Bioinformatics | Master
Bioinformatics is considered one of the disciplines whose discoveries are expected to have a lasting mark on modern history. Without bioinformatics the prospects of modern systems biology, systems medicine and systems genetic, including: personalized and effective medicine, the development of new and efficacious drugs or ensuring a high-quality supply of food, would be unthinkable to achieve. Bioinformatics has the development of modern techniques for analysis of large-scale biological data at its core, allowing us to dissect the organizing principles and functions of complex biological systems.
The English-language master's degree program in bioinformatics at the University of Potsdam provides the knowledge necessary to address the demands of analysis of biological systems together with data gathered with various technologies. The program is principally geared towards students with a bachelor's degree in life sciences, computer sciences, mathematics or physics. We assume that a thorough knowledge of the basics in natural sciences or computer sciences provides an advantage in mastering the cross-disciplinary science of bioinformatics.
| Name | Bioinformatics |
| Degree | Master of Science |
| Standard period of study | 4 semesters |
| Credit points | 120 |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Start of study (1st semester) | Winter semester |
| Campus | Golm |
| Fees & Charges | Semester fees and charges: yes Tuition fees: no |
- PROGRAM FLYER (PDF 665KB)
Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology„Since completing my degree at the University of Potsdam I have been working on my doctorate at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology in Golm in the "Systems Biology and Mathematical Modeling” group. Thanks to the close connections between the University of Potsdam and the research institutes in Golm I was easily able to establish contacts there already during my course. A lot of the basics I learned during my course have now become an integral part of my daily work.“
Program Content
The master's degree program in bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary, research-oriented program. The focus of the program is on systems biology, and is dedicated to the analysis of biological data and their integration in modeling of complex biological systems.
Further priorities are the use of bioinformatics methods in breeding high-yielding plants as well as in identifying the mechanisms of action of small molecules and their pharmacological applications.
Course Objective and Future Career Options
The master's degree program in bioinformatics aims at providing the basis for cross-disciplinary, independent research work.
The program further aims at preparing the students for their future endeavors at universities and research institutions, governmental agencies, in biotechnological or biomedical companies, as well as for their involvement in teaching and education.
Universität Bergen, Norway„Having received my master's degree at the University of Potsdam, I am doing my doctorate at the University of Bergen in the Department of Informatics. As part of the "Computational Biology Unit" I study, among other things, developmental biology and evolutionary regulatory mechanisms of gene expression with the help of complex statistical and bioinformatics methods. My bioinformatics course in Potsdam and the practical experience connected with my master's thesis and other projects were the ideal preparation for my current work.“
Prerequisites for Master’s Studies
Applying for a master’s degree generally requires you to hold an undergraduate degree, such as a bachelor’s degree. Your degree can be in biology. Other successfully completed university degrees in bioinformatics, computer science, physics or mathematics, not related to teaching programs, and with at least 180 credit points also qualify you for admission, as long as at least 6 credit points in programming can be documented.
In order to be considered for the Bioinformatics master's degree program, you will need English skills at B2 level. Applicants must also provide evidence of German language skills at least at level A2 (CEFR), e.g. through a German university entrance qualification or other qualifications, which you can find here.
You can learn more about the subject-specific admission requirements in the respective Admission Regulations.
Program Structure
In the four-semester master’s program, you earn a total of 120 credit points, consisting of the following modules and your master’s thesis.
For additional information, please consult the subject-specific Degree Regulations or the Departmental Advisory Office.
Modules | Credit points |
|---|---|
| Mandatory modules | 36 CP |
| Algorithmic and Mathematical Bioinformatics | 6 CP |
| Statistical Bioinformatics | 6 CP |
| Bioinformatics of Biological Sequences/Evolutionary Genomics | 6 CP |
| Analysis of Cellular Networks | 6 CP |
| Introduction to Theoretical Systems Biology | 6 CP |
| Constraint-based Modeling of Cellular Networks | 6 CP |
| Elective Modules You must successfully complete 4 of the 8 elective modules. | 24 CP |
| Data Integration in Cellular Networks | 6 CP |
| Bioinformatics Advances | 6 CP |
| Quantitative Genetics | 6 CP |
| Image Processing and Phenotyping in Bioinformatics | 6 CP |
| Structural Bioinformatics | 6 CP |
| Machine Learning in Bioinformatics | 6 CP |
| Systems Biology Advances | 6 CP |
| Practical sequence analysis | 6 CP |
| Bridge modules You must successfully complete 2 of the 4 bridge modules. | 12 CP |
| Introduction to databases and practical programming | 6 CP |
| Programming expertise | 6 CP |
| State of Art in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 6 CP |
| Molecular, structural and evolutionary biology | 6 CP |
| Project Work | 18 CP |
| Master's Thesis | 30 CP |
| Total | 120 CP |
Advantages at a Glance
Through the close personal contacts with extramural research institutions at the Potsdam-Golm Science Park and in the region, particularly the Max Planck Society and Fraunhofer Society as well as the German Institute of Human Nutrition, the range of courses is enriched with special events, internships and activities related to current research (focusing on systems biology) for master's and doctor's theses.
Various research collaborations among university and extramural working groups – both regionally and worldwide – open up incredible opportunities for you to develop contacts with leading research groups and companies and to use these for your further education and career.
Application
Have you decided to study the Master's Program in Bioinformatics at the University of Potsdam? Then you should take the next step on the application pages to find out more about current application and enrollment procedures.
Contact - Coordinator
Institute of Biochemistry and Biology
Dr. Detlef Groth
Campus Golm
Building 14, Room 3.36
This description is based in part on information from the Discipline-Specific Regulations for Study and Examinations for the Master’s Program in Bioinformatics at the University of Potsdam dated December 13, 2017 (AmBek No. 03/2018, p. 133), , as well as the ammendments of these regualtions.