Master's Programme in Bioinformatics – Computer Science Background

The Master's Programme in Bioinformatics will provide you with both theoretical and practical knowledge in biology, data analysis and statistics, 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 attend 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 computer science background you will take the course Introduction to molecular biology, genetics and evolution. 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.

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.

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 academy or in close collaboration with the 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, and 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.

Career support

During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.