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The Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at the University of Bern is an interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with comprehensive skills in the analysis and interpretation of biological data through computational methods. This program aims to bridge the gap between biology, computer science, and mathematics, preparing graduates for challenging careers in research, industry, and healthcare. Throughout the course of study, students gain a solid foundation in molecular biology, genomics, and proteomics, complemented by rigorous training in algorithms, programming, machine learning, and data analysis techniques. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience with cutting-edge bioinformatics tools, statistical software, and research projects that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Students will explore a wide range of topics including structural bioinformatics, systems biology, and computational genomics, enabling them to contribute to advancements in personalized medicine, drug discovery, and biotechnological innovations. The program fosters a collaborative learning environment through seminars, workshops, and cooperation with local research institutes and industry partners. Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in internships and research projects, gaining practical insights into current challenges and solutions in the field of computational biology. The interdisciplinary nature of the program prepares graduates for diverse roles such as bioinformatics analysts, research scientists, data engineers, and bioinformatics software developers. Graduates will be well-positioned to pursue doctoral studies or to enter industries that rely heavily on data-driven biological insights. With a strong emphasis on both theoretical understanding and practical application, the Master’s program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at the University of Bern is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists to innovate and excel in the rapidly evolving interface of biology and computation.
First semester
Mandatory for all students | ECTS | Course-No. |
Applied biostatistics I. With practicals. | 4 | 104207 |
Cancer genomics | 3 | 47009 |
DNA/RNA sequence analysis | 3 | BC.7107 |
Introduction to R programming and analyses | 2.5 | 103567 |
'Omics', From genomes to metabolomes | 3 | 2216 |
Seminar and journal club in Population genetics and Bioinformatics | 2 | 10854 |
Selected chapters of modelling (Fribourg) | 3 | MA.3556 |
Question and answer session to Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (Fribourg) | 0 | |
Mandatory for biologists |
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Basic programming for non-informaticians. With practicals | 5 | 104189 |
Introduction to UNIX/Linux and scripting with Python and R (Fribourg) | 2 | BC.7106 |
Mandatory for non-biologists |
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Molecular biology and genetics for non-biologists | 7 | 104206 |
Elective |
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Programmierung 1 | 5 | 2416 |
Second semester
Mandatory for all students | ECTS | Course-No. |
Applied biostatistics II. With practicals | 4 | 104224 |
Bioinformatics algorithms | 3 | 410495 |
Classical models in biology (lecture) (Fribourg) | 3 | BL.6002 |
Classical models in biology (exercises) (Fribourg) | 1 | BL.6003 |
Evolutionary genomics | 3 | 104225 |
Introduction to Signal and Image Processing | 5 | 102191 |
Lecture Series and Journal Club (Fribourg) | 2 | BC.7101 |
Machine learning in bioinformatics. With practicals (Fribourg) | 4 | BC.7102 |
Mass spectrometry to systems biology | 3 | 104283 |
Elective |
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Beyond genetic inheritance | 3 | 27339 |
Four weeks research project | 7.5 | 407010 |
Genomics of microorganisms | 1.5 | 405520 |
Introduction to docking of small molecules to large macromolecules and molecular graphics (Fribourg) | 1.5 | BC.7104 |
Introduction to protein structure and protein homology modelling (Fribourg) | 1.5 | BC.7105 |
Mass spectrometry to systems biology (practicals) | 0.5 | 104283 |
Pattern recognition (Fribourg) | 5 | IN.8608 |
Third semester
Mandatory for all students | ECTS | Course-No. |
Master thesis | 30 | 396293 |
Individual academic requirements
The following academic qualifications are required for admission to the master's degree program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (mono):
a) |
Bachelor's degree from a recognized Swiss university or an equivalent degree with at least 90 ECTS credits in one of the following branches of studies:
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b) | Bachelor's degree from a Swiss university in another branch of studies, provided that the additional attainments do not amount to more than 60 ECTS credits. |
c) | Bachelor's degree from a Swiss university of applied sciences in Computer Science: Additional attainments of 40-60 ECTS credits will be required. |
d) | Bachelor of Science or an equivalent degree from a foreign university. Admission may depend upon evidence of additional knowledge and expertise. |
Deadlines will be set for fulfilling the additional attainments. If you do not fulfill the admission requirements by the deadline, you will be excluded from the master's degree program.
The degree used for assessment purposes may not be more than ten years old.
- Curriculum vitae in table form with uninterrupted chronology of your education and academic studies up to the present incl. up-to-date passport photo (45 mm high by 35 mm wide)
- Motivation letter (incl. family name, given name, full address, e-mail address, date and signature and – if you have one – mobile phone number)
- If you are holding a bachelor degree's: Originally certified photocopies of your degree (e.g. diploma and diploma supplement). The correspondence of the photocopy to the original must be officially certified.
- Originals (stamped and signed) or originally certified photocopies of all official proofs of your achievements (transcripts) with grades/scores
- Grading system of the degree issuing university, if the grading system is different from ours. Our scale goes from 1 to 6, with 6 being excellent and grades below 4 being unsatisfactory.
- Brief description of the content/learning objectives of the different courses/lectures (annotated course catalog or module handbook)
- Originally certified translations of the original documents (e.g. diploma, diploma supplement, bachelor's or master's degree, transcripts of diploma records), if these are not written in German, English, French or Italian. These translations have to be inseparably connected with the originally certified photocopies of the original documents.
- Original or certified photocopy of a GMAT with a score of at least 575 points
- Photocopy of your valid passport or identity card
- Application fee: CHF 105
- TOEFL test result: Indicate Code 3169 University of Bern, Admissions Office when taking the test or - IELTS academic test result
Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.
- ✔️ Flexible study schedule
- ✔️ Experienced teachers
- ✔️ Certificate upon completion
📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.