Master in Systems Biology with specialization in Bioinformatics

Recent advances in biotechnology have revolutionized our ability to understand biological systems at multiple molecular layers. This opens powerful ways of studying the underlying mechanisms behind health and disease. Bioinformatics and systems biology provide the competencies needed to translate large-scale biological data into new knowledge.

About the Programme

Systems Biology with Specialization in Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary master's program that combines the fields of biology, computer science, and statistics. The program provides the knowledge and skills needed to tackle data analysis challenges in modern biomedical and molecular biological research.

The Focus of Your Studies

The master's program lasts two years and includes in-depth research-oriented courses in systems biology and bioinformatics. During the first part of the program, you will study advanced courses in bioinformatics, programming, experimental design, and current research topics. In the second part, you will continue with advanced courses in multivariate statistics, expression data analysis, network analysis, and systems biology. During the third part of the program, you will study next-generation sequencing data analysis, library preparation, and quality control. Together, this gives you a solid foundation in research methodologies used in bioinformatics and systems biology.

The program is concluded with a master’s degree project (45 credits) during the second year. In this project, you will formulate and solve a relevant research problem, allowing you to combine your theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The degree project work is performed independently under the direction of a qualified supervisor from the University of Skövde. The work can be carried out at the university, at one of our partner companies, or at other universities, companies, or research institutes.

Systems Biology with Specialization in Bioinformatics is an international program, and the courses are conducted in English.

Upon Completion of Your Studies

There is currently a lack of graduated bioinformaticians and systems biologists, and you have a broad range of opportunities in the job market. There is a growing need for experts who can analyze large-scale biological data and develop new tools and methods for such analyses. After your studies, you can work within the life science industry, for example at biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies, or public-sector research laboratories. You will also be well prepared for continuing with your Ph.D. studies.

We are a modern and welcoming university, with first-class education and internationally competitive research, a place where we strive for the greatest accomplishments.

Ever since its inception in 1977, we have aimed for excellence. Every decision, every achievement has emerged from a focus on creating excellent and well-known educations and research specializations that make a difference to reality.

Education

We are a modern and welcoming university, with first-class education and internationally competitive research, a place where we strive for the greatest accomplishments. The University of Skövde offers a wide range of postgraduate studies and International Master's programs taught in English as well as three Bachelor's programs.

Research for Change

The researchers at the University of Skövde want to contribute to making changes. That is why our research efforts are carried out in tight collaboration with our community. Furthermore, the research has a clear connection to the education at the university.

Our aim is that the university's research should make a difference locally, nationally as well as internationally. The share of the research that receives external funds is 66% (2019), and our principal contributors are KK-stiftelsen (The Knowledge Foundation), the EU, the Region Västra Götaland, and private companies.

The University of Skövde has five research fields. Three of these are Systems Biology, Informatics, and Virtual Engineering. These three form the foundation for INFINIT. The university's joint theme of Digitalization for Sustainable Development should always be integrated into all research projects and environments to the greatest extent possible.