Bioinformatik (weiterführend)

The study program takes place at universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Learning locations at the university include lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, libraries, and laboratories. At home, learning involves preparing for and following up on courses, completing assignments, and potentially participating in online courses.

The standard duration of study is 2-4 semesters.

Study costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the student union, student body, semester ticket). Where applicable, tuition fees may apply for 'long-term students,' a second degree, or after exhausting a set study credit. There are also expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions. Contributions for student health insurance are generally required when exceeding the age limit of 25 or certain income thresholds. Funding opportunities can be found through the German National Association for Student Affairs (Deutsches Studierendenwerk) and the Federal Education Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG).

Modules include, for example: Application-oriented Database Concepts, Bioanalytical Data Acquisition and Evaluation, Bioinformatics of RNA and Protein Structures, Biosensorics, Efficient Computing, Graphs and Biological Networks, Artificial Intelligence, High-throughput Sequencing Methods, Modeling and Programming, Molecular Biotechnology, Molecular Medicine of Ion Transport, Nanotechnology and System Integration, Sequence Analysis and Genomics, Theoretical Biology, and Cellular Regulation. Practical study content varies by university and may include internships, practical modules, or practical semesters (e.g., in IT service companies).

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Lectures and seminars are attended in lecture halls and seminar rooms during the semester; participation in online courses from home may also be required. For part-time studies (Berufsbegleitendes Studium), students work during the day and attend university in the evenings or on weekends. Practical exercises, such as software development exercises, are conducted in computer rooms. Independent work involves preparing for and reviewing courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (also during lecture-free periods). Scientific research skills are deepened. Organization and planning require self-responsible study planning, adherence to given study periods, and timely completion of study and examination achievements (self-discipline and organizational talent are necessary). Career preparation may include completing internships (e.g., in a B company).

The following study fields can be alternatives for Bioinformatic (advanced): In the area of Hardware and Software Development: Medical Informatics (advanced), Computational Science (advanced), Computer Science (advanced), Computational Engineering (advanced), Software Engineering (advanced), Technical Computer Science (advanced). Similarities include acquiring knowledge about methods and concepts of computer science, processing information, and developing necessary software and databases. In the area of Genetic Engineering: Molecular Science (advanced), Biosciences, Life Sciences (advanced). Similarities include conducting measurements and analyses, and acquiring knowledge in molecular biology and genetics.

Universities typically require bachelor's degrees such as Bioinformatics (undergraduate), Biomathematics (undergraduate), Bionics (undergraduate), Computer Science (undergraduate), or Biology (undergraduate).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career entry. Topics such as foreign languages, rhetoric, and presentation can be beneficial. Internships, for example, in an IT service company, a university, or a non-university research institution, 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) and through the university search engine 'Hochschulkompass' for universities in Germany.

This advanced study program deepens knowledge from the undergraduate study program and, if applicable, professional experience. Students usually specialize in specific topics, which may include Big Data, Medical Informatics, or Genome Research. Additionally, there are master's programs that cover a broad spectrum of Bioinformatics. This study leads to a second university degree. Bioinformatics is also available as distance learning and part-time study programs.

Examples include Applied Bioinformatics (Master), Bioinformatics (Master), Bioinformatics and Genome Research (Master), Bioinformatics and Systems Biology (Master), Biomedical Informatics and Data Science (Master), Biosystems Engineering (Bioinformatics) (Master), Computational Biology (Master), Genome Based Systems Biology (Master), Life Science Informatics (Master).

For master's graduates in Bioinformatics, various fields of activity are available in the private sector, such as software development, IT quality assurance, IT testing, or IT sales. Those aspiring to an academic career at a university usually need to pursue a doctorate. A doctorate may also facilitate access to higher professional positions in the private sector and research.

In the mid-20th century, the discovery of the molecular structure of DNA as a double helix (1953) and research into determining the nucleotide sequence of DNA began. By the end of the 20th century, DNA sequence databases emerged, aiming for the complete deciphering of human DNA. The first professorships for Bioinformatics were established in the late 1990s. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, a reform of the European higher education landscape with goals including creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing study programs and degrees (introducing Bachelor's and Master's programs), and improving the mobility of students and faculty.

Graduates receive a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree.

During the Studium (higher education study), no remuneration is typically received. However, compensation can be agreed upon for practical phases or internships.

Legal regulations are set at the Bundesebene (federal level) by the Hochschulrahmengesetz (HRG - Higher Education Framework Act) and Ländergemeinsame Strukturvorgaben (joint structural guidelines of the federal states). The Qualifikationsrahmen für deutsche Hochschulabschlüsse (Qualifications Framework for German Higher Education Degrees) also applies. At the Landesebene (state level), Hochschulgesetze (higher education acts) and related administrative regulations are in place. At the Hochschulebene (university level), the university's own statutes and Studien- und Prüfungsordnungen (study and examination regulations) for the respective study programs apply.

A prerequisite for this Studium (higher education study) is a first professionally qualifying university degree; usually, an undergraduate degree in Bioinformatics is required. For advanced study programs, at least one year of professional experience must be demonstrated. Depending on the university, an internal selection process takes place. Selection criteria may include academic performance in the first professionally qualifying degree. English language proficiency may also need to be proven.