How to become a bioinformatician
In Switzerland, several diplomas propose a specialization leading to careers in bioinformatics.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computational Sciences (University of Basel) For students with a strong interest in computer science, but who want to specialize in computational biology from their early stages in the university. This 3-year bachelor's degree in German has 4 major tracks: computational biology, computational mathematics, computational physics and computational chemistry.
- Master’s degree in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (University of Bern & University of Fribourg) For students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree in biology, computer science, mathematics, or equivalent. This is a fully-fledged master's degree in 1.5 years and is very much focused on the practical applications of bioinformatics.
- Master’s degree in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (ETH Zurich, University of Zurich & University of Basel) For students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree in biology, computer science, mathematics, or equivalent. This is a fully fledged master's degree in 2-years and it focuses on concepts, algorithms, and developments.
- Master’s degree in Molecular Life Sciences specialization in Bioinformatics (University of Lausanne) For students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Biology (or equivalent), and want to continue through a Master’s degree in Biology with a major track in Bioinformatics. This degree takes 1.5 years and the specialization is very much focused on the practical application of bioinformatics to biology.
- Master’s degree in Biology specialization in Bioinformatics and Biological Data Analysis (University of Geneva) For students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Biology (or equivalent), and want to continue through a Master’s degree in Biology with a minor track in bioinformatics and data analysis. This degree takes 1.5 yearsand consists principally of a research project.