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Master in Systems Biology with specialization in Bioinformatics
Norrmalm, Sweden
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
15 Jan 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
01 Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
SEK 270,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* first instalment: SEK 67,500 | EU/EEA Citizens are not required to pay tuition fees
Introduction
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.
Admissions
Curriculum
The study programme is provided by the University of Skövde and is named Systems Biology with specialization in Bioinformatics- Master's Programme (Systembiologi med inriktning mot bioinformatic - program). It comprises 120 credits and is a second-cycle programme. The main field of study is Systems Biology.
The initial study term of the programme is focused on developing skills in the analysis of data using methods of bioinformatics and bioscience and developing the ability to write computer code for such tasks in Python and R. An introduction of recent research topics in bioinformatics and systems biology is given, and the ability to critically case scientific articles practised.
The second study term gives a broader insight into application areas of systems biology and methods for building models of biological systems. Special emphasis is placed on applications in the analysis of networks and pathways. In parallel with this, my knowledge of statistical analysis was further developed, as well as the ability to use the R programming language for bioinformatical analyses.
The third term focuses on NGS, i.e. methods for massively parallel sequencing, and methods for analysis of data from such experiments in applications of bioinformatics and systems biology. Students begin their dissertation projects during the second half of the third term, mainly by performing the planning phase of the project.
The programme is completed by performing a dissertation project comprising 45 credit units, where the gained knowledge should be applied by independently formulating and solving a research problem in systems biology.
The tuition consists mostly of lectures, seminars, computer laboratory exercises and project supervision.
The following courses are included in the programme:
- Bioinformatics Analysis med R A1N, 7.5 credits
- Bioinformatics- Concepts and Methods A1N, 7.5 credits
- Data Analysis Life Science A1N, 5 credits
- Python programming for bioinformatics A1N, 10 credits
- Analysis of sequencing data A1F, 7.5 credits
- Current Research in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics A1F, 7.5 credits
- Library preparation and sequencing technologies A1F, 7.5 credits
- Multivariate Biological Analysis with R A1F, 7.5 credits
- Network and Pathway Analysis A1F, 7.5 credits
- Systems Biology A1F, 7.5 credits
- Master's Degree Project in Systems Biology A2E, 45 credits
Gallery
Program Outcome
Objectives for Master’s Degree according to the Higher Education Ordinance
- Knowledge and Understanding
- Proficiency and Ability
- Ability to Evaluate and Relate
- Local objectives for the study programme at the University of Skövde
Career Opportunities
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.
Program delivery
When? Where? How?
- Study period: 1 September 2025 - 6 June 2027
- Location: Skövde, Campus
- Pace of study: 100%