The programme guarantees that, upon successful completion of the study, you can communicate effectively with your colleagues, irrespective of your focus on experimental or computational disciplines. 
The integrated design allows you to shape your path with a high degree of flexibility, depending on your background and interests. 

The curriculum

In the first year in particular, much attention is paid to the basic principles of both bioinformatics and systems biology. 

Core Courses 

 In your first semester, you will complete four compulsory core courses: 'Introduction to Systems Biology' and 'Fundamentals of Bioinformatics' provide a broad foundation in the field, focusing on current scientific challenges. ‘Statistis with R’ focuses on the practical skills for data handling, analysis and visalisation. ‘Algorithms in Sequence Analysis’ dives into several core algorithms that underpin for example genome and single cell sequencing, and evolutionary analysis of genes. 'Biosystems Data Analysis' explores multivariate data analysis methods used to interpret complex biological and (bio)chemical datasets. 

Learning Paths 

Following the five compulsory courses in semester one, you will have the flexibility to choose your own learning paths in semester two. These are combinations of courses that allow you to tailor your learning experience. You can also choose elective courses in your area of interest.Students choosing a learning path in Bioinformatics expand their knowledge in sequence analysis, next-generation sequencing, prediction and simulation of protein structures, and medical applications of Bioinformatics. Students choosing a learning path in Systems Biology expand their knowledge with models of biological networks, experimental verification of models, relevance of systems biology for research, and synthetic biology. 
This foundation prepares you to tackle real-world biomedical problems using computational and experimental methods. 

Research projects 

In the second and final year, students do one or two research internships, complemented by elective courses depending on your preferences. 
Internships may take place at universities, hospitals, research institutes, or companies in the Netherlands or abroad. 

Integrated programme 

The programme truly integrates a Bioinformatics and Systems Biology perspective. Your compulsory courses will tackle research problems within both fields. You may opt to take elective courses with an in-depth focus on a single discipline, such as molecular biology or machine learning. 

You will study current issues, challenges and opportunities in both topics. There are ample opportunities for interesting and challenging internships, in hospitals (such as in oncology and clinical genetics), at biotech companies, at seed breeding companies, in the pharmaceutical industry, in data science and, of course, at bioinformatics and systems biology groups at universities. 
You will also receive support in selecting internships that align with your personal and professional goals. 

Supervision 

You will be assigned an academic mentor who supports you during the entire programme. This staff member will also act as examiner for your research projects. 
This mentoring ensures consistent, personal guidance as you develop your academic and research skills. 

Degree requirements 

A Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology is awarded upon successful completion of all the required courses in the curriculum and a written Master's thesis based on an independent research project. This translates into a total of 120 ECTS credits. 

Accreditation and degree 

This programme has been legally accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). This means that upon successful completion of the programme, students will receive a legally accredited Master's degree in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology and the title of Master of Science (MSc).