Bioinformatics

The Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics at Free University of Berlin offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education that bridges the fields of biology, computer science, and mathematics. This program is designed to equip students with the essential skills to analyze and interpret complex biological data, develop computational tools, and contribute to advances in health, agriculture, and environmental sciences. Throughout the course of study, students gain a solid foundation in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry, complemented by rigorous training in programming, algorithms, data analysis, and statistical methods. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills through laboratory work, computational projects, and internships, fostering an applied understanding of bioinformatics tools and techniques.

Students will explore various subjects including genomics, proteomics, systems biology, and structural bioinformatics, preparing them for the rapidly evolving landscape of life sciences research. The program also offers opportunities for specialization in areas such as computational genomics, medical bioinformatics, or personalized medicine, allowing students to tailor their education to their career interests. Collaboration with research institutions and industry partners provides practical experience and networking opportunities, enhancing employability upon graduation.

Graduates of this program will be equipped to work in academia, biotech companies, healthcare organizations, and research institutes, contributing to innovations in medical diagnostics, drug development, and understanding biological systems at the molecular level. The university’s strong focus on interdisciplinary learning, research excellence, and innovation ensures that students graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies to thrive in the dynamic field of bioinformatics.

Educational organisation

The Master's course in bioinformatics consists of a general part with required modules (each with lecture and exercises). This phase covers one semester and serves to deepen and broaden the students' knowledge of bioinformatics and related disciplines.
During a second coursework phase (two semesters), the students learn to work independently in a specialised field of bioinformatics. This includes a research internship, core modules (each with lectures, exercises and seminar), practical modules (practical courses) and a research module. In the last semester, the students are expected to carry out research and present it in form of a Master's thesis.

Required Area (40 credits)
Required Modules: (students must complete all modules)

• Algorithms (6 credits)
• Genomics (6 credits)
• Numerical Mathematics (6 credits)
• Optimisation (6 credits)
• Statistics (6 credits)

• Research Internship (10 credits)

Required Elective Area (50 credits)
Core Modules: (students must complete two of these)

• Biodiversity and Evolution (10 credits)
• Medical Bioinformatics (10 credits)
• Network Analysis (10 credits)
• Physiology (10 credits)
• Sequence Analysis (10 credits)
• Structural Bioinformatics (10 credits)

Practical Modules: (students must complete two of these)

• Current Issues in Cell Physiology (5 credits)
• Applied Sequence Analysis (5 credits)
• Measurement and Analysis of Physiological Processes (5 credits)
• Computational System Biology (5 credits)
• Environmental Metagenomics (5 credits)
• Current Issues in Medical Genomics (5 credits)
• Current Issues in Structural Bioinformatics (5 credits)

Research Modules: (students must complete one of these)
Research modules consist of research-oriented courses. Students must choose from among the applicable offerings.

• Research Module A (two lectures with exercises, one seminar, project paper, 20 credits)
• Research Module B (one lecture with exercises, two seminars, project paper, 20 credits)

Master's Thesis with Oral Presentation (30 credits)

Study abroad unit(s)

Optional

Internships

No additional internship is necessary.

Forms of assessment

Forms of assessment include written exams or oral exams/presentations. A seminar presentation, reports on practical courses as well as writing, and presenting and defending the Master's thesis are further forms of assessment.

Course objectives

Students learn the content and working methods of research-oriented areas of study.
Alongside subject-specific knowledge and skills in bioinformatics, they also gain interdisciplinary skills and key qualifications for subsequent research activities or management roles.

Language requirements

Proof of English language skills (level B1 CEFR or equivalent). English as a school subject for five years is equivalent to level B1.

Academic requirements

A Bachelor's degree in bioinformatics with components in mathematics, computer science, chemistry/biochemistry, biology, and bioinformatics that correspond to the Bachelor's degree programme in bioinformatics at Freie Universität Berlin, or an equivalent degree.
An equivalent degree might be a degree in a related field (e.g. biomathematics or computational biology) which contains components similar to our Bachelor's degree programme. As a rule, in order to be eligible for the programme, one third of your undergraduate studies need to be in mathematics and statistics, one third in computer science and bioinformatics, and one third in biology/chemistry/biochemistry.

If you are an applicant who has not received your university degree in Germany, you should apply to Freie Universität Berlin via uni-assist. Uni-assist will check your documents and forward them to the respective university. Before you apply, please read our homepage concerning application procedures, admission requirements and fees. See: http://www.fu-berlin.de/en/studium/bewerbung/master/index.html and http://www.fu-berlin.de/en/studium/international/studium_fu/index.html

Enrolment fees

An enrolment fee of approx. 300 EUR per semester entitles students to use all public transport in the Berlin area.

Costs of living

Approx. 750 EUR per month to cover personal expenses

Job opportunities

A limited number of part-time job opportunities (40 or 60 hours per month) for students is available at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.

Arrival support

Counselling and information service are offered by the university.

Services and support for international students

The International Students Office of the University's Department of International Affairs provides advice and social activities for international students.
International students are supported by the international office and by student mentors at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences.

Accommodation

The Studentenwerk Berlin (http://www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/berlin/international) can be of assistance in finding accommodation in a student residence (rent approx. 270 EUR per month).