Master’s in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology

The MSc programme in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology provides students with a background in Life Sciences or Computer Sciences with skills necessary to manipulate large biological datasets, the ability to analyse these data and the ability to develop new bioinformatics tools.

The curriculum includes courses on advanced programming and data science, but there are also optional courses in basic programming and statistics etc available. Details are found in the study handbook. The Study handbook contains detailed information about curricula and courses offered by Wageningen University & Research.

Depending on the student's background the curriculum commences with basic courses in programming, statistics, cell biology, and elementary bioinformatics tools. Students will be introduced to using existing software to collect, analyse and interpret DNA and protein sequence information and moves on to more open challenges. Afterwards, students follow compulsory courses in Advanced Bioinformatics and Molecular Systems Biology. 

Further bioinformatics courses deal with structural and functional genomics, transcriptomics and DNA array technology data, as well as algorithm development, machine and deep learning and software design. Alternatively, students can focus on systems biology where you will learn to apply mathematical and statistical models to explain biological phenomena and to design new experiments.

In the second year, the programme consists of a thesis period of 6 months and an internship period of 4 months. Typical thesis projects comprise genome annotation, design and testing of mutant proteins, model development and machine learning, and development of new algorithms to facilitate protein domain recognition. The duration of the MSc Bioinformatics and Systems Biology programme is 24 months. The programme commences annually in September.

Most students specialise in either bioinformatics or systems biology. We offer tracks to do so.

Most of the courses consist out of lectures, computer practicals, individual and/or group assignments to provide the students with skills necessary to manipulate large biological datasets, the ability to analyse these data and the ability to develop new bioinformatics and systems tools. 

At Wageningen, the Bioinformatics and Systems Biology programme focuses on the practical applications of bioinformatics and systems biology. Depending on previous bachelor's degree, candidates are requested to follow supplementary introduction courses. Students with BSc in Computer Science follow courses in molecular biology, and students with BSc in Life Science courses on programming and computer science. 

At WU the master programs Data Science for Food and Health en Geo-Information Science deal with large data sets as well. Still, both do not include molecular data.

Would you like to make your study choice easier, and compare this programme to others? Check on Studiekeuze123.nl for more information on how you might be able to do so.

Bioinformatics and systems biology are fast-growing fields of research bringing life sciences together with computer science, mathematics, statistics, and data science. As the demand has outpaced the supply of bioinformaticians you will have a nice career opportunity. After graduation, graduates often follow PhD projects at research institutes or universities across the world. Others will choose for a career at research-oriented pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies. 

Examples of positions (not being a PhD position) and companies of graduates of the MBF programme are: 

• Bioinformatician (Nutricia, NIOO, Exp. cardiology UMCG, LUMC, Prinses Maxima centrum voor kinder oncologie, DDL diagnostics laboratory, Rijk Zwaan, Bejo zaden, Illumina, DSM-Firmenich, Byondis)
• Software developer (GenDx, iPerform software, Redhat, CM.com)
• Data scientist (DuPont, Bio-Prodict, The Hyve)
• Programmer (Proigia)

The admission requirements for the Master's in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology are defined in such a way that the students should be able to successfully complete the programme nominally in two years. Besides a pre-education in bioinformatics, this is possible with a solid knowledge and skills in either life sciences on molecular and cellular level, or in computer science. In both cases, the candidate needs a solid basis in mathematics and statistics.

Criterion for admission

The criterion used for admission is to have a  BSc degree from Wageningen University in Animal Sciences, Biotechnology, Data Science, Molecular Life Sciences, Plant Sciences, Nutrition and Health or a Dutch BSc in Biology (with CROHO 56860 or 59325), or equivalent from other universities.  

Norm for this equivalence

The norm for this equivalence is to have an assessment of the student’s expertise in one or more of the following topics: 

• Bioinformatics
• Computer sciences
• Programming skills
• Life sciences (with at least biochemistry and molecular biology)
• Biology (cell biology, microbiology, genetics)
• Chemistry (biochemistry)

And both the following topics:

• Mathematics (algebra)
• Statistics (normal and binomial distribution) 

Not all topics mentioned need to be mastered at the same level; they will be weighed by the Admission Board per individual application.

Method of assessment whether this norm is met

Transcript of records displaying the content of previous course subjects and project work; Curriculum vitae displaying relevant work, internship and/or project experience on an academic level in a relevant field if applicable.

Scores attributed by the Admission Board

Admitted / not admitted / admitted under condition of obtaining the BSc or MSc degree / not admitted with offer of pre-master.

Admissible study programmes

Graduates from study programmes that may meet the knowledge requirements for Bioinformatics next to those similarly named as the ones above are for example: Bioinformatics (including University of Applied Sciences (NL: hbo)), Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Life Science and Technology, HLO (NL: hbo Biochemistry and microbiology), Microbiology, and Molecular Biology and Genetics.

You can apply for this Master's here. 

The Admission Board may allow and/or suggest compensation of knowledge gaps by:

• a GPA≥7.0* for the previous education for small discrepancies as new knowledge is sufficiently easily acquired;
• a GPA≥7.0* and an individual pre-master's programme for larger discrepancies that can be compensated in ≤30 ECTS and one year of study.

*Check the general admissions page for the International credentials evaluation guide for international equivalencies to a Dutch GPA>7.0. This guide includes compensating factors for a slightly lower GPA the Admission Board may include in their judgement.

Contact us through the contact button above to discuss the possibilities of a pre-master or how to mitigate knowledge gaps if you are still in the process of obtaining your degree.

Find out more about enrolment and fees of a pre-master's programme. 

Planning your budget? In this page, you will find what you should expect when it comes to study-related costs. 

Studying is just one part of the experience. Imagine cosy nights at pubs, epic student parties, local festivities, and socialising at sports clubs. In Wageningen or beyond, there’s always something happening. All sorts of information about student life at WUR and in Wageningen can be found on this page.