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Introduction to the Master's Program in Bioinformatics

The Master's program in Bioinformatics is a research-oriented, consecutive program that builds on a Bachelor's degree in a field such as computer science or biology. It provides a scientifically founded education in several research areas at the interface between computer science and biology.

Key Facts About the Program

• Study Type: Consecutive Master's program
• Degree: Master of Science
• Language of Instruction: German
• Study Form: Full-time or part-time
• Start of Studies: Winter semester
• Admission Restriction: Locally restricted admission (NCU)
• Standard Duration of Studies: 4 semesters
• Credit Points: 120

Admission Requirements

• A first, professionally qualifying university degree or a degree from a state or state-recognized university of applied sciences.
• No additional, subject-specific admission requirements are stipulated.
• For students interested in this program:
  • In-depth knowledge in computer science, natural sciences, biology, and biochemistry is advantageous.
  • Students who do not have a first, professionally qualifying university degree in computer science, biology, or a comparable program are recommended to have a counseling interview with Prof. Stadler or Prof. Prohaska.

Program Content

The central concern of the Master's program in Bioinformatics is the acquisition of in-depth, subject-specific knowledge in selected areas of computer science, biology, mathematics, and natural sciences, combined with the ability to conduct independent, basic or applied research. The program's concept explicitly aims at a very research-oriented education, which represents a particular strength due to its proximity to mathematical and biomedical sciences.

First Semester

The focus is on creating a common subject-specific basis for all students by teaching the fundamentals of the complementary disciplines. Compulsory modules from bioinformatics and computer science are also to be completed.

Second Semester

In addition to the compulsory module, 10 credit points each from the range of elective modules in computer science and life sciences are included.

Third Semester

The compulsory module is supplemented by 10 credit points each from the range of elective modules in computer science and science.

Fourth Semester

The completion of the Master's thesis (25 credit points) and another compulsory module are planned.

Compulsory Modules

• Bioinformatics:
  • Sequence analysis and genomics (1st semester)
  • Bioinformatics of RNA and protein structures (2nd semester)
  • Graphs and biological networks (3rd semester)
  • Theoretical biology (4th semester)
• Computer Science:
  • Statistical learning (1st semester)
• For students with a degree in life sciences:
  • Introduction to computer science
• For students with a degree in mathematics/computer science:
  • Introductory module in biosciences

Elective Modules

Beyond the compulsory modules, students can sharpen their study profile in three elective areas: computer science, science, and life sciences. More information can be found on the faculty's website.

Special Features

• Very research-oriented
• Particular proximity to mathematical and biomedical sciences
• A stay abroad is possible

Career Prospects

Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary science at the interface between computer science and the biosciences. The employment opportunities are correspondingly diverse and range from basic research to applied research in the fields of bioinformatics, computer science, and biosciences, including medicine in an academic environment.

In addition, bioinformaticians are in strong demand in the biotechnology industry, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. Possible areas of work include:

• Process control
• Reaction and substance databases
• Visualization of chemical structures
• Structure analysis of gene and protein sequences
• Evaluation of optical data
• Robotics for the automation of chemical and biological analyses and syntheses

Internships and Study Abroad

An internship or a stay abroad is highly recommended. It is up to the students to organize this themselves.

Examination and Study Regulations

• Examination regulations (PO) and study regulations (SO), study schedule, and module descriptions are available on the university's website.

Application

For First-Year Students

• Start of studies: Winter semester
• Admission restriction: Yes, locally restricted admission (NCU)
• Application deadline: May 2nd - May 31st
• Application portal: AlmaWeb

Please note the additional information on the pages "Online application" and "Application for a Master's program".

For International Students

Information on application deadlines and the application process can be found on the "International" page.

For Higher Semesters

• Study offer in the winter semester: 3rd semester - admission-free
• Study offer in the summer semester: 2nd and 4th semesters - each admission-free
• Application deadline: May 2nd - September 15th for the winter semester; December 1st - March 15th for the summer semester
• Application portal: AlmaWeb
• Special enrollment requirements: Placement form

Further information can be found on our page "Application for higher semesters".

Contact

Subject-Specific Academic Advising

Prof. Dr. Peter Stadler
Phone: [insert]
Email: [insert]

Prof. Dr. Sonja Prohaska
Phone: [insert]
Email: [insert]

Central Academic Advising

Advisory services
Email: [insert]

Questions About the Application

Advisory services
Email: [insert]

Academic Advising for International Applicants and Students

Advisory services

Links

• Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science
• Institute of Computer Science
• Study schedule of the program
• Recognition portal of the faculty