Systems Biology and Metabolomics

Program overview

This master's program examines how cellular metabolism is reprogrammed and how those changes connect to transcriptional, metabolomic, physiological, phenotypic and behavioural alterations — including processes that underlie disease. The curriculum brings together experimental metabolomics and bioanalytics with computational systems biology to give an integrated view of gene function, stress responses and organismal phenotype.

What you will study

You will work with contemporary metabolomics and bioanalytical techniques, including quantitative metabolite profiling using chromatography and mass spectrometry, to investigate biochemical changes at high resolution. Courses and practicals cover bioinformatics and advanced computational methods for analyzing metabolic networks and interpreting large-scale data sets. Topics include genome and sequence analysis, protein domain and family annotation, next-generation sequencing and proteomics data analysis.

Systems biology focus and applications

The program highlights current advances in systems biology: dynamic modelling in functional genomics, the roles and dynamics of regulatory RNAs (for example miRNAs and lncRNAs), and the interplay between transcriptome dynamics and metabolism. A recurring theme is the integration of metabolic networks with regulatory networks to understand complex biological responses — knowledge highly relevant for research in basic biology, disease mechanisms and translational applications.

Suggested background and application notes

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioinformatics, or a closely related discipline (check official admission rules for exact requirements)
• Practical laboratory experience (molecular biology, analytical techniques) is advantageous
• Familiarity with bioinformatics concepts, statistics and data analysis is helpful
• Basic programming skills (e.g., R, Python) are useful for computational modules
• Proficiency in English — check the university’s specific language certificate requirements

(Official admission and language requirements are set by the university and should be consulted on the program’s admissions page.)

Curriculum overview

The programme begins with a focused first year in which students study two main topics. For each topic you take two theoretical (lecture) modules and one practical module, and each of these modules is assessed by a graded exam. This front-loaded combination of lectures and hands-on laboratory/practical work builds foundational knowledge in systems biology and metabolomics while assessing both conceptual understanding and technical competence.

In semesters three and four the emphasis shifts to specialised, research-led training in a chosen area. You will join ongoing research projects and gain supervised, hands-on experience in real research settings. The training is designed to enable you to independently plan and carry out both theoretical and experimental investigations, analyse and interpret data, and synthesize your findings into a coherent master’s thesis. The thesis (25 ECTS) is presented and defended at a final colloquium.

Before starting the thesis you complete an ungraded 12‑week preparatory practical course worth 15 ECTS. In addition, you choose further modules totalling 15 ECTS from the “Additional Qualifications” sub-area to broaden or deepen your expertise; these elective modules are assessed on a pass/fail basis. Overall, the curriculum combines graded coursework, practical experience and project-based research to develop research independence, critical analysis, and scientific communication skills—key outcomes for careers in research labs, industry R&D or doctoral study.

Requirements and key components

• First-year modules: two theoretical + one practical per topic (for each of the two topics); all accompanied by graded examinations
• Research semesters (3–4): specialised research training within a selected field; active participation in ongoing research projects
• Preparatory practical course: 12 weeks, 15 ECTS, ungraded (pass/fail) and required before the thesis
• Master’s thesis: 25 ECTS; must be written, presented and defended in a final colloquium
• Additional Qualifications: 15 ECTS of elective modules, assessed pass/fail
• Expected learning outcomes: ability to independently design and perform theoretical and experimental work, analyse and discuss results effectively, and present/defend scholarly research

Graduates are prepared for research and development roles in academia, biotech and pharmaceutical industries, especially in metabolomics, bioanalytics, systems biology and computational biology. Typical positions include research scientist in metabolomics/bioanalytical labs, bioinformatics analyst, or roles in translational research and diagnostics development.

The programme also provides a solid foundation for doctoral studies (PhD) and for careers requiring interdisciplinary skills in experimental design, quantitative data analysis, and metabolic network modelling. Industry roles may involve assay development, biomarker discovery, or data-driven systems biology projects, while academic paths typically focus on advanced research in molecular and systems-level biology.