Computational Biology and Bioinformatics

Computational biology and bioinformatics complement the experimental biosciences with quantitative modeling and data analysis at a complexity level adapted to living systems. These new fields play a role comparable to that of mathematics in the physical sciences. The unprecedented recent development of experimental methods with the generation of large-​scale datasets, as well as the increasing need to analyze and design highly complex biological systems has opened a new frontier of research with fundamental scientific challenges. For instance, scaling proven methods to the complexity level of biology is required to ensure validated scientific results and insights. New algorithmic techniques have to be explored to be able to extract information from large datasets.

Graduates of the Master programme in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics have acquired the following knowledge and skills:

• In-​depth knowledge of methods, theories and algorithms required for the computational analysis of complex biological data and systems
• Broad knowledge of the spectrum of biological entities to be analyzed, i.e. sequences, structures and systems
• Familiarity with concepts, (experimental) methods and fundamental questions of modern research in biology, including application to medicine and biotechnology
• Interdisciplinary communication and collaboration with specialists in biology, computer science, mathematics, and other relevant disciplines
• Fast assimilation of new material in the rapidly developing fields of computational biology, bioinformatics and (molecular) biology, and in particular the ability to read, understand and review specialist literature
• Ability to conduct independent scientific work in the field
• Ability to present research results in scientific talks and to write reports for interdisciplinary audiences

The CBB programme enables students to contribute to this fascinating and vivid scientific area by fostering them to become experienced, creative and efficient problem solvers in computational biology and bioinformatics, equipped with advanced methodological and conceptual knowledge to deal with the problems of tomorrow.