Master in Systems Biology
Vilnius, Lithuania
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 Jul 2025*
EARLIEST START DATE
01 Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 5,538 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* 1 may for applicants from non-EU/EFTA countries | 1 july for citizens of EU/EFTA
** application fee EUR 100
Key Summary
Introduction
The Systems Biology Master’s program is developed in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine, Life Sciences Center, and the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics. This interdisciplinary Master’s degree program prepares students to perform real-world work in rapidly developing fields including, but not limited to, biological systems modelling, bioengineering, synthetic biology, bioinformatics, neurobiology and data analysis. It is ideal for current and future biologists who wish to take advantage of the most powerful statistical models and programming tools, to produce quantifiable results in their field of choice.
Why choose this programme?
- An interdisciplinary programme that prepares highly qualified scientists for a professional career
- Rewarding programme structure that introduces future life scientists to powerful statistical models and information technologies
- A forward-looking curriculum that equips scientists for leadership roles in rapidly emerging fields
- Leading faculties – the courses are taught by faculty members with a breadth and depth of expertise and experience in private and public institutions
Program Outcome
- Knowledge of cell structure and behavioural patterns at the molecular level, the functions of human organs and systems and the mechanisms of physiological regulation
- Ability to analyse, manage and model data from the field of systems biology with the aim of developing new technologies
- Ability to select an appropriate modelling strategy for a given biological domain or problem, and the ability to set up as well as lead projects for fundamental or applied research, with the aim of developing new technologies in order to solve any arising issues
- Ability to gather and analyse information on research related to systems biology with a critical approach, and to carry out technological observations
- Knowledge and the application of modern research methods in genetics, epigenetics, transcriptomics, proteomics and neurobiology
- Ability to interpret mathematical models describing the evolutionary processes of biological systems
- Comprehension of advanced data processing and programming techniques
- Ability to perform practical calculations using modern high-performance open computing platforms
- Ability to describe the evolutionary processes of biological systems in a mathematical language
- Ability to perform practical and theoretical work in systems biology, in accordance with the deadlines and the bioethics requirements
- Summarising skills that enable them to communicate in a clear manner with specialists from other fields or the public about professional projects, as well as about work results or the results of tasks
- Ability to work autonomously and as a part of a multidisciplinary team, as well as to act honestly and according to ethical obligations
- Ability to critically analyse their own professional practices with a view to improving them
Career Opportunities
- The Systems Biology programme graduates can find job positions in both the public (universities, health care institutions, research institutes) and private (biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies) sectors.
- These specialists can also be attractive in fields where science, studies and business are integrated.
- Students may also choose to continue their career through PhD studies.
Curriculum
Scope of studies: 120 ECTS credits
Length: 2 years
1st Semester
Compulsory Courses
- Genomics
- Data Mining
Elective Courses (Life and Health Sciences Bachelor)
- GNU/Linux Type Operating Systems
- Programming for Biological Data Analysis
- Multivariate Statistics with R
Elective Courses (Informatics and Physical Bachelor)
- Human Physiology
- Essential Concepts of Biology
- Cell Biology
2nd Semester
Compulsory Courses
- Mathematical Modelling
- Epigenomics
- Transcriptomics
- Health Informatics
- Science Forum**
3rd Semester
Compulsory Courses
- Proteomics
- Systems Biology
- Neurobiology
- Mathematical Physiology
- Science Forum**
4th Semester
Compulsory Courses
- Preparation and Defence of a Master Thesis
If a student has excellent knowledge from offered elective courses, in line with the Study program committee, the student can choose other courses from the MSc programs listed below:
"Biochemistry" (621C73001), “Genetics” (621C40001), "Computer modelling" (621I10002), and "Software Engineering" (621I30001).
Restrictions for the selection:
- A course should have 5 ECTS
- A course should not be taught later in the program
** (Science Forum) Seminars with a critical assessment of the latest and most advanced research articles in certain areas. Recent science news, issues, and approaches are addressed. Invited lecturers and potential employers might deliver some seminars.