Master in Integrated Systems Biology

Objectives:

The Master in Integrated Systems Biology enables students to acquire deeper knowledge in biosciences taking into account new computational and high-throughput experimental technologies. This involves the handling of large amounts of data. Thus, bioinformatics, statistics and network analysis are essential elements in this modern education in biosciences. The program combines theoretical and practical education: at least 1,450 hours of practical work in computer labs and wet labs within the University’s Department of Life Sciences and Medicine (DLSM), the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine or in partner institutions. At the end of the program, students will be able to:

• Think on "omics" levels (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and imaging).
• Understand and apply the respective new technologies.
• Handle and analyse large-scale datasets of biological experiments with bioinformatics and network modelling techniques.
• Understand and critically analyse recent bio-medical research papers.
• Plan and execute small research projects.
• Build bridges between the different disciplines involved in systems biological research (experimental and computational).

Learning Outcomes:

• Recognize in the context of multi-layer complexity of cells and organisms the key elements, methods and procedures of omics technologies, bioinformatics and systems biology.
• Associate these key technologies and principles with fundamental questions in the understanding of common diseases and biological processes in general.
• Relate published data and own results from experiments and modelling.
• Critically analyze the impact of these findings on molecular medicine and biological processes in general.
• Assemble this information in form of a MSc thesis.
• Develop thereby a high degree of autonomy and leadership skills.
• Evaluate the impact of the project results as a basis for possible patenting, publication and/or grant applications.
• Become an interdisciplinary researcher in life sciences being able to work in international team environments
• Learn to manage uncertainty, risk, and failure when they arise.