The Master's Bioinformatics and Systems Biology is a two-year programme taught in English, with an excellent international reputation. Research groups with extensive experience in a broad range of experimental and theoretical research lead the programme. The programme truly integrates a Bioinformatics and Systems Biology perspective.
The curriculum
In the first year in particular, much attention is paid to the basic principles of both bioinformatics and systems biology. This foundation prepares you to tackle real-world biomedical problems using computational and experimental methods. In your first semester, you will complete five compulsory core courses, tackling research problems within both fields. In the second semester, you will have the flexibility to choose your own learning paths. These are combinations of courses that allow you to tailor your learning experience. You can also choose elective courses in your area of interest. Students choosing a learning path in Bioinformatics expand their knowledge in sequence analysis, next-generation sequencing, prediction and simulation of protein structures, and medical applications of Bioinformatics. Students choosing a learning path in Systems Biology expand their knowledge with models of biological networks, experimental verification of models, relevance of systems biology for research, and synthetic biology.
Research projects
In the second and final year students do one or two research projects, complemented by elective courses depending on your preferences. There are ample opportunities for interesting and challenging internships, in hospitals (such as in oncology and clinical genetics), at biotech companies, at seed breeding companies, in the pharmaceutical industry, in data science and, of course, at bioinformatics and systems biology groups at universities.
Supervision
You will be assigned an academic mentor who supports you during the entire programme. This staff member will also act as examiner (assessor) for your research projects. This mentoring ensures consistent, personal guidance as you develop your academic and research skills.
