Bioinformatics And Systems Biology

Overview

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Bioinformatics is a field of research focusing on computational analysis of biological data. It is an essential competence, as almost all biomedical research today involves the use of bioinformatics. 

In contrast to the past focus on single genes or proteins, systems biology is a field of research which focuses on understanding entire biological systems—such as protein complexes, metabolic pathways, or gene regulatory networks. 

Study programme focus.

In the course of your studies you will learn to use computer-based methods and mathematical models to analyse the vast amounts of biological data produced using high-throughput methods. Examples of biological data include DNA and protein sequences, mRNA levels, lists of post-translational modifications, protein-protein interaction data, and metabolic pathway information. But patient histories and the scientific literature itself are also examples of data types that can be analysed using computer methods. 

Although the focus is on computational analysis, it is important to have a solid understanding of the underlying molecular biology and the experimental methods used to generate the large volumes of data. Students will therefore have the opportunity to work both independently and with others in the laboratory, to ensure an even closer connection between data analysis and experimental work. 

You will be part of an exciting research area that will shed new light on fundamental, biological phenomena, and may lead to the development of new vaccines, cell factories, and medicines targeted at individual patients.

Specializations

The MSc programme in Bioinformatics And Systems Biology at the  Technical University of Denmark (DTU) contains no predefined study lines or recommended programmes. Instead, you can put together your own study plan and your own tailored profile through your choice of courses from within the general program competences, the technological specialization courses, the elective courses at DTU, and other universities, and project work in Denmark or abroad. 

Career opportunities

There are many opportunities, both in Denmark and abroad, for jobs in which your competences in bioinformatics and systems biology will be in high demand. Typical employers include:

• The biotech industry, e.g. Novozymes A/S and Novo Nordisk A/S,

• The pharmaceutical industry, e.g. LEO Pharma A/S and Lundbeck A/S

• The research community at universities in Denmark and abroad