Master's programme in Bioinformatics
Summary
In the Master’s programme in Bioinformatics, you will learn to handle, analyze, and interpret large biological datasets and apply your knowledge to key questions in the life sciences. You will combine your previous biological knowledge with programming, statistics, and AI. After completing the programme, you can work in biological, medical, and biotechnological fields, such as disease diagnostics, drug development, and food production. No prior programming experience is required.
About
The programme will be open for applications from international students in autumn 2025, with a start in the autumn semester of 2026.
Higher organisms, such as humans, consist of trillions of cells interacting with each other. Each cell contains millions of DNA, RNA, protein, and metabolic molecules that also interact in various configurations. To understand this immense complexity and study numerous biomolecules, cells, and tissue samples simultaneously, new measurement techniques are continuously being developed.
Bioinformaticians develop tools to interpret the growing volumes of biological and biochemical data. By modeling and simulating biological and biochemical processes, they aim to mathematically describe the full complexity of life.
About the programme
The Master’s Programme in Bioinformatics starts at a fundamental level, and no prior programming experience is required. You will gradually develop your ability to handle advanced bioinformatics tools. At the end of your studies, you will perform an individual degree project of up to one year, providing you with substantial bioinformatics experience.
Teaching
We emphasize close contact with teachers and researchers, teaching in small groups and using problem-based learning methods. You will actively participate in discussions, gaining deeper knowledge and becoming proficient at analyzing and thinking scientifically. You will also develop other important transferable skills such as organizing, documenting, quality-assuring data and code, as well as effectively presenting and communicating bioinformatics data and results, preparing you to meet challenges in your future career.
All courses are taught in English.
Why study Bioinformatics at the University of Gothenburg?
- Teaching in small groups and in close contact with your instructors.
- Problem-based learning and laboratory-intensive courses connected to ongoing research.
- Substantial bioinformatics experience through individual degree project of up to one year.
Top 75 worldwide in Life Sciences—Biological Sciences
In the field of Life Sciences—Biological Sciences, the University of Gothenburg ranks amongst the top 3 universities in Sweden and top 75 worldwide in the ShanghaiRanking 2024. Biological sciences include biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, cell biology, and microbiology.
System specifications for your laptop
To take part in the Master’s programme in Bioinformatics, you will need a laptop that can be connected to an external screen.
Specifications
- Processor:
The processor capacity should be in the upper segment and of a later
processor architecture, such as Intel i5 or higher generation 7 or
equivalent AMD version. - Internal memory (RAM): More than 8 GB.
- Hard drive: 500 GB, preferably larger as it may happen that several different programs need to be installed.
- Graphics:
The graphics card is of less importance as the programme does not
primarily handle graphic modeling, etc. However, when working with
programming labs, it may be helpful to connect a larger external screen.
The laptop should support a higher resolution display, preferably 1920
on the internal screen and at least 2560 on an external screen. - Portability: The computer should be lightweight and portable, while also durable enough to withstand transport in a bag.
- Operative system: Whether you choose Windows, Linux or MAC is less important. This is largely a matter of personal preference.
Please note: Chromebooks are not suitable for this programme.
Programme structure and content
During the first year, you will progressively learn to handle and analyze large-scale molecular data using programming, statistics, and AI. You will also learn to interpret and understand these data for applications in molecular and evolutionary biology, genetics, statistics, mathematics, computer science, and chemistry
In the second year, you will complete a bioinformatics degree project of 30, 45, or 60 credits within one of our research groups, in industry, or at a governmental agency. If you choose a 60-credit degree project, no additional advanced courses are required after the first year. If your degree project is less than 60 credits, you will complement your studies with additional advanced courses during the second year.
Who should apply?
Do you picture yourself using the most recent technological and computational developments at the forefront of modern biology?
Are you interested in how cancer, infections, or environmental changes influence organisms?
Are you concerned with how antibiotics use, breeding for desired characteristics, or chemicals in the environment cause genomes to change over time?
We welcome students who wish to expand their knowledge in functional genomics, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, molecular evolution, and experimental and computational systems biology.
Prerequisites and selection
Entry requirements
Eligible to be admitted to the master's program in bioinformatics is someone who has a university or college degree of 180 credits (bachelor's degree) in biology, alternatively molecular biology.
Students with equivalent education in other natural science fields, such as environmental sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics or, computer science, or in the medical field, can be admitted after individual evaluation. For international applicants, a Bachelor of Science or equivalent qualification applies.
After graduation
Graduates of the programme receive the degree Master of Science, with a Major in Molecular Biology with Specialization in Bioinformatics.
You will be prepared for a career in the private or public sector, or further studies on a doctoral level.
- In the private sector, you may work with analysis, research and development in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or food industries.
- In the public sector, you could work with diagnostics in healthcare or at governmental agencies such as the Swedish National Board of Forensic Medicine or the Public Health Agency of Sweden.
- You can also pursue doctoral studies and aim for an academic career in natural sciences, medicine, or biotechnology.
If you have supplemented your education with legal studies, you can pursue a career in patent law. Similarly, additional coursework in pedagogy can open doors to a career in education.
Facilities
All courses are given on Campus Medicinareberget.
Exchange opportunities
Many bioinformatics workplaces are built on interdisciplinary, international collaborations. Studying abroad can enhance your attractiveness on the job market. As an exchange student, you do not pay tuition fees at the host university. If you are interested in studying abroad, contact our international coordinator (Email: exchange@cmb.gu.se) during your first semester.