Education

Bioinformatics

Master´s program

he master’s program in bioinformatics is a direct response to the paradigm shift taking place in medicine and biological sciences. Further research in these areas is based on the evaluation of masses of biological data: here, the use of computers, combined with accurate mathematical models and efficient algorithms is essential. Employing adequate training in the various sub-disciplines, this program provides the required knowledge for students to be able to judge mathematical methods and models, to recognize relevant biological questions, and to correctly interpret the results of the models in a biological context.

The Master's program in Bioinformatics is a joint institution of Freie Universität Berlin (Department of Mathematics and Computer Science and Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy) and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin. The program was classified as a BUA joint degree program in June 2021. This classification is given to research-oriented cooperative degree programs of the partners of the Berlin University Alliance, which are dedicated to topics of global significance and have a distinct interdisciplinary and international profile.

The Berlin University Alliance is an alliance of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin and Charité, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the State of Berlin within the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments.

Admission Requirements

For admittance to the master’s program applicants need to fulfill the following admission requirements:

First Degree: You need to have an university degree (bachelor or equivalent), either from Germany or an equivalent foreign degree, in a higher education program comprising at least six semesters that qualifies to practice a profession.
Language: Either you (1) did earn your university degree at an education institution where English is the language of instruction or (2) you are required to prove English language skills at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Computer Science, Bioinformatics & Programming Skills: You need at least 25 credits in computer science modules. Out of these, at least 10 credits need to be in modules in which you acquired knowledge in a imperative programming language, such as C/C++, Java or Python and at least 10 credits in the area of algorithms.
Mathematics/Statistics: You need at least 25 credits in mathematical modules. Out of these, at least 10 credits need to be in the area of linear algebra or analysis and at least 10 credits in the area of statistics.
Biology/Chemistry/Biochemistry: You need at least 25 credits in this area. Out of these, at least 10 credits need to be in the area of biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics.

Further information on admission requirements is available in the admissions regulations.

Studien- und Prüfungsordnung

Study and Examination Regulations

Erste Ordnung zur Änderung der Studien- und Prüfungsordnung (in German)

Zweite Ordnung zur Änderung der Studien- und Prüfungsordnung (in German)

Online-Studienfachwahlassistent (OSA)

Note: check whether the course content and requirements align with your expectations for the major before applying!

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Basic Information

Program Start: Wintersemester
Duration: 4 Semester
Language: Englisch
Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Allocation of study places

Whether it is possible to apply for a spot in a program and whether the program has an admission cap (NC) or has unrestricted (no NC) is determined anew each semester.
A distinction is made between the first semester and higher semester.

Find Information about admission regulation for all degree programs: Master of Science