Bioi

Master of Bioinformatics : Mission statement

 K.U.Leuven
Welcome
Mission
Current 1-year program
New 2-year program
Research
Search

What is bioinformatics?

Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field combining mathematical, statistical, and computer methods to analyze medical, biological, biochemical, and biophysical data.


Bioinformatics is expected to play more and more a prominent role in science and industry. In this respect, the importance of interdisciplinary scientists graduating from truly interdisciplinary programs cannot be overemphasized. There is a strong need for people who have a well-developed biological background, are also familiar with important principles from mathematics, statistics and information technology and who are able to manage, analyze and interpret the huge amounts of data and knowledge that is generated by the new technologies in molecular biology research of the 21st century.
This is the reason why the Master in Bioinformatics was set up in 2001. With this investment in bioinformatics, the participating faculties follow a prominent international tendency. To improve the quality of the program, it was decided during the BaMa reforms to transform the programme to a two-year initial Master.



Objectives of the programme

This two-year programme will train qualified bioinformaticians who will be able to integrate biological knowledge and insight with the knowledge and understanding of important principles of information technology, mathematics and statistical analysis techniques. The expertise of bioinformaticians consists in the ability to design, manage, analyze and interpret data from high-throughput molecular biological experiments that are characterized by a high complexity and dimensionality and to independently develop new methods for solving future bioinformatics challenges.

The end qualifications of the Master of Science in Bioinformatics have been defined as:

  • acquire extensive knowledge of biology, biotechnology, applied mathematics, information technology and statistics
  • acquire both practical and theoretical knowledge of the algorithms used to process large amounts of data
  • acquire the ability to handle and to explore large biological databases by data mining
  • get familiar with commonly used programming languages (e.g. Java...)
  • acquire understanding of the genetic structure and the functioning of life
  • acquire the ability to communicate effectively with computer specialists and molecular biologists and to coordinate with both partners
  • both in education and research, international competitivity and contacts are pursued
  • graduates must be able to think and work interdisciplinary, to integrate their knowledge and insight in various disciplines to conduct research in the bioinformatics field
  • graduates must be able to integrate new developments in any "-omics" field (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics...) with already acquired competences.


    • The focus of the programme lies on interdisciplinarity and on acquiring basic skills and knowledge and integrating them into multidisciplinary bioinformatics research. Emphasis lies on competences that are required for conducting scientific research such as basic knowledge, programming skills etc... but also creativity, originality, responsibility, independence and the knowledge of the general principles of the scientific method.

     

    Options

    - Two-year programme
    - The working language of the study programme is English
    - Interdisciplinary courses and organisation
    - Optimal use of the available expertise at the K.U.Leuven



    Programme structure

    The MSc programme in Bioinformatics is a two-year initial Master programme consisting of:

    - A reorientation module (1 semester). Addition to the previous education, to meet the beginning requirements of all following courses. The POC recommends a reorientation module to the student, that can be completed with optional courses.
    (27 study points)

    - A general module (2 semesters). The general module builds upon the elementary knowledge and skills, which students have gained in their previous education and in the reorientation module and integrates these in various bioinformatics courses using the interdisciplinary approach that is typical for the field.
    (59 study points)

    - A major (1 semester). A practical training in an advanced research laboratory or company leading to the formulation of a dissertation in a Master's thesis.
    (34 study points)



    Admission requirements

    The Master of Science in Bioinformatics is open to holders of one of the following first cycle degrees upon evaluation and approval of the POC:

  • Bachelor in Engineering
  • Bachelor in Applied Biosciences and Engineering
  • Bachelor in Biomedical Sciences
  • Bachelor in Biochemistry / Biology / Biotechnology / Chemistry / Geography / Geology
  • Bachelor in Physics / Mathematics / Computer Science


    • The Master of Science in Bioinformatics is open to holders of the following degrees after following a preparatory programme:
  • Bachelor in industrial sciences (60 SP)
  • Master in industrial sciences (15 SP)
  • Bachelor in pharmaceutical sciences (15 SP)
  • Bachelors in any other science-related domain that has not yet been mentioned upon evaluation and approval by the POC.


    • Organization

    This programme is a joint organization by four faculties of the K.U.Leuven:

    The steering committee of the programme is composed of prof. B De Moor (Engineering),prof. Y. Engelborghs (Sciences), prof. J. Vanderleyden (Bioscience Engineering), prof. G. Volckaert (Bioscience Engineering), prof. M. Van Ranst (Medicine) and prof. R. Schoonheydt (Bioscience Engineering, chairman). The programme director is prof. J. Vanderleyden and the POC is led of prof. J. Vanderleyden and consists of all members of the academic staff of the program, a delegation of 4 students and the ombudsman. The Faculty of Bioscience Engineering is the organising faculty. The Assessment Commission of the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, completed with ZAP members of the departments of Chemistry, Biology, ESAT and the Faculty of Medicine will perform evaluation and counseling of the Academic Board concerning candidates who apply to vacancies of courses in the Bioinformatics programme.



       
    K.U.Leuven - CWIS   Copyright © 1998 Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
    Reacties op de inhoud: Prof. Bart De Moor
    Page Design: Janick Mathys
    Last update: 2006/09/12
    URL: http://www.esat.kuleuven.be/sista/GGS/index.html