The M.Sc. Programme in Bioinformatics is intended for Bachelors with a biological, computational or mathematical background who want to attain in-depth knowledge and hands-on skills from where biology and computational science meet. The Programme is open for applications from both Finnish and international applicants.
Bioinformatics applies methods of computer science, artificial intelligence, mathematics, and statistics to biological data from e.g. DNA, RNA or proteins. Bioinformatics is needed in modern biotechnological, biological and biomedical research and development, especially when dealing with large data sets produced by current high-throughput measurement techniques.
The degree provides you with skills you can utilize as a bioinformatician, biostatistician or biological data analyst and qualifies you to work in industry or continue your studies at the doctoral level.
The MSc Programme in Bioinformatics is taught entirely in English, and it is two years in duration, with an extent of 120 ECTS credits. The curriculum consists of general studies, advanced studies and free choice studies. A special module of methodological studies including computer science, mathematics and biology and a module with in-depth focus on the methods and applications of bioinformatics are included in the advanced studies. In addition, the students write a Master's thesis comprising 40 ECTS.
The teaching in the programme is carried out at BioMediTech (http://www.uta.fi/bmt/) and students are also able to choose some elective courses from the Tampere University of Technology (http://www.tut.fi/en/).
See also Degree Programmes Taught in English (http://www.uta.fi/admissions/degreeprog/programmes/bioinformatics.html) and our home page at http://bioinformatics.fi.
Learning Outcomes
After completing the programme, the student can:
- explain the methodological basis of bioinformatics, computational biology, and systems biology.
- explain bioinformatics methods and their significance in different applications.
- perform analyses of various biological data types using common programming languages and data analysis tools
- interpret the results of the analysis in their biological context.
- communicate scientific concepts and research results in his/her field of study both orally and in writing
- continue with doctoral studies in bioinformatics or a related field of study
Study Planning and Guidance
In the beginning of the studies all students will make their own Personal Study Plan under the supervision of a teacher. In practical study related issues please turn to the programme coordinator Catarina Ståhle-Nieminen (catarina.stahle-nieminen@uta.fi). The head of counseling in the programme is Juha Kesseli (juha.kesseli@uta.fi).
Link to counseling plan:
http://www.uta.fi/bmt/studies/Academic_counseling_MSc_Bioinformatics.pdf
Working Life Connections
During the programme many of our students experience involvement in quality research in one of the 25 research groups at BioMediTech. The graduates have acquired skills they can utilize as bioinformaticians, biostatisticians or biological data analysts and are qualified to work in industry or continue their studies at the doctoral level.
Internationalisation
Tampere University is committed to promoting justice and equality in society, to enhancing the well-being of citizens at home and abroad, and to advancing multiculturalism and sustainable development.
Students can choose an internationalization module as part of their studies. This can include language studies, exchange studies or work placement abroad or other courses with an international perspective. The available courses in the Master's Degree Programme in Bioinformatics are listed below:
BIO2200 Introduction to computational biology
BIO4440 Biological data analysis with R
BIO4450 High-throughput data analysis
BIO4470 Systems biology methods
BIO4460 Journal club
BIO4035 Research work
BIO4230 Phylogenetics
BIO4240 Structural bioinformatics
BTK4410 Cancer Biology
TERKAN4 Project Planning and Management
BTK1072 International tutoring
BTK1076 Being in charge of tutoring
Link to the Internationalization Module description on the UTA website:
http://www.uta.fi/studies/study_abroad/internationalization_module.html
Related Courses:- BIO2200 Introduction to computational biology 3 ECTS
- BIO4440 Biological data analysis with R 5 ECTS
- BIO4450 High-throughput data analysis 5 ECTS
- BIO4460 Journal club 2 ECTS
- BIO4230 Phylogenetics 4 ECTS
- BIO4035 Research work 5–8 ECTS
- BIO4240 Structural bioinformatics 3–6 ECTS
- BIO4470 Systems biology methods 5 ECTS
Responsible Conduct of Research
More information can be found at the Study Guide.
Related Courses:- HEAG03 An Introduction to Ethics in Health Research 3 ECTS
- BIO4440 Biological data analysis with R 5 ECTS
- BIO4450 High-throughput data analysis 5 ECTS
- BIO4460 Journal club 2 ECTS
- BIO4031 M.Sc. Thesis 40 ECTS
- BIO4030 M.Sc. Thesis seminar 2 ECTS
- BIO4420 Programming and algorithms for bioinformatics 5 ECTS
- BIO4035 Research work 5–8 ECTS
- KKENMP3 Scientific Writing 5 ECTS
- BIO0030 Study Skills and Personal Study Planning 2 ECTS