Courses within the Master's Programme in Bioinformatics
The Master’s Programme in Bioinformatics consists of four recommended courses, a degree project in bioinformatics, and potentially additional advanced courses during the second year if your degree project comprises less than 60 credits.
To obtain a Master’s degree, you must complete courses amounting to a total of 120 credits, including a degree project.
Recommended study plan
Year 1
BIO511 - Bioinformatics in genomics, 15 credits
You will learn to apply bioinformatics methods for sequence analysis to understand the evolution and function of genome, gene, and protein sequences. During the course, you will be introduced to the basics of the Python programming language and independently sequence and analyze a bacterial genome. No prior programming knowledge is required.
Read more about the course: Bioinformatics in genomics
BIO512 - Bioinformatics in RNA and Protein analyses, 15 credits
You will learn how to use bioinformatics methods and write your own code to perform analyses. The course focuses on:
- Developing your ability to handle large datasets from gene expression (transcriptomics) and protein sequence analyses using bioinformatics approaches.
- Understanding transcription and translation processes in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms to interpret the data you study.
Read more about the course: Bioinformatics in RNA and Protein analyses
BIO442 - Evolutionary Genomics, 15 credits
You will gain insight into:
- population genetics to understand genetic differences within and between populations.
- molecular evolution to interpret small sequence differences in DNA, RNA and proteins.
- phylogeny to investigate the relationship between species, populations, and genes.
- genome evolution to understand large changes in the genome.
You will learn to handle, interpret, and understand large sets of DNA data and tell which differences are good, bad and neutral.
Read more about the course: Evolutionary Genomics
BIO513 - Systems Biology, 15 credits
You will become familiar with programming, mathematical modelling, and AI/machine learning with biological networks, such as those involving proteins and metabolites. By the end of the course, you will be able to address complex biological questions using modern computational and modelling strategies.
Read more about the course: Systems Biology
If you have already completed one or more of the above courses or equivalent courses, the study counsellor will assist you in finding the best alternative to match your desired academic profile.
Year 2
During the second year, you will complete a 30-, 45-, or 60-credits degree project in bioinformatics, either within one of our research groups, in industry, or at a government agency.
If you choose to complete a 60-credits degree project, no further advanced courses are required after the first year.
If your degree project comprises less than 60 credits, you must take additional elective advanced courses corresponding to the missing credits to obtain a master’s degree. You may choose to deepen your expertise in a specific bioinformatics area or broaden your profile by including courses in other natural sciences, medicine, or biotechnology. You can also choose to study any other subject taught at the University of Gothenburg, such as economics, law, or leadership. This enables you to create a unique interdisciplinary degree, letting you stand out on the job market.
