Molecular and Computational Biology, Master of Science

Description This Master's programme gives a thorough introduction to molecular topics across cell biology, developmental biology, microbiology and biophysics, while also covering areas such as neuroscience, infection and immunity, integrative biology and biomedicine. The curriculum places particular emphasis on the eukaryotic cell—its fundamental molecular principles and the wide structural and functional variety of molecules, organelles and cell types.

Molecular subjects are taught alongside computational approaches: students work with bioinformatics tools and learn methods from computational systems biology. Key methodological areas highlighted include functional genomics, dynamic analysis of the transcriptome and the study of metabolic and regulatory networks, preparing students to integrate experimental molecular biology with quantitative, data-driven analysis. The programme is delivered in English.

Requirements

• Language of instruction: English (programme is offered in English).
• Admissions details: the original description did not list specific entry requirements or application documents.
• Next step: consult the programme’s official admissions page for precise entry criteria (academic prerequisites, language certificates, transcripts, application deadlines and required documents).

Curriculum overview

This Master’s curriculum merges systems biology and bioinformatics with contemporary molecular biology techniques. In the first year, you take focused coursework in two main thematic areas (systems biology/bioinformatics and molecular biology): for each area you complete two lecture-based modules and one practical module. Most of these modules are assessed by graded examinations, ensuring a strong foundation in both theoretical concepts and hands-on methods.

In the third and fourth semesters the programme transitions into specialised research training. You join ongoing research projects in a chosen subfield, where you learn to independently design and conduct theoretical analyses and experimental work. The research phase culminates in an independently written master’s thesis (25 ECTS), which you present and defend at a final colloquium.

Key modules and learning outcomes

• Core module types: theoretical lecture modules and practical laboratory/computational modules in the two main areas during year one; a 12-week preparatory practical course before the thesis; elective modules for additional qualifications; and the master’s thesis with a public defense.
• By the end of the programme you will be able to integrate systems-level and computational approaches with molecular biology methods, plan and execute research projects, analyze and interpret data, and communicate results in written and oral scientific formats — demonstrated by your thesis and final colloquium.

Requirements (concise)

• Semesters 1–2: two theoretical courses + one practical course in each of the two main topics (assessed by graded examinations).
• Semester 3–4: specialised research training involving participation in ongoing research projects.
• Preparatory practical course: 12 weeks, ungraded (15 ECTS) and completed before the thesis.
• Master’s thesis: 25 ECTS; must be written, presented and defended in a final colloquium.
• Additional Qualifications: 15 ECTS chosen from a designated sub-area; modules are pass/fail (no grades).

Graduates are prepared for research careers in academia and industry where molecular and computational skills are in demand, including roles in bioinformatics, biotechnology, pharmaceutical R&D, and systems biology groups. The programme also provides the methodological and analytical foundation for pursuing a PhD in related life‑science disciplines.

The combination of practical laboratory experience and computational training equips alumni to contribute to interdisciplinary teams working on genomics, transcriptomics, modelling of regulatory networks, and translational biomedical projects. Participation in active research projects during the degree helps build a professional network and a research portfolio useful for job applications or doctoral study.