Bioinformatics
The programme in a nutshell
The Master’s programme in Bioinformatics at VU University Amsterdam approaches problems from a bioinformatics-specific perspective. The programme integrates issues from neighbouring disciplines, such as biology, biochemistry, computer science and mathematics on a need-to-know basis. The range of technology and theory that you will learn will cause you to experience a feeling of immediate relevance. This approach will also improve your skills in selecting and integrating different sources of knowledge.The Master’s programme in Bioinformatics is a two-year programme, worth 120 ECTS. Bioinformatics is an extensive and challenging research discipline. Practitioners must possess a well-developed concept of the ‘art of science’, a talent for mathematical and general abstraction, a broad level of knowledge, an ability to absorb and integrate novel concepts quickly. They need strong problem-solving skills and well-developed practical proficiencies in the field of computer science.
The Master’s programme in Bioinformatics is structured as follows:
- compulsory courses: 30 ECTS
- optional courses: 18 ECTS
- major traineeship: 36-42 ECTS
- minor traineeship: 18-24 ECTS
- colloquium series and research proposal: 6 ECTS
- writing major MSc thesis and MSc graduation seminar: 6 ECTS
The programme includes 12 months of practical training, worth 60 ECTS. You will complete two traineeships, one of which is more extensive than the other. Most of the subjects you will take are under the responsibility of the Centre for Integrative Bioinformatics VU (IBIVU). The IBIVU Centre’s broad, multidisciplinary structure allows you to work on a wide variety of subjects at VU University Amsterdam. External or international placements are also possible.
Compulsory courses
- Sequence Analysis covers theory and available techniques for sequence database searching, pair-wise and multiple alignment, profile searching and phylogeny (6 ECTS).
- DNA/Protein Structure-Function Analysis and Prediction offers theory of DNA/protein sequence-structure-function relationships and provides hands-on experience of associated methods (6 ECTS).
- Bioinformatics Data Analysis and Tools offers theory and techniques for bioinformatics methods development, including but not limited to applied multivariate statistics, statistical thermodynamics, molecular mechanics simulations, hidden Markov models, data mining and machine learning (6 ECTS). Theory is provided using bioinformatics techniques and protocols.
- Genomics: Structural and Functional Genomics deals with theory and methods of genome mining, gene and gene-function prediction, gene clustering and genomic networks (6 ECTS).
- Intracellular Networks: covers the theory and practice of integrative approaches and databases in respect of intracellular networks, including E-cell modelling, metabolic pathways (metabolome) and integrative data mining of genome, proteome, metabolome and physiome data (6 ECTS).
Optional courses
A range of optional courses is available. They include Statistical Genetics, Statistical Models, Machine Learning, Evolutionary Methods, Neural Networks, Data Mining Techniques, Scientific Visualization, Parallel Programming, Parasitology and Molecular Microbiology. In consultation with your mentor, you may choose courses from other departments, outside IBIVU.
Mentor system
Each student is assigned a mentor for the entire programme. Moreover, practical coursework and traineeships are supervised closely by one of the Bioinformatics staff members. Tuition is in English.
MSc-degree
Once you have passed all the components of the Master's programme, you will be awarded the title Master of Science. This is recognized internationally.
Research topics
Please see: http://www.cs.vu.nl/en/sec/bioinf/research.html
Publications
Please see: http://www.ibi.vu.nl/publications/
Course descriptions
Further information about the Master’s programme in Bioinformatics and course module descriptions can be found online at:
Contact
Please contact the Bioinformatics coordinator if you have any further questions:
Prof. Jaap Heringa
T +31(0)20-5987649
E-mail: J.Heringa@few.vu.nl
