Bio-informatics and modelling, research focus

Programme content

SINGLE ORIENTATION : RESEARCH

Nowadays, bioinformatics became one of the most important research tools in Life Sciences. Both academia and industry are increasingly looking for computer-literate biologists with skills in software programming, data analysis and modeling. Fed by ever-more sophisticated laboratory instruments (high-throughput sequencers, mass-spectrometers...), bioinformatics is facing the challenge of the growing inflow of genomic data and makes possible the automated analysis of thousands of molecules (proteins, metabolites...) which regulate the fundamental processes of life. Hence, powerful computers and artificial intelligence algorithms are used daily to compare, predict, model... field and laboratory experiments or to analyse the outcome of such experiments. In this context, the aim of the Master in Bioinformatics and Modeling is to allow young professionals and students with a life science background (biologists and medical biologists, veterinary and medicine doctors, bioengineers) to acquire a solid training in computing techniques applied to biological data.

 additional credits of remedial are also selected (depending on the exact background).

According to the student's background, this Master is proposed in 2 programs.

One-year Master BIM program

This one-year adapted program is composed of a maximum of 75 credits (60 base credits and up to an additional 15 credits of remedial, depending on the background of the student) covers a large spectrum of bioinformatics disciplines, from DNA sequence comparison to transcriptomic expression data analysis, including software programming and 3D modeling of protein structure.

This program is meant for students:

• having already acquired 60 credits at the Master's level in either Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, or Biology of Organisms and Ecology, or Oceanography
• or holding a Master's degree in Chemistry, Medicine, Biomedicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Public Health, Veterinary Medicine, or Bioengineering.

Two-years Master BIM program

This program consists in a first block sharing the courses of the first year of the Master in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, followed by a second block devoted to bioinformatics. The first year provides the keys to a deep understanding of the biological data, whereas the second year teaches the programming techniques and the treatment algorithms leading to optimal exploitation of the wealth of biological data.

This program is meant for students:

• holding a Bachelor's degree in a field belonging to the life sciences (including Chemistry)
• or holding a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Engineering, or in many other scientific fields, provided that a maximum of 15 additional credits of remedial are also selected (depending on the exact background).

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Learning outcomes

Once the Master program completed, graduated bioinformaticians will have the following skills:

• Analysis, management and modeling of life science data
• Conception and/or development of (bio)informatics software and applications.
• Ability to work autonomously as within a multidisciplinary team
• Synthetic mind allowing clear communication of either professional projects, results or challenges met.
• Good project management regarding deadlines and goals.
• Ability to develop innovative concepts and fundamental or applied research projects answering modern problems
• Ability to gather and analyse life sciences information critically and to assume technological watch.
• Self-critical professional practice analysis and adaptability.