One aim of systems biology is to establish computer-based models of processes in the living cell (of life processes, of processes of life) allowing to predict the performance of metabolic pathways, cells, organs or whole organisms under certain conditions. This is of major interest for biology, biotechnology and bio-medicine.

Modern biosciences are characterized by accumulation of massive and complex data, which are results of the increasing use of high-throughput methods in the fields of modern -omics technologies, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics. In genomics gene sequences are identified and annotated to reconstruct metabolic pathways. In transcriptomics functional genes are analyzed to unravel regulatory processes. Subsequently, proteomics helps to identify the respective cellular and extracellular proteins. Finally, metabolomics allows the determination of the majority of metabolites in a cell. Systems biology comprises these methods in order to model the interaction of genes, transcripts, proteins and metabolites in a cell.

This interdisciplinary Master's course follows the tradition of Bielefeld University - communication and cooperation are therefore deeply embedded. The work is focused on the analysis of data derived from high-throughput biology and biotechnology, respectively.

The Master's program Genome-Based Systems Biology (120 credits) is build upon the Bachelor's degree and deepens the knowledge to sharpen the scientific profile and leads to a Master of Science degree.

Semester	Genome-based Systems Biology
1	Functional Genome Research Karsten Niehaus	Mathematical Methods* Petra Lutter	Prokaryotic Cells Volker Wendisch
2	Regulatory Networks Bernd Weisshaar	Applied Bioinformatics* Stefan Albaum	Eukaryotic Cells Karl-Josef Dietz
3	Research Module Theory	Research Module Praxis	Elective Module
4	Master's thesis

*These modules are splitted and taught in the 1st and 2nd semester.

In the first year knowledge in basic molecular methods and biological principles are intensified. Concomitant, mathematic principles to build models of biological processes are acquired in comprehensible manner.

The second year covers the scientific profiling along the individual interests. This can comprise the practical use of modern instruments and methods in the lab as well as the development of new bioinformatics tools to analyze data.

Also interns (e.g. as part of the ERASMUS+ program of the EU) are supported.

Completing a doctorate is particularly relevant for students who are interested in pursuing an academic career after completing their master's. A doctorate should advance academic knowledge and consists of an independent research project (the dissertation) plus an oral defence (colloquium). The faculty of biology offers excellent conditions. Almost all graduates of the Master's program Genome-Based Systems Biology decided to continue with a dissertation and were above-average successful in the application process.

For more information:
www.uni-bielefeld.de/nachwuchs/promovieren.html

Besides continuing in an academic environment by a subsequent promotion followed by career prospects thereof, opportunities for graduates of the Master's program Genome Based Systems Biology can be found in research institutes particularly in molecular and biomedical-oriented analysis and diagnosis, as well as in pharmaceutical and life science companies. This can include research and development laboratory work as well as theoretical computer work. Also patent agencies and information departments of larger companies are potential employers.

All courses and lectures are given in German, therefore German language skill from level C1 and higher are prerequisite.

For further information about the application to the Master's program please use the following links:
www.uni-bielefeld.de/Bewerbung