaim, the university is also known to have an international character and offers around sixty academic programs in English.

Students who wish to gain an academic degree in biology will find prestigious biology programs in Sweden at the KTH Department of Theoretical Chemistry and Biology. The department’s leading philosophy is to integrate experimental research into the education process. Therefore, from the beginning, biology students are involved in the construction and testing process of experimental models. In recent years, the department has re-centered its research focus to advancing the microscopic understanding of molecular and electronic processes.

 

We hope that this article on Best Universities for Biology in Sweden was helpful. If you are interested in learning more, check out the Programs in Europe for International Students!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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2 Comments

  1. Sandithi Akintha - Reply

    How to apply?

    • Hyun Lee - Reply

      Hi, in order to apply to universities in Sweden for Biology, you need to check the admissions requirements of individual Swedish universities and their biology program through their website. Since each institution have varying requirements, you should see the requirements of universities that you are interested in.

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