Bachelor's Degree Program in Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics

Linking "Life Sciences" - biology, genetics, medicine, pharmacy and computational sciences - with computer science, mathematics and statistics has made the field of Bioinformatics indispensable. Researchers analyze, interpret, visualize and simulate biological data using methods of computer science and mathematics. Bioinformatics contributes significantly to understanding an organism's molecular biological processes. The Bachelor's degree program Bioinformatics is a double degree program offered together with the South Bohemian University (USB) in České Budějovice offering a versatile and future-oriented educational curriculum designed to prepare graduates for various innovative occupational fields, such as pharmaceutical or biomedical research, genetics, biotechnology, data analysis, software development and much more.

Your Benefits

• Broad, base-knowledge education
• Learn problem-solving skills
• Interdisciplinary education
• Focus on research and international aspects

Educational Objectives

Bioinformatics is the science of interpreting, visualizing, and simulating biological data by applying methodological approaches in Computer Sciences and Mathematics to gain an understanding of an organism’s molecular biology.

Expertise in Bioinformatics opens the door to opportunities and applications in the following fields:

• In biology, to understand cell function
• In medicine, to develop diagnostic and preventative procedures as well as treatments
• In genetics, to find genetic causes of illnesses and study the evolutionary development of humans
• In pharmaceutics, to develop new drugs

The research-oriented program focuses on current topics and provides students with individual attention and support services. Early on in the program, students develop problem-solving skills, focus on current scientific issues, and are individually integrated into the institute’s academic activities.

Job Opportunities

The academic degree program in Bioinformatics is versatile, future-oriented, and interdisciplinary, preparing students for a variety of innovative professions that require expertise and skills in both life sciences and IT. Graduates can pursue careers in the pharmaceutical industry, the chemical field, in food technology, or at biotechnology companies. In addition, graduates can pursue a career at companies that create software for use in biology, physics, medicine or chemistry.

Advanced Degrees at the JKU

After completing your undergraduate degree, you can continue your education by pursuing an advanced degree:

• Master's Degree Program in Bioinformatics

Recommended Study Plan

As part of the Bachelor’s degree program, students are required to complete courses totaling 180 ECTS credits in the following areas:

Additional Information

Complete the program at two universities:

Semesters 1 – 2: USB Budweis

Semesters 3 – 4: JKU Linz

Semesters 5 – 6: JKU Linz/USB Budweis

Preparation Courses: The courses have been designed especially for newly enrolled students and cover educational content from higher-level secondary schools in a compressed format. The preparation courses will help students prepare for university-level lectures and classes. Participation is not mandatory.

Students in the program should have a B2 level of proficiency in English.

Admission Requirements

• General higher education entrance qualifications (such as an Austrian "Matura" diploma)
• Contact the Admissions Office for additional information about the admission requirements.