Programme Structure

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 integrated design allows you to shape your path with a high degree of flexibility, depending on your background and interests. Upon successful completion of the study, you can collaborate and communicate effectively with your colleagues, irrespective of your focus on experimental or computational disciplines. 

Year 1

In the first year in particular, much attention is paid to the basic principles of both bioinformatics and systems biology.

Core Courses in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology

In your first semester, you will complete four compulsory core courses: 'Introduction to Systems Biology' and 'Fundamentals of Bioinformatics' provide a broad foundation in the field, focusing on current scientific challenges. ‘Statistics with R’ focuses on the practical skills for data handling, analysis and visualisation. ‘Algorithms in Sequence Analysis’ dives into several core algorithms that underpin for example genome and single cell sequencing, and evolutionary analysis of genes. 'Biosystems Data Analysis' explores multivariate data analysis methods used to interpret complex biological and (bio)chemical datasets.

Flexible combination of specialised courses

Following the five compulsory courses in semester one, you will have the flexibility to choose your own combination of courses that allow you to tailor your learning experience. You have to choose a number of courses from the below options. This foundation prepares you to tackle real-world biomedical problems using computational and experimental methods. 

• Structural Bioinformatics: Explore computational methods to analyse, predict, simulate, and validate protein structures, and learn when and how to apply these techniques in practice. 

• Basic Models of Biological Networks: Apply modelling complex biological systems, including mathematical modelling, model validation, cancer systems biology.

• Scientific Machine Learning: Gain hands-on experience with applying machine learning methods on biomolecular data to solve relevant machine learning and biological research questions.

• Bioinformatics for Translational Medicine: Learn how algorithms can predict clinical outcomes and uncover disease mechanisms by integrating data from high-throughput experiments with biological databases

• Systems Biology in Practice: Apply interdisciplinary approaches supported by experimental data and computational tools used in modern biology in order to test hypotheses​.​​ ​

• Quantitative Single-cell Biology: Investigate how single-cell microorganisms adapt to changing environments by analysing flow cytometry, imaging and growth data.

• Image Processing and Quantitative Data Analysis: Delve into bioimaging techniques, data acquisition and processing, and extracting quantitative information from image data. 

Year 2

Research projects

In the second and final year, students do one or two research ​projects​​​, complemented by elective courses depending on your preferences.

Skilled in scientific research 

When you successfully complete the programme, you will be in high demand. In your future job, you will extensively use the skills you acquired during the MSc programme.

You have the option to pursue a career in bioinformatics and systems biology, which is what 60 percent of our graduates do. Alternatively, you can apply the skills you acquired​ in related fields, such as biotechnology, data science, healthcare or finance. 

Integrated programme 

The programme truly integrates a Bioinformatics and Systems Biology perspective. Your compulsory courses will tackle research problems within both fields. You may opt to take elective courses with an in-depth focus on a single discipline, such as molecular biology or machine learning. 

You will study current issues, challenges and opportunities in both topics. There are ample opportunities for interesting and challenging ​research projects​​​, 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. You will also receive support in selecting​ research projects​​​ that align with your personal and professional goals.

Supervision You will be assigned an academic mentor who supports you during the entire programme. This staff member will also act as examiner for your research projects. This mentoring ensures consistent, personal guidance as you develop your academic and research skills.