Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics at Saarland University offers a comprehensive and innovative interdisciplinary education that bridges biology, computer science, and mathematics. This master's degree program is designed for students who are passionate about understanding biological data through computational methods. The curriculum provides in-depth knowledge in algorithms, data analysis, molecular biology, and systems biology, preparing graduates to tackle complex biological questions with quantitative and computational tools. Students will learn how to analyze genome and protein sequences, interpret biological data sets, and develop new software solutions for bioinformatics challenges. The program combines theoretical coursework with practical training, including laboratory exercises, project work, and collaborations with research institutes. Students will also gain skills in programming languages such as Python and R, and understand the use of databases and high-performance computing in biological research. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary teamwork, fostering collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and the healthcare industry, or to continue their academic journey in doctoral programs. Saarland University’s strong research focus and partnerships with industry and research institutions provide students with excellent opportunities for internships and projects. The program prepares students to contribute to advances in personalized medicine, genomics, and systems biology, making a tangible impact on healthcare and biological research. With a flexible structure, students can tailor their coursework to their interests, selecting from various electives in bioinformatics applications, molecular biology, or data science. The university’s modern facilities and close ties to international research networks create an enriching learning environment. Graduates of the Bioinformatics program at Saarland University will emerge as skilled professionals capable of translating biological questions into computational solutions, driving innovations in life sciences and health.

Educational organisation

The sequencing of the human genome has been one of the most significant scientific advances of the last few decades and could not have been achieved without bioinformatics. Bioinformatics now plays a key role not only in genetics but in many other fields, such as AIDS research and cancer therapy. Saarland University is one of the leading centres for bioinformatics in Germany. The internationally respected Center for Bioinformatics (CBI) on the Saarbrücken campus is home to biologists, medical scientists, pharmacologists and computer scientists who collaborate closely to develop new drugs and to improve and enhance the diagnosis and therapy of diseases. The excellent student-staff ratio - on average there is one instructor to every four students - enables students on the programme to gain early exposure to questions of current research interest.
For further information, see: https://www.bioinf.uni-sb.de/teaching

Study abroad unit(s)

Practical training abroad (industry or university) is highly recommended.

Forms of assessment

Exams, project work, final-year thesis

Course objectives

Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field. Even outside the field per se, graduates in bioinformatics have the same excellent job prospects as "pure" computer scientists, due to the solid training they receive in informatics. Bioinformaticians find jobs at academic institutions, in bioinformatics and biotech, and in pharmaceutical companies. Their tasks are exciting and diverse: many unsolved problems offer a variety of new challenges. Bioinformaticians contribute decisively to the development of new drugs and therapies. Graduates can choose between positions in bioinformatics and in the standard computer science fields.

Language requirements

TOEFL, IELTS or CPE
Please note: TOEFL score is required only for students who have received their Bachelor's degree from a university located in a country where English is not an official language.

Academic requirements

The requirements for the Bioinformatics Master's programme in Saarbrücken are:
Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in a subject relevant to Bioinformatics and a good command of written and spoken English
Your university education should be equivalent to the BSc degree in Computational Molecular Biology at Saarland University. Our emphasis is on methods development in bioinformatics. Therefore, we require a dual education in Mathematics/Computer Science and Life Sciences as an entrance qualification.

Enrolment fees

None, except for a fee of approx. 186 EUR per semester paid by every student
(includes a semester ticket for public transport services for six months)

Costs of living

About 800 EUR per month to cover personal expenses (incl. accommodation)

Job opportunities

Students may be able to work at the department doing laboratory work or supervising BSc/MSc students during lab courses or seminars.

Arrival support

The International Office can help incoming students with a number of issues that need to be dealt with on arrival: finding suitable accommodation as well as registering with the university and with local authorities. The International Office also organises social and recreational events and intercultural training sessions.

Services and support for international students

Saarland University offers a special support and guidance service for our international students and visiting scholars. Besides welcoming new foreign students to the university, we organise excursions and cultural events at which students and scholars from abroad can meet German students and colleagues. Moreover, we also provide support in dealing with official and administrative matters. To encourage interaction between German and international students, the international office also runs the successful peer mentoring programme "you and me".

Accommodation

We can help students with finding suitable accommodation. Rooms and apartments are relatively easy to find and are affordable. For more information, please visit: http://www.studentenwerk-saarland.de/en/Wohnen