Study Programme - MSc Bioinformatics

The MSc programme in Bioinformatics at Wageningen University provides students with a BSc in Life Sciences or Computer Sciences with skills necessary to manipulate large biological datasets, the ability to analyze these data and the ability to develop new bioinformatics tools.

Academic year

At Wageningen the Bioinformatics programme focuses on the practical application of Bioinformatics. Depending on previous BSc degree, candidates are requested to follow supplementary introduction courses. Students with BSc in Computer Science follow courses in molecular biology and students with BSc in Life Science courses on programming and computer science.

The curriculum commences with training in programming, data science and elementary bioinformatics tools aimed at using existing software to collect, analyze and interpret DNA and protein sequence information and moves on to more open challenges. Afterwards students follow Molecular Systems Biology.

Advanced bioinformatics courses deal with structural and functional genomics, transcriptomics and DNA array technology data, as well as algorithm development and machine learning. Alternatively, students can focus on systems biology.

Advanced courses / Thesis

Depending on the student's skills and interest advanced courses in 3D protein modelling, genome annotation, data science or in software design can be taken. The last part of the programme consists of a Bioinformatics thesis period of 6 months.

Typical thesis projects include genome annotation, design and testing of mutant proteins, and development of new algorithms to facilitate protein domain recognition. The duration of the MSc Bioinformatics programme is 24 months. The programme commences annually in September.

Study handbook

The curriculum includes courses on advanced programming and data science, but there are also optional courses in basic programming and statistics etc available. Details are found in the study handbook. The Study handbook contains detailed information about curricula and courses offered by Wageningen University.