Bioinformatics (Bachelor's program)

Target group

The Bachelor’s program in bioinformatics has been designed for students who are interested in information processing in life sciences and who wish to pursue a professional career or a research career in the pharmaceutical industry, in biotechnology, medical informatics, biology, or computer science. A basic knowledge of mathematics, biology, chemistry, and computer science is required.

Program contents

The bioinformatics Bachelor’s program provides students with a basic understanding of computer science, mathematics, and life sciences, with equal emphasis on natural/life sciences and mathematics/computer science. In addition, students will learn essential skills such as general learning, working, and presentation techniques, and the ability to work and study in a systematic manner (key skills).

Courses are taught through a balanced mixture of lectures, tutorials, seminars, and practical courses.

The modular bioinformatics Bachelor’s program covers three years, each year starting either in the winter or summer semester. The courses of the first four semesters are compulsory. In the subsequent semesters, students may choose advanced courses in bioinformatics, computer science, and life sciences according to interest.

Program goals and objectives

The aim of the bioinformatics Bachelor’s program is to prepare students for their future careers, and to provide them with both practical knowledge and a sound theoretical background.

Career opportunities and prospects

Due to rapid technological developments in the use of high-throughput techniques for data generation in biology, biotechnology, and the pharmaceutical industry, there is an ever-growing need for bioinformaticians. Since bioinformatics is a highly demanding field, a Ph.D. degree is often prerequisite. Currently, many bioinformatics graduates enter industrial positions in biology research areas, and work toward a Ph.D. degree at the same time. In the long run, it is expected that the need for bioinformaticians will extend beyond universities, so there will be at least one bioinformatician in almost every group working in biotechnology, in the pharmaceutical industry, and in other areas of the life sciences.