Bioinformatics

The Master Programme in Bioinformatics is designed for those who wish to focus on the exciting interdisciplinary field of bioinformatics, which combines computer sciences, mathematics and biology.

In a number of fields, such as biomedicine, pharmaceutical development and evolutionary biology, modern methods are used that generate large volumes of data, including DNA/RNA and protein sequences, molecule structures, gene expression data and measurement data. Transforming this volume of data into applicable information and being able to draw relevant conclusions requires management and analysis tools. The bioinformatician possesses the skills to both use and develop such tools.

Through our expert tutors, you will obtain a broad contact network, enabling you to establish links with potential future employers during the programme, for instance, doing research at a university or hospital or with a biotech company. During the programme, you will meet researchers pursuing new knowledge advances within each respective field, and there will be considerable opportunities where you yourself can contribute to the rapid development of bioinformatics.

You may gain hands-on experience in a research group and be able to further develop a programme for analysis of new pharmaceutical candidates, or produce a programme module for analysis of suitable target molecules for a diagnostic tool.

Career

Uppsala University has an excellent international reputation, and a master degree in bioinformatics from Uppsala University will provide you with an internationally recognized education that opens doors to both academic research and a career in industry, in Sweden and internationally. Depending on your chosen specialization in the second year, you may work with research and development in: laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, biotech companies and software companies with specialization in bioinformatic applications.

Currently, most of our alumni are working in research-related environments within the academy or in close cooperation with the university. Government agencies such as the Swedish National Food Administration and the Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control are also pursuing exciting developments in the field of bioinformatics.The biotechnology industry has an urgent and increasing need for bioinformaticians

The labour market is strongly international since methods and issues are similar in all parts of the world. Our research institutions have cooperation agreements worldwide, and their contact networks will be a valuable resource for you. Our students often gain practical experience or do graduate work outside Sweden. Rapid developments in the field of biotechnology entail that the demand for bioinformatic competence is increasing, particularly in academic research, but also in government agencies and the private sector.

Degree

The programme leads to a Master of Science (120 credits) with Bioinformatics as the main field of study.

First year

The first year contains the same courses for all students on the programme. The introductory course consists of several components that present important concepts and methods within bioinforma­tics, followed by courses such as Genome biology, Software technology, Molecular evolution and phylogenetics and Evolution causes and consequences .

Second year

In the second year, you will specialise in a bioinformatics field of your choise, for example, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), applied bioinformatics or population genetic analysis.

The second year finishes with a degree project carried out at a company, government agency or authority or at one of our research departments at the university.

A Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a Swedish degree of at least 180 credits (i.e. three years of full-time studies).Also required is knowledge of:mathematics (e.g. algebra, analysis, differential equations and mathematical statistics) corresponding to approximately 20 weeks of full-time studycomputer science and scientific computing (e.g. numerical analysis, algorithms, data structures and programming) corresponding to approximately 20 weeks of full-time study.Proof of skills in English to a level corresponding to English B in the Swedish secondary school. This is normally attested by means of an internationally recognised test with the following minimum scores:IELTS: an overall mark of 6.5 and no section below 5.5TOEFL: Paper-based: Score of 4.5 (scale 1-6) in written test and a total score of 575. Internet-based: Score of 20 (scale 0-30) in written test and a total score of 90Cambridge: CAE, CPESelectionSelection will be based on previous academic studies and degrees, and a statement of intent. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 575 TOEFL iBT® test: 90

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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.

Enroll in the course

Uppsala University provides several different scholarships for students. The scholarships cover exclusively the tuition fees for courses within the programme, i e 30 credits per semester.
Read more about scholarships on www.uu.se/scholarships.