Bioinformatics: VU University Amsterdam

Course Description

Bioinformatics research is concerned with the information processes in living systems and with producing methods to analyse and integrate biological (genome) data. This gives bioinformatics a pivotal position among research fields such as:

• pharmaceutics
• biotechnology
• gene technology
• forensic science and chemistry
• clinical research and industrial applications

Bioinformatics is a highly multidisciplinary field encompassing a broad range of in-depth knowledge. Bioinformatics practitioners must have a well-developed concept of the art of doing science, a high ability for (mathematical) abstraction, a broadly developed knowledge, an ability to quickly absorb and integrate novel concepts and well-developed engineering and practical skills in the area of computer science. Bioinformatics graduates are very much in demand, both in the academic world and industry. If you have a wide interest in biosciences and the ability to solve problems and reason methodically, combined with an enthusiasm for incorporating computer technology in your research, then the Master's programme in Bioinformatics is definitely for you.

Career prospects

Bioinformatics graduates are very much in demand, both in the academic world and in industry. A recent report by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) estimated that the Netherlands will need thousands of bioinformatics specialists over the next five years. This is because recent and ongoing breakthroughs in biotechnology and medical and genomic technology have generated vast quantities of genetics data. All this information is of little use unless subjected to biological and/or medical analysis.

Employment prospects are excellent and appear to be relatively independent of economic conditions. Bioinformatics is a wide-ranging subject and you can put it to use in many ways.

As a Master of Science in Bioinformatics, you can move straight into the pharmaceuticals or food industry, or become an expert at a biomedical laboratory. You will be strong in data analysis, for example, a skill you can apply to great effect in sectors outside Life Sciences as well, such as banking.

Admission requirements

Students with a Dutch preliminary education

Since bioinformatics is an inherently multi-disciplinary field, prospective students may come from many walks of life. Typically, students with a Bachelor’s (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Medical Natural Sciences or Pharmaceutical Sciences are particularly suited for this programme.

The programme is open to you if you have a Bachelor, Drs or Master’s degree obtained at a Dutch institute or foreign university recognized by VU University Amsterdam. You should have a thorough interest and experience in biomolecular and computational sciences. Some experience in programming is required. Depending upon your specific background, it may be necessary for you to take a number of supplementary courses in biology or computer science in order to bring your knowledge in these areas up to standard.

Students with an international preliminary education

Admission to this Master’s programme is open to students with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree obtained at a university recognized by VU University Amsterdam. The prospective student should have a thorough interest and experience in biomolecular and computational sciences. The multidisciplinary nature of the Master's programme in Bioinformatics means that it is open to motivated candidates with an appropriate qualification in most biology and science subjects. Depending on your specific background, it may be necessary for you to take a number of supplementary courses in biology, computer science or statistics to bring your knowledge in these areas up to standard.

Language requirements

Foreign students for whom English is not the first language are required to have adequate results in an English language proficiency test: a TOEFL score of 580 (237 in the TOEFL computer-based test) or an IELTS score of 6.5, or they must obtain one of these qualifications upon applying to VU University Amsterdam. If you have another English qualification, please enclose relevant information and, if possible, a photocopy of the diploma, so that the Examination Board can take these factors into consideration.