Master of Bioinformatics (Leuven)

Modern biology is characterised by the generation of large amounts of data. Consider, for instance, genomic sequencing of patients as well as plants, bacteria and viruses. Moreover, the technologies used to generate these data are constantly changing. During this programme you will learn how to formulate biologically relevant questions, how to design the correct solution and implement it by managing and analysing biological and sequencing data, and how to interpret the obtained results. Bioinformatics is essential to modern molecular biology and biotechnology.

The programme consists of three parts:

1. A reorientation package provides you with the extra background knowledge in disciplines that were not included in your bachelor’s programme.
2. A common package that builds upon the elementary knowledge and skills achieved during prior studies as well as during the reorientation package, integrating them in different bioinformatics courses. This package consists of a biology module, a statistics module and a bioinformatics module.
3. Depending on your prior education, you choose one of three majors with which you strengthen your profile: science, bioscience engineering or engineering

Programme strengths

The programme is truly multidisciplinary. On the one hand, students obtain detailed theoretical knowledge of quantitative methods and on the other hand become familiar with the molecular techniques that are used in modern biology.

The input from teaching staff from different faculties provides a broad view on the application areas of bioinformatics, from basic science to plant breeding and medical applications.

We offer high academic level and have high expectations of our students. Students appreciate that they learn a lot during the two-year programme.

Structure

This interdisciplinary two-year program focuses on acquiring

• basic background knowledge in diverse disciplines belonging to the field of bioinformatics, including statistics, molecular biology, and computer science
• expert knowledge in the field of bioinformatics
• programming skills
• engineering skills

The 120-credit program consists of a reorientation package (one semester), a common package (two semesters), and a thesis.

The Master of Bioinformatics is embedded in a strong bioinformatics research community in KU Leuven, who monthly meet at the Bioinformatics Interest Group. Bioinformatics research groups are spread over the Arenberg and Gasthuisberg campus and are located in the research departments of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Electrical Engineering (ESAT), Human Genetics, Microbiology and Immunology (REGA), Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Chemistry and Biology. Several of these bioinformatics research groups are also associated with the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology (VIB).