Systems Biology and Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics and systems biology use computer methods to analyse biological data.

Bioinformatics is a field of research focusing on computational analysis of biological data. It is an essential competence, as almost all biomedical research today involves the use of bioinformatics. 

In contrast to the past focus on single genes or proteins, systems biology is a field of research which focuses on understanding entire biological systems—such as protein complexes, metabolic pathways, or gene regulatory networks. 

The Bioinformatics and Systems Biology study programme is highly interdisciplinary, combining knowledge from fields such as molecular biology, genetics, computer science, mathematics, and statistics.

Study programme focus

In the course of your studies you will learn to use computer-based methods and mathematical models to analyse the vast amounts of biological data produced using high-throughput methods. Examples of biological data include DNA and protein sequences, mRNA levels, lists of post-translational modifications, protein-protein interaction data, and metabolic pathway information. But patient histories and the scientific literature itself are also examples of data types that can be analysed using computer methods. 

Although the focus is on computational analysis, it is important to have a solid understanding of the underlying molecular biology and the experimental methods used to generate the large volumes of data. Students will therefore have the opportunity to work both independently and with others in the laboratory, to ensure an even closer connection between data analysis and experimental work. 

You will be part of an exciting research area that will shed new light on fundamental, biological phenomena, and may lead to the development of new vaccines, cell factories, and medicines targeted at individual patients.

Specializations

The MSc programme in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics contains no predefined study lines or recommended programmes. Instead, you can put together your own study plan and your own tailored profile through your choice of courses from within the general program competences, the technological specialization courses, the elective courses at DTU, and other universities, and project work in Denmark or abroad. 

The MSc programme in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics contains no predefined study lines or recommended programmes. Instead, you can put together your own study plan and your own tailored profile through your choice of courses from within the general program competences, the technological specialization courses, the elective courses at DTU, and other universities, and project work in Denmark or abroad.

General admission requirements

Only applicants holding either a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, a Bachelor in Engineering or a Bachelor of Natural Science degree can be admitted to a Master of Science in Engineering programme. From September 2017 the bachelor degree must be less than 10 years old.

The individual MSc Eng programme states in detail which bachelor programmes qualify and whether applicants have to complete supplementary educational activities.

Requirements for supplementary educational activities can equate to up to 30 ECTS credits and are specified in the form of a list of courses under the individual MSc Eng programmes.

The specific requirements must be met before graduating from the bachelor programme or in connection with conditional admission to a particular MSc Eng programme. The courses must be passed prior to the commencement of studies within one year from the conditional admission.

Supplementary educational activities in connection with conditional admission to an MSc Eng programme do not form part of the MSc Eng programme, and partial tuition fees are charged. If the supplementary courses have not been passed within the deadlines specified, the conditional admission to the programme is withdrawn.

The Master of Science in Engineering programmes are offered in English. Therefore applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English (B-level, IELTS, TOEFL- or Pearson test).

Academic requirements for this programme

Regardless of your background, basic knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology is essential in order to understand the biological problems that are addressed in Systems Biology. It is also an advantage to know basic computer programming. We therefore very strongly recommend that all prospective students should make sure to build competences in these fields, for instance by taking elective courses during your BSc, or perhaps by self-study. We suggest courses corresponding to a minimum of 5 ECTS in molecular biology, and 5 ECTS in computer programming (any programming language will be fine).

National students

Prerequisites,Bachelor of Science in Engineering from DTU

Students holding a bachelor of Science in Engineering in:

• Biotechnology
• Chemistry and Technology
• Medicine and Technology
• Environmental Engineering
• Human Life Science Engineering
• Software Technology
• Physics and Nanotechnology
• Mathematics and Technology

are entitled to admission to the MSc Eng. programme in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology.

Prerequisites, other Bachelors of Science in Engineering

Students with a BSc Eng. degree in other fields may also apply. However we strongly recommend that all prospective students should make sure to build competences in the fields of molecular biology and biochemistry. The competencies and qualifications of the applicants will be considered individually based on the material submitted together with the application form.  

Prerequisites, Bachelors of Natural Science from other universities

Students holding a BSc in natural science may be admitted. The competencies and qualifications of the applicants will be considered individually based on the material submitted together with the application form. In general it is an advantage that students have a solid knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology. As an example BSc in Biology from the University of the Faroe Islands are admitted if they – as a minimum - have passed the following:

• At least 5 ECTS points basic molecular biology (for example course 27002 Life Science)
• At least 5 ECTS poins basic programming (for example course 27624 Python for Bioinformatics)

Students should however expect to supplement their knowledge within the molecular area and maybe with in mathematics and physics.

Prerequisites, Bachelors in Engineering from DTU

Students holding a bachelor in Engineering in:

• Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
• Chemistry and Business Economy

are entitled to be admitted to the MSc Eng. in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology.

International students

Prerequisites, Bachelors from other universities

Students holding a BSc in natural may be admitted. The competencies and qualifications of the applicants will be considered individually based on the material submitted together with the application form. In general it is an advantage that students have a solid knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology. As an example BSc in Biology from the University of the Faroe Islands are admitted if they – as a minimum - have passed the following:

• At least 5 ECTS points basic molecular biology (for example course 27002 Life Science)
• At least 5 ECTS points basic programming (for example course 27624 Python for Bioinformatics)

Students should however expect to supplement their knowledge within the molecular area and maybe with in mathematics and physics.