91̽»¨

The possibility of determining organisms' complete sets of DNA, RNA, protein and other biomolecules has fundamentally changed biology. We have gone from describing individual phenomena to establishing huge catalogues of genes and biomolecules and now seek a deeper understanding of how all the components of living organisms interact in complex networks. Our ultimate goal is to be able to describe these systems in mathematical terms. Our studies of biological systems are driven by a rapid technological development in which exact measurements of DNA, RNA, protein and other biomolecules can be done at increasingly large scale. To handle, analyse and present the growing lists of contents of the molecules of life increasingly advanced tools are also required, and these adre developed in the field of bioinformatics. Bioinformatics and systems biology are interdisciplinary subjects in which experimental and theoretical researchers from biology, molecular biology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics and computer science meet to deepen our knowledge of biological systems. This knowledge plays an increasingly central role in drug and vaccine development, disease and prenatal diagnostics, forensic medicine, food and forest production, breeding and conservation biology and many other medical, biotechnological and environmental biology areas. Students in bioinformatics and systems biology have good future prospects in both industry and the public sector, with excellent career opportunities in all branches of the life sciences.

Eligible to be admitted to the master's program in bioinformatics is someone who has a university or college degree of 180 credits (bachelor's degree) in biology, alternatively molecular biology.

Students with equivalent education in other natural science fields, such as environmental sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics or, computer science, or in the medical field, can be admitted after individual evaluation. For international applicants, a Bachelor of 91̽»¨ or equivalent qualification applies.

The education leads to a Master of 91̽»¨ degree, with a Major in Molecular Biology with Specialization in Bioinformatics

The degree is achieved after the student has completed course requirements of 120 credits, of which at least 60 credits at advanced level in the main subject. A degree project at advanced level, focusing on bioinformatics, of at least 30 credits, must be included in the degree. Courses of a maximum of 30 credits from basic level can be included in the master's degree. Crediting of courses from other universities, as well as courses from international education, is tested on a case-by-case basis.

The master's program in bioinformatics is an advanced level education of 120 credits and an extension of a bachelor's degree of 180 credits. The Master's program primarily offers students with a natural science, or medical, orientation and some knowledge of biology and molecular biology a number of advanced courses in bioinformatics, genomics and systems biology. These courses provide in-depth knowledge in these areas as well as in adjacent scientific fields, such as molecular and evolutionary biology, genetics, statistics, mathematics, computer science and chemistry. The advanced courses within the master's program are all based on problem-based learning with a close connection to research.

In addition, the program includes courses at advanced level in molecular biology, biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, statistics or another relevant subject as well as a degree project comprising 30, 45 or 60 credits. The degree project is strongly linked to research and is typically conducted in close connection with research groups within the natural sciences or medical faculty. The degree projects can also be assigned to other universities, within Sweden or abroad, or within research-related industry and government activities. The work can extend over several semesters and be interspersed with subject theoretical education.

The entire master's program must be taught in English in order to also attract the best students from abroad and to enable the involvement of international teachers in several of the stages. A personal study plan is worked out for each student together with study advisors.

Year 1

The content of the education during the first year consists of courses in: Bioinformatics in genomics, 15 credits; Bioinformatics within RNA and protein analysis, 15 credits: Evolutionary genomics, 15 credits, and Systems Biology, 15 credits.

Year 2

The content of the education during the second year consists of optional advanced courses and a degree project.

After completing education within the program, the student is expected to:

1. Show knowledge and understanding in the bioinformatics area, including both broad knowledge in the area as well as substantial in-depth knowledge in certain parts of the area, and demonstrate understanding of current research and development work

2. Show in-depth methodological knowledge in the bioinformatics area

3. Demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and to analyse, assess and manage complex biological phenomena, issues and situations using bioinformatics tools for the analysis of DNA, RNA, protein and other biomolecules

4. Demonstrate the ability to critically, independently and creatively identify and formulate bioinformatic questions, to plan and with adequate bioinformatic methods carry out, qualified tasks within given time frames and thereby contribute to the development of knowledge, and to evaluate this work

5. Demonstrate the ability to orally and in writing reason around and discuss one's own and others' bioinformatic conclusions and the knowledge and arguments that underlie these

6. Demonstrate such skills as are required to participate in bioinformatics research and development work or to work independently in other qualified bioinformatics activities

7. Demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the field of bioinformatics and related fields with regard to relevant scientific aspects

8. Show insight into the possibilities and limitations of bioinformatics, its role in society and people's responsibility for how it is used

9. Show ability to identify their need for additional bioinformatic knowledge and to take responsibility for their knowledge development

There are subject-specific prerequisites for choosing advanced courses and degree work.

The study programme will be followed up and evaluated in accordance with the applicable Policy for the Quality Assurance and Continuous Quality Improvement of Education at the University 91̽»¨Â (Policy för kvalitetssäkring och kvalitetsutveckling av utbildning vid Göteborgs universitet).