Master
Genome Based Systems Biology
Owing to its interdisciplinary tradition Bielefeld University offers an outstanding infrastructure for a successful Master's degree in Genome-Based Systems Biology. This course gives access to a new interdisciplinary research field, systems biology, where molecular life science and modern physico-chemical techniques and mathematic-bioinformatic methods synergize.
What is Systems Biology?
Systems biology comprises a lot of disciplines. In this field biology joins forces with e.g. bioinformatics, mathematics and physics. The common target is to understand the functionality of cells, organs or even complete organisms.
With a Master's degree in "Genome Based Systems Biology" you can e.g. work on biotechnological projects, study diseases or investigate alternative forms of energy. You are well prepared for a career as well in science as in economy.
Since the Master's program is very research-oriented, students are intensively supervised in small groups. This also facilitates mutual exchange and provides students with sufficient time to deal with modern instruments and data analysis.
This interdisciplinary Master's course follows the tradition of Bielefeld University - communication and cooperation are therefore deeply embedded.
- Aims and Focus
One aim of systems biology is to establish computer-based models of processes in the living cell 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.
- Study Options
The Master's program Genome-Based Systems Biology (120 credits) leads to a Master of Science degree. It is built upon the Bachelor's degree and deepens the knowledge to sharpen the scientific profile.
Semester Genome Based Systems Biology 1 Functional Genome Research
Karsten NiehausMathematical Methods*
Petra LutterProkaryotic Cells
Volker Wendisch2 Regulatory Networks
Bernd WeisshaarApplied Bioinformatics*
Stefan AlbaumEukaryotic Cells
Karl-Josef Dietz3 Research Module I Research Module II Elective Module 4 Master's thesis In the first year knowledge in basic molecular methods and biological principles is intensified. Mathematical principles to build models of biological processes are acquired in a 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. The work is focused on the analysis of data derived from high-throughput biology and biotechnology, respectively.
Also interns (e.g. as part of the ERASMUS+ program of the EU) are supported.
- Doing a Doctorate
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.
- Job Prospects
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, information departments and clinics are potential employers. Students get information on career options already during the master courses.
- Admission requirements and application
All courses and lectures are given either in German or in English. Therefore German as well as English language skills are prerequisite.
For further information about the application to the Master's program please use the following links:
www.uni-bielefeld.de/bewerbungQuick Checklist:
- Bachelor's Degree/Transcript of Records (incl. average grade)
- Language Degree(s): German/English
- "Studierfähigkeitstest" (File with your answers)
optional:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Summary/Status Quo Bachelor's Thesis
- Additional Information
Experiences
Insight into studies
Selection of Master's theses ...
- Etablierung einer MYB28-Knockout Mutante in Brassica napus unter Anwendung des CRISPR/Cas9 Systems
- Feasibility of CAM engineering in C3 plants
- A mathematical model of the metabolism of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii : Photosynthesis and hydrogen production via MATLAB and CellNetAnalyzer
- Bildgebende Analyse von humanen Carotiden: Massenspektrometrische, optische und histochemische Untersuchungen an arteriosklerotischen Plaques
- In vivo study of calcium signalling via two-wavelength microscopy and luminescence measurements in tobacco cells
- A closer look at reactions in the Miller-Urey-Experiment using coupled Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Interdisciplinary teaching
In addition to its interdisciplinary structure, the degree programme also offers special events and projects in which interdisciplinarity can be experienced and lived.
The course "Astrobiology" turns into an interdisciplinary experiment: Students retrace for themselves how the first life on Earth arose ...