Master of Science in Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is essential not only for fundamental biological research but also for medical diagnosis, cancer research, drug development, agriculture, etc.

Recent technological advances in scientific research generate huge amounts of molecular data at an ever increasing pace. This data avalanche, together with the need for multi-angle approaches to analyze, integrate and interpret these data, has created an urgent need for highly trained bioinformatics scientists and engineers with an interdisciplinary mindset. As such, the Master of Science in Bioinformatics aims at educating interdisciplinary competences in the field of biology, computer science, statistics, mathematics and engineering that are of key importance to bioinformatics. Students are provided with the scientific knowledge, skills, attitudes and insights that enable them to function professionally and value-conscious in the domain of bioinformatics, but also in the broader context of the biotechnology/engineering and the different sectors of employment that are open to this master. A Master of Science in Bioinformatics is capable of critically using existing knowledge generated by scientific research, to make improvements and to contribute in an original and innovative manner to the knowledge society. As a bioinformatician you will become an interdisciplinary scientist or engineer who can develop or use state-of-the art statistical and computer science techniques to mine molecular data in order to answer fundamental or applied biological and biomedical questions.

Ghent University offers an English 120-credit Master of Science in Bioinformatics, which – depending on the chosen track – can result in an Engineering or Bioscience Engineering degree.