Bioinformatik (grundständig)

This program is offered at universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule). Learning takes place at the university (lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, libraries, computer labs, laboratories) and at home (e.g., preparing for and reviewing courses, completing assignments; possibly participating in online courses).

This is a foundational degree program (grundständiges Studium). It can be pursued at universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), leading to a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree. The standard duration of study is 3-4 years. The foundational Bioinformatic degree program imparts fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in computer science, mathematics, and life sciences (biology and chemistry). This field of study is also available as a dual study program (duales Studium). Possible foundational degree programs include Applied Bioinformatics, Bioinformatics, Bioinformatic Genome Research, Bio- and Medical Informatics. Admission requirements for universities and equivalent institutions include the general or, if applicable, subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife). For universities of applied sciences, at least the Fachhochschulreife is required. Passing an internal university selection process may also be necessary. The curriculum includes lectures, seminars, and practical exercises at the university, covering compulsory modules such as algorithms and data structures, databases, general biology, and general chemistry.

The standard duration of study is 6-8 semesters. The average actual duration of study is 8 semesters. Source: Federal Statistical Office, Statistical Report - Statistics of Examinations at German Universities - Examination Year 2024.

Study costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the student union, the student body, semester ticket). Tuition fees may apply in certain cases (for 'long-term students,' for a second degree, or after exceeding a set study credit limit). Expenses for learning materials and study supplies, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance may also be required, typically when exceeding the age limit of 25 or certain income thresholds. Information on funding opportunities can be found at the German Student Union (Deutsches Studierendenwerk) and the Federal Education Assistance Act (BAföG).

Dual study programs (duale Studiengänge) combine a university degree with vocational training (Berufsausbildung) or practical phases in a company. In the foundational Bioinformatic degree program, there are practice-integrating study programs available. Further information and a search for dual study programs can be found on the AusbildungPlus portal.

Compulsory modules include, for example: Algorithms and Data Structures, General Biology, General Chemistry, Bioinformatic Data Analysis, Genetics and Genome Research, Computer Science, Mathematics for Bioinformaticians, Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Neurobiology, Software Engineering, Cell Biology. Elective modules may include, for example: Gene Therapy and Personalized Medicine, Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence, Medical Microbiology and Immunology. Practical study content, depending on the university, may include internships, practical modules, or practical semesters (e.g., in IT service companies).

Universities may conduct aptitude tests or selection interviews.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Lectures: Attend lectures and seminars in the university's lecture halls and seminar rooms during the semester; if necessary, participate in online courses from home. Practical exercises: For example, conduct exercises on biochemical reactions in laboratories, or software development exercises in computer rooms. Independent work: Prepare for and review lectures, research in libraries, prepare presentations, complete assignments (also during the lecture-free period). Organization: Plan studies independently within the given study structure, adhere to specified deadlines and study periods, and submit study and examination achievements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent required). Career preparation: If necessary, complete internships (e.g., in IT service companies), prepare for career entry.

The following study fields can be alternatives for Bioinformatik (undergraduate): Hardware and Software Development Area: Medical Informatics (undergraduate), Computational Natural Science, Computational Science (undergraduate), Computer Science (undergraduate), Engineering Informatics, Computational Engineering (undergraduate), Software Engineering (undergraduate), Technical Computer Science (undergraduate). Commonalities: Acquire knowledge of methods and concepts of computer science, process information and develop necessary software and databases. Genetic Engineering Area: Molecular Science (undergraduate), Biosciences, Life Sciences (undergraduate). Commonalities: Conduct measurements and analyses, acquire knowledge in molecular biology and genetics.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for a successful study: Biology and Chemistry: e.g., cell and microbiology as well as biochemistry and bioorganic chemistry. Computer Science: e.g., data structures, algorithms, and programming languages. Mathematics: e.g., as a foundation for computer science. English: e.g., reading, understanding, and writing foreign language texts.

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career entry. The following topics are relevant, for example: Business foreign languages, rhetoric and presentation, communication. Elective and compulsory elective modules such as Parallel Data Processing can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, e.g., in IT service companies, specifically prepare for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (see contact details of the respective university): Universities in Germany - University search of Hochschulkompass.

The undergraduate study program Bioinformatik provides fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in computer science, mathematics, and life sciences (biology and chemistry). It leads to a first university degree. This study program is also available as a dual study program.

Examples of degree programs include Applied Bioinformatics (Bachelor), Bioinformatics (Bachelor), Bioinformatic Genome Research (Bachelor), and Bio- and Medical Informatics (Bachelor).

For Bachelor's graduates in Bioinformatics, various fields of activity are available in the private sector, such as software development, IT quality assurance, testing, or IT sales.

In the mid-20th century, the molecular structure of DNA as a double helix was discovered (1953), initiating research to determine the nucleotide sequence of DNA. By the end of the 20th century, DNA sequence databases emerged with the goal of fully deciphering human DNA, leading to the establishment of the first professorships for Bioinformatics in the late 1990s. The Bologna Process, which began in 1999, reformed the European higher education landscape by aiming to create a unified European Higher Education Area, harmonize study programs and degrees (introducing Bachelor's and Master's degrees), and improve the mobility of students and lecturers.

Degree awarded: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.).

If you discontinue your university studies (Studium), vocational training (Ausbildung) in the laboratory field could be an alternative, such as a Biology Laboratory Assistant, State-certified Biological-technical Assistant, State-certified Chemical-technical Assistant, or Pharmaceutical-technical Assistant. Common to these professions are laboratory work and computer-aided measurement and analysis procedures. In the field of hardware and software development, alternatives include Assistant for Informatics (Software Engineering), Assistant for Informatics (General Informatics), Assistant for Informatics (Technical Informatics), or IT Specialist (Fachinformatiker) specializing in Application Development. Common to these is IT application development. Searching by professional fields may reveal further alternatives. For more information on prospects after dropping out of university, visit studienwahl.de.

No remuneration is received during university studies (Studium). Compensation may be agreed upon for practical phases, for example, during an internship in a company. Remuneration during a dual study program (duales Studium) varies depending on the training model and the company.

Legal regulations for studying Bioinformatik at the university level (Studium) are determined at the federal level by the Higher Education Framework Act (Hochschulrahmengesetz - HRG) and by joint structural specifications between the federal states (Bundesland). Additionally, the qualifications framework for German higher education degrees and higher education laws at the state level apply. At the university level, the university's own statutes and study and examination regulations for the respective degree programs are in effect.

For university studies in Bioinformatik, the general or, if applicable, subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife) is required. For universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), at least the higher education entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulreife) or an equivalent certificate recognized by the competent authority of the federal state (Bundesland) is necessary. Information regarding access to higher education for professionally qualified individuals without a school-based higher education entrance qualification varies by federal state (Bundesland). Depending on the university, an internal selection process may take place. For dual study programs (duale Studiengänge), an apprenticeship, internship, or employment contract with a suitable company (practice partner) is usually a prerequisite.

Bachelor's graduates in Bioinformatik can continue their studies in an advanced degree program (weiterführend), such as Bioinformatik or Computer Science (Informatik), thereby expanding their professional and career opportunities. Possible advanced study fields include Bioinformatik, Epidemiology, Computer Science (Informatik), and Medical Informatics.