Master of Science in Bioinformatics Freie Universität Berlin

Please note: This programme is currently being revised. Starting in the 2027/28 winter semester, it is expected to be offered under the title: "Data Science for Life Sciences".

Bioinformatics research in medicine and the life sciences is increasingly based on analysis and interpretation of biological mass data. The use of computers, combined with accurate mathematical models and efficient algorithms, is indispensable in this process.
Building on the knowledge gained in a Bachelor's degree programme in bioinformatics, this programme offers advanced education in the corresponding subfields of mathematics, computer science, biology, and translational bioinformatics. The programme is jointly conducted by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy and the Charité Medical School. It offers both in-depth theoretical courses and applied training in bioinformatics. This gives students the necessary knowledge and skills to identify relevant biological issues, develop appropriate mathematical or computational solutions to approach them, and interpret the results correctly in a biological or biomedical context.

The following focus areas are offered to students:

Complex Systems
Advanced techniques for modelling, simulation, and analysis of complex networks and dynamic processes pave the way for understanding systems ranging from molecular interaction networks to ecosystems.

Data Science
This specialisation puts the data in the centre. State-of-the-art analysis and knowledge extraction techniques from modern statistics and machine learning will be explored and applied to realistic data sets. Consequences of the data generation process and topics pertaining to big data will also be considered.

Advanced Algorithms
The emphasis lies on advanced algorithms for bioinformatics analyses. This includes methods to generate search indices for very large sequencing data, efficient protein and RNA analysis, and the necessary computer science foundations to analyse and develop novel and efficient algorithms.

Basic studies (30 credit points = CP)

Three basic modules, 6 CP each, must be done within the first semester. All three modules consist of a lecture and an exercise/tutorial. These modules strengthen and deepen the methodological basics and prepare the students for the focus areas and optional courses.

• Foundations in Computer Science
• Foundations in Mathematics and Statistics
• Foundations in Bio-Medicine

In addition, there is an introductory module provided (12 CP). This introductory module consists of a lecture series and a seminar:

• Introduction to Focus Areas: This introduces three profile areas (Advanced Algorithms, Complex Systems and Data Science) and should support the basis of decision-making for the student's own profile area.

Profile area (30 CP)

Starting in the second semester, students choose a profile area. Each profile area consists of the following:

• one Focus Area (15 CP)
• Module: Research Internship (10 CP)
• Module: Ethics and Policy Questions (5 CP)

The following modules are compulsory in the respective focus area:

• Complex Systems: Module: Complex Systems in Bioinformatics (10 CP); Module: Complex Systems in Biomedical Applications (5 CP)
• Data Science: Module: Data Science in the Life Sciences (15 CP)
• Advanced Algorithms: Module: Advanced Algorithms for Bioinformatics (10 CP); Module: Methods in Life Sciences (5 CP)

Elective area (30 CP)

In the elective area, profile modules and elective modules are offered. Modules from the list of optional modules can be chosen freely with the following restrictions:

• Profile modules of at least 10 LP from the chosen profile area (Focus Area) must be completed.
• At least one V-module must be chosen and completed.
• At least one practical module must be selected and completed.

Master's thesis with accompanying colloquium (30 CP)

The Master's thesis is usually written in the fourth semester. The processing time is 23 weeks. During this time, the students should give a 30-minute presentation on the progress of their work.

The Online Studies Selection Guide (OSA) for the Bioinformatics Master's programme gives a comprehensive insight into the study programme.

Joint programme of the Berlin University Alliance offered by Freie Universität and Charité – Universitätsmedizin.
In cooperation with:

• Max-Planck-Institut für molekulare Genetik (MPIMG)
• Zuse-Institut Berlin (ZIB)
• Max-Delbrück-Centrum für molekulare Medizin (MDC)
• Robert Koch-Institut (RKI)
• Leibniz-Institut für Gewässerökologie und Binnenfischerei (IGB)

No additional internship is necessary.

15 April - 31 May

The exact dates can vary and will be published for the respective year on this website each March.

Summary of the Admission Regulations

Detailed information for prospective students can be found here.

First Degree
You need to have a university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent), either from Germany or an equivalent foreign degree, in a higher education programme comprising at least six semesters that qualifies to practice a profession.

Computer Science, Bioinformatics & Programming Skills (25 CP)
You need at least 25 credits in computer science modules. Out of these, at least 10 credits need to be in modules in which you acquired knowledge in an imperative programming language, such as C/C++, Java or Python, and at least 10 credits in the area of algorithms.

Mathematics/Statistics (25 CP)
You need at least 25 credits in mathematical modules. Out of these, at least 10 credits need to be in the area of linear algebra or analysis and at least 10 credits in the area of statistics.

Biology/Chemistry/Biochemistry (25 CP)
You need at least 25 credits in this area. Out of these, at least 10 credits need to be in the area of biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics.

 Before you apply, please read our homepage concerning application procedures, admission requirements and fees. http://www.fu-berlin.de/en/studium/bewerbung/master/index.html and http://www.fu-berlin.de/en/studium/international/studium_fu/index.html

For all inquiries about the application process, admission, enrolment, orientation at Freie Universität Berlin, etc., please contact the Student Services Centre: Info-Service@fu-berlin.de

Student Services Centre

In total, the semester contribution amounts to 358.80 EUR. It includes a fee of 213.80 EUR for the transportation ticket contribution. This allows you to use local public transport in Berlin and nationwide for free. Other costs covered by the semester contribution include a 50 EUR enrolment fee, a 85 EUR semester contribution to the student support service ("studierendenWERK Berlin"), and a 10 EUR contribution to the student union.

Compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable. However, the cost of living has also risen in Germany in recent years. The prices for food, accommodation, clothing, cultural events, etc. are slightly above the EU average. You will need around 900 to 1,300 EUR each month to cover your living expenses. The biggest expense is monthly rent, which is between 500 and 700 EUR in Berlin (for a room in a shared apartment).

There are many ways of earning money while you study, for example as wait staff, academic assistants, or private tutors. Knowledge of German will improve your chances of finding a part-time job, but it isn’t necessarily required. However, it is important to be aware of the legal regulations.The student support service at the university, called "studierendenWERK Berlin", and the local representative of the "Bundesagentur für Arbeit" (Federal Employment Agency) can provide information about jobs for students.

When searching for a job, look at online job boards, notice boards on campus, and ads in local newspapers.
You can also work on campus. The Freie Universität Berlin regularly offers positions for students in science, teaching support and administration that you can find on our careers portal.

At Freie Universität Berlin, the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship allows students of all nations and all parts of society to fully concentrate on their studies. The programme supports talented students with 300 EUR per month.

The Career Service of Freie Universität Berlin aims to support international students at Freie Universität by providing information, advice, and events related to career planning, internships, and job applications.

You have the option to stay in a public/private student dormitory or in a private (shared) apartment. Student dormitories are not administrated by the university itself, so Freie Universität Berlin does not have any on-campus housing. However, it works together with "studierendenWERK Berlin" regarding student accommodation.

If you do not wish to stay in a student dormitory, you can try to find a room or an apartment on the private housing market. Many students in Berlin live in shared apartments ("WGs"). You can find these offers online (e.g. WG-Gesucht or Kleinanzeigen) or on notice boards on campus.

Available rooms/apartments near the university are rare. Therefore, students mostly commute from other parts of the city. The commute via public transportation usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour, which is considered a normal travel time in Berlin due to the size of the city.