Why this programme?
In biology, scientists generate massive amounts of data on sequences and profiles of genes, proteins or metabolites, often resulting in large databases and imaging files. As a systems biologist, you will bridge biology and mathematics to extract biologically relevant information to design follow-up experiments.
To understand biological systems, you must learn to comprehend the key properties of that system:
- the structure of the system
- the dynamics of the system
- the control methods of the system
- the design methods of the system
If you can understand these four key properties, you can make a model with powerful predictive capabilities.
Our master’s programme integrates mathematics and biology, emphasising computational, experimental and modelling tools and methods. After you graduate, you can become a part of multidisciplinary teams of scientists that rely on systems biologists to make sense of their data. You will be prepared for a career in systems biology and ready to explore the secrets of the human body and health.
Dr. Michiel Adriaens eleborates on one of the most important developments in the field of systems biology and bioinformatics.
The Future of Systems Biology
In this programme, our students explore topics such as:
- Cardiovascular structure, function, metabolism and diseases
- Genetic and epigenetic regulation of gene expression
- Personalised nutrition
- Neural signal analysis in audition and artificial hearing
- Evolutionary game theory
- Mathematical oncology
Programme highlights
Focused on your future career
Acquire the knowledge and practical skills necessary to bridge biology and mathematics by training your problem-solving competences in a research context.
State-of-the-art facilities
Work with the best equipment, such as high-performance computing clusters, and use a variety of available data from large cohort studies, our multi-modal imaging facilities and MRI-scanners.
Classroom collaboration
Work in international teams with your fellow students on systems biology and bioinformatics challenges.
Multidisciplinary programme
You will approach systems biology and bioinformatics from a multidisciplinary as well as an interdisciplinary point of view. You will work collaboratively, seeking common results.
An international community
Learn from and be a part of our ambitious international academic community at the Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology (MaCSBio).
What will I learn during this master’s
This programme offers a balanced combination of mathematics and biology in the field of systems biology and bioinformatics. The curriculum contains training in computational, experimental and modelling tools and methods commonly used to unravel complex biological systems.
You will learn to:
- design, research, use and improve computational models of complex biological systems focusing on human health
- work in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary teams of scientists and bridge the knowledge and language gaps between biologists and data scientists
- use modern computational facilities and software to address complex problems
- independently maintain and extend your professional knowledge and competencies
In your first year, you will start with compulsory courses which will give you a solid foundation of knowledge and skills. Depending on your background, you will either follow courses in mathematics or biology. This is to target your knowledge deficiencies and ensure that you will be able to understand these two key areas in systems biology and bioinformatics. Then it’s time to put your knowledge to the test with a research project. You’ll work on a real-life research project in a small group, often in collaboration with researchers. At the end of the first year, you will have the opportunity to tailor your curriculum to your own interests with electives. You’ll finish the year with an additional research project.
Most of the second year will focus on the highlight of the programme: your thesis project. You will do this project in collaboration with a research institute, another university or a company of your choice. We will guide you along the way.
Systems Biology - Courses and curriculum
What our students think
Find out why our student Rita chose the master's Systems Biology and Bioinformatics and what she likes most about the programme in the video.
Meet our students
Our students are happy to answer all your questions about the programme and about (student)life in Maastricht.
Why I chose the master MSc Systems Biology @ Maastricht University
Focus on practical training
We want you to be well-prepared for your future career, so our programme largely focuses on experience and experimentation. Our two unique methods of teaching prepare you for a career in academia or industry.
Research-Based Learning (RBL)
- We do more than teach you about existing scientific theories
- You will work on current scientific research problems
- During projects, you conduct your own research in collaboration with other scientists and researchers
- You will learn how to apply your knowledge and make your own discoveries
Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
- Problem-Based Learning prepares you for the real world of scientific work.
- You will collaborate in small tutorial groups of 10-15 students from various backgrounds (mathematics and biology).
- You have fewer lectures and more hands-on training, tackling real-life scientific challenges.
- This active method of learning, supervised by a tutor or lecturer, will improve your life-long learning and professional skills.
Research shows Problem-Based Learning teaches you to:
- fully absorb the subject matter
- collaborate well in teams
- think critically to solve problems
- direct your own learning and work independently
- develop motivation to study and solve challenges
- feel comfortable with public speaking
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