Education

Bioinformaticians are distinguished by their ability to formulate biologically relevant questions, design and implement the appropriate solution by managing and analysing high-throughput molecular biological and sequence data, and interpret the obtained results.

This interdisciplinary two-year programme focuses on acquiring 1) basic background knowledge in diverse disciplines belonging to the field of bioinformatics, including statistics, molecular biology and computer science, 2) expert knowledge in the field of bioinformatics, 3) programming skills, and 4) engineering skills. The 120-credit programme consists of a reorientation package (one semester), a common package (two semesters) and a major.

The Master of Bioinformatics is an initial Master's programme. You can follow this programme on a full-time or part-time basis.

Profile

Candidates must have a basic scientific education with an emphasis on at least one of the following disciplines: biology, computer science and informatics, mathematics, statistics.

For specific admission requirements, click on the desired programme in the 'Choose your courses of study' section.

Objectives

The aim of the programme is to train specialists in bio-informatics with the ability to link an understanding of biology with information technology, integrating techniques of analysis drawn from applied mathematics and statistics. The area of expertise lies in the design of new experiments in molecular biology and the interpretation of experiments already carried out.
By the end of the programme, the student will have acquired:
- a broad knowledge of biology, biotechnology, information technology, and a thorough foundation in applied mathematics and statistics;
- a thorough knowledge of the genetic structure and functioning of living systems;
- skill in the analysis of biological databases and understanding of the algorithms used in processing large amounts of information;
- skill in collaborating with molecular biologists and computer scientists in designing and interpreting experiments characterised by complexity;
- extensive analytic and synthetic problem-solving capacities;
- sufficient academic training to be able to participate in scientific research;
- leadership and management capacities as a result of skills in communicating knowledge, social capacities and an understanding of the ethical, social and economic context;
- skill in appropriating new concepts, methodologies and results within the discipline and the ability to apply them in research or in a business context;
- the ability to critically view the bioengineer's role in society.

After graduation

Bioinformaticians find careers in the "life sciences" domain in the broadest sense: industry, the academic world, health care, etc. The expanding need for bioinformatics in biological and medical research ensures a large variety of job opportunities in fundamental and applied research. 60% of our graduates start a PhD after graduation.

Information sessions

KU Leuven organises a Verderstudeerbeurs each spring. In addition, faculties also organise information sessions for many of their bridging and graduate programmes.

All information sessions for (future) Master's students

(Inter)national

All students are given the opportunity to conduct part of their MSc thesis research at a partner institution or organisation abroad. In addition, European residents may undertake their MSc thesis research at a European university within the framework of the Erasmus programme.

More information: www.biw.kuleuven.be/english/FutureStudents/graduate.aspx

Spotlight

Founded in 1425, KU Leuven is one of the oldest and most well regarded universities in the Low Countries. Today, KU Leuven is Belgium's largest university, consisting of 14 faculties and offering a complete range of scientific disciplines in the humanities, natural sciences and technology, bioscience and medicine. Supported by nearly 10,000 staff members, these faculties provide high-quality interdisciplinary education to more than 40,000 students, 15% of which are international students from more than 140 countries. KU Leuven actively promotes collaboration with universities and research institutions through the League of European Research Universities (LERU), among many other national and international cooperation agreements.

Contact

Faculty of Bioscience Engineering
tel. + 32 16 32 17 44
International.MSc.Programme@biw.kuleuven.be

General information
Study Advice Service
Naamsestraat 80 box 5415
3000 LEUVEN, Belgium
To contact us please complete the contact form on our website.

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