General information for international students on the B.Sc. and M.Sc. Degree Program in Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics is an emerging, cross-disciplinary field of study, combining aspects of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, physiology, mathematics and informatics. At the interface of informatics and life sciences, the program offers a unique interdisciplinary training emphasizing the application of computational methods for biological data analysis and process modeling.
The program’s objective is to prepare for success in bioinformatics. In addition to a dedicated faculty, prospective students can expect a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum including lectures, seminars, lab courses, industrial/research internships, professional skills training and student seminar series.
The Bioinformatics program was established in 2000. It involves various faculties within Freie Universität Berlin as well as a number of internationally acclaimed partner research institutes/centers. The program is managed and coordinated by the Joint Committee for Bioinformatics.
Note that proficiency in German is a precondition for both the B.Sc. and M.Sc. degree program. Although not mandatory, a language assessment test may be required . For more details please contact the Academic Advisory Service for more details.
Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics
The Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics is a three-year study program combining informatics, mathematics, biology, biochemistry and physiology with a specialization in computational applications for biological data analysis and process modeling.
The core curriculum offers a basic scientific training in the aforementioned fields as well as an introduction to bioinformatics theory, methods and tools. Students will learn to assess scientific problems independently and in a team.
The B.Sc. degree program fully complies with the ECTS system. There are no intermediate examinations, only final exams in each module. The standard period of study is six semesters equaling an overall study commitment of 120 weekly credit hours (SWS). For the degree, a total of 180 credit points has to be earned. This includes the industrial internship and a degree thesis to be completed within 8 weeks.
Upon completion, a Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics degree is awarded. Graduates have the choice to pursue further graduate studies in Bioinformatics or a related field or a professional career in the pharmaceutical, medical or biotechnology sector.
Admission to the program is restricted. General university entrance requirements apply. Alternative qualifications may be recognized depending on individual review.
The program starts in mid-October (winter semester). Language of instruction is German.
For detailed information please check our German web pages.
Master of Science in Bioinformatics
The Master of Science in Bioinformatics is a two-year graduate program preparing students for research and development in Bioinformatics by taking them to an advanced level in bioinformatics theory and applications.
The master’s program in bioinformatics is a direct response to a paradigm shift taking place in medicine and biological sciences. Further research in these areas rests on the evaluation of masses of biological data: here, the use of computers, combined with accurate mathematical models and efficient algorithms is essential. Employing adequate training in the various sub-disciplines, this program provides the required knowledge for students to be able to judge mathematical methods and models, to recognize relevant biological questions, and to correctly interpret the results of the models in a biological context.
The M.Sc. degree program fully complies with the ECTS system. There are no intermediate examinations, only final exams in each module. The standard period of study is four semesters. For the degree, a total of 120 credit points has to be earned. This includes a research internship and a degree thesis to be completed within six months.
Upon successful completion, a Master of Science in Bioinformatics degree is awarded. The degree is equivalent to the German Diplom and entitles to start a Ph.D. immediately. Job prospects are excellent. With the growing demand for bioinformaticians and their unique skills set, graduates can chose from a variety of career pathways in academia and industry.
The graduate program has been designed as a consecutive for graduates of the bachelor's program. Admission to the program is restricted to applicants holding a bachelor degree in bioinformatics or an equivalent university degree in a relevant field of study (i.e. life sciences, informatics, mathematics, physics). Depending on students’ academic background, additional courses may be required.
The program is bilingual (German/English) and starts in mid-October (winter semester).
For detailed information please check our German web pages.
