Master's Programme in Bioinformatics – Biology Background

As modern methodologies in biomedicine and evolutionary biology produce increasingly large datasets, such as DNA sequences, the need for advanced data management and analysis grows. Bioinformaticians acquire unique skills not only to utilise but also to develop tools that transform data into valuable information and make relevant conclusions.

If you have a background in biology and want to develop skills to apply and create tools that translate complex data into meaningful conclusions, this programme is a great choice. The Master's in Bioinformatics will help you expand your expertise within this interdisciplinary field.

During the programme, you will:

• meet researchers who are experts in their fields;
  
• gain practical experience through projects in research groups or companies; and
• build a comprehensive network and establish connections with potential future employers.

Our teachers, who are active researchers, support you in building a broad network and establishing contacts that can lead to future career opportunities. After completing the programme, you may, for example, conduct research at a university or work with clinical applications in a hospital.

Student profile

You likely have a background in biology, complemented by coursework in mathematics or statistics. Ideally, you possess practical experience in applying your skills, beyond just theoretical knowledge. You are analytically minded, with the capability and readiness to articulate your ideas effectively both in writing and verbally. Proficiency in English comes naturally to you, and you appreciate that a career in this field involves engaging with and presenting to specialists from various disciplines.

A PhD may be a potential next step for you, but opportunities in research or development, whether in Sweden or internationally, are also distinct possibilities for your future.

Career

Depending on your specialisation in the second year, you may work with research and development at:

• universities
• hospitals
• pharmaceutical companies
• biotech companies

Currently, most of our alumni are working in research-related environments in academia or in close collaboration with universities. Government agencies such as the Swedish Food Agency and the Public Health Agency of Sweden are also pursuing exciting developments in bioinformatics. The biotechnology industry and hospitals have an increasing need for bioinformaticians.

The job market is international since methods and problems are similar in all parts of the world. Our research departments have collaborations worldwide, and their contact networks will be a valuable resource for you.

Uppsala University has an excellent international reputation. A Master's degree in bioinformatics from Uppsala University will provide you with an internationally recognised qualification that opens doors to both academic research and a career in industry, in Sweden and internationally.

Content

The Master's Programme in Bioinformatics will provide you with both theoretical and practical knowledge in molecular biology, data management and programming, as well as bioinformatic methods and their applications. Through project-based courses, you will also learn how to plan, execute and finalise projects.

You will take some courses together with students in the Master's Programme in Molecular Biotechnology Engineering, specialising in Bioinformatics.

Year 1

In the first semester, as a student with a biology background, you will take courses in programming, statistics and database techniques. In parallel, you will, together with all students in the programme, take the course Introduction to Bioinformatics, which presents important concepts and methods within bioinformatics.

The second semester includes courses such as Genome Analysis, Molecular Evolution, Knowledge-Based Systems in Bioinformatics, Statistical Inference for Technological Applications and Big Data in Life Sciences.

Year 2

During the second year, you will take more specialised courses in bioinformatics, for example:

• Phylogenetic analysis
• Proteomics and Metabolomics
• Applied Bioinformatics
• Population Genomic Analysis

You can also individualise your studies by doing research training.

The second year finishes with a degree project carried out at a company, government agency, one of our research departments at Uppsala University or another university in Sweden or abroad.

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the programme.

Learning experience

The teaching is composed of lectures, computer exercises, seminars and project work performed either individually or in a group.

The content of our courses is directly linked to current research, and our teachers are active researchers with substantial specialist knowledge. Through guest lecturers who work in various bioinformatics environments and projects, you will gain insight into how a bioinformatician works and what skills are particularly important in the professional world.

You will also get suggestions about important courses or useful software tools, as well as information about especially creative research environments. The contact network you get will provide you with the opportunity to form relationships with future employers during the programme.

The programme is given in Uppsala and the language of instruction is English.

Degree

The programme leads to the degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with Bioinformatics as the main field of study. It is also possible to obtain a degree of Master of Science (60 credits).