Biotechnology and OMICS Data Science* master degree programme
*Subject to approval by AQ Austria At the intersection of biotechnology and data science: The growing utilisation of data-driven OMICS technologies in biomedical research, the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industry, as well as healthcare, is leading to a rapidly increasing demand for highly skilled professionals.
This is where our part-time master degree programme Biotechnology and OMICS Data Science takes centre stage. Upon graduation, you'll be equipped to conceive and implement pioneering projects in genomics, biotechnology, and data science, take charge of diverse teams and navigate intricate interdisciplinary challenges related to sustainability in healthcare.
This is the tuition fee for EU and EEA citizens. In addition, the Austrian National Union of Students (ÖH) dues amount to EUR 24.70. Please note that different tuition fees apply for non-EU citizens.
The degree programme: Master of Science (MSc)
OMICS unravelled
OMICS technologies represent a relatively new field of research, describing the integration of various molecular biology methods ending in “-omics”.
In this programme, the focus is on genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. Using large datasets, entire genomes, proteomes or metabolomes are analysed and evaluated.
OMICS technologies enable the simultaneous measurement of all molecules within a specific class in biological samples, providing a comprehensive picture of a biological system. OMICS analyses, for example, can identify biomarkers or molecular signatures indicative of existing or potential future illnesses.
Personalised medicine meets digital solutions
In biomedical research, particularly in the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in personalised medicine, OMICS data play a crucial role. These data enable more precise diagnoses and therapies tailored to the individual genetic profiles of patients. The OMICS research, therefore, drives scientific and technological innovations in personalised medicine.
Through early detection, prognosis, and disease monitoring, the care and treatment outcomes for patients can be enhanced, and potential side effects reduced. This more efficient use of resources represents a significant step towards sustainability in healthcare.
To decipher the vast amounts of generated biological data, known as multi-OMICS datasets, new digital solutions are required. In this degree programme, you will learn how to leverage data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to interpret collected data meaningfully and draw valuable insights.
Unique to Austria
The English-language master degree programme in Biotechnology and OMICS Data Science spans 4 semesters. The programme offers a comprehensive approach to biotechnological research. It aims to prepare you for versatile careers in interdisciplinary and multiprofessional contexts in industry, research and healthcare.
A unique combination! As a graduate, you can contribute to cutting-edge research in biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, and clinical diagnostics.
Furthermore, the international study environment optimally prepares you for an increasingly multinational biotechnology sector.
Excellent opportunities for careers and PhD programmes
Our programme is designed in a part-time format. Employment during the studies is not a prerequisite, but you have the option to integrate your master thesis with an existing position if you are already working in a relevant field.
Upon completion of the programme, you have a wide variety of career options. Thanks to the international orientation of the course, job opportunities arise in both the local and global biotechnology industry. Additionally, you can explore diverse PhD programmes, both in Austria and abroad.
" As you progress through the programme, you will develop essential competencies in obtaining OMICS data and employing suitable statistical and bioinformatic tools for analysis and interpretation. The findings play a crucial role in pinpointing genetic variations, biomolecular patterns, and potential applications in the field of medicine. "
Programme director Harald Hundsberger
Core topics
Biotechnology at the cutting edge: In the programme, you will learn how to explore new avenues in your biotechnological work through data analysis and interpretation. An overview of the main focus areas can be found here.
Career options
As a graduate of our master degree programme in Biotechnology and OMICS Data Science, you can establish yourself in numerous exciting professional fields.
After completing the programme, you also have the option to pursue a PhD at an Austrian or international university.
- The professional areas open to graduates include
- Biotechnology: You have excellent career prospects in companies specialising in molecular biology, genomic analyses and their applications.
- Pharmaceutical industry: You can apply your expertise in pharmaceutical companies that utilise OMICS data for drug research, personalised medicine and clinical studies.
- Genomic testing and diagnostic laboratories: As a graduate, you can also work in laboratories specialised in genetic testing and diagnostics.
- Healthcare institutions and hospitals: Another field includes hybrid laboratories within healthcare facilities, analysing OMICS technologies for patient diagnosis and personalised treatment in both research and routine sample settings.
- Research Institutions: Universities, universities of applied sciences and research institutions dedicated to biomedical research and data analysis also offer exciting post-graduate employment opportunities.
What makes us special? We are more than happy to tell you about the aspects of our university, which we are especially proud of.
Friendly and cosmopolitan: The city attracts students from all over the world, who come to study, research and work together.
Our university has removed a host of administrative hurdles, leaving you free to concentrate fully on your studies.
Do you have questions regarding our degree programmes or the application? Contact our Prospective Student Advisory Service.
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Our team
Get to know the core team of our master degree programme Biotechnology and OMICS Data Science.
![Prof.(FH) Priv.-Doz. Mag. Dr. Harald Hundsberger | Head of Institute Biotechnology / Programme Director Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology - IMC Fachhochschule Krems]()
Prof.(FH) Priv.-Doz. Mag. Dr. Harald HundsbergerHead of Institute Biotechnology / Programme Director Medical and Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyHead of Institute Biotechnology / Programme Director Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Prof.(FH) Priv.-Doz. Mag. Dr. Harald Hundsberger
Core Competencies
- Recombinant Protein Expression, Cell Culture Models, Peptide Engineering,
Application and admissions – the next steps
You've found a course that's a perfect fit? Great – you’ve already taken the most important step! We’ve put together an overview to guide you through the next steps.
What are the admission requirements for master programmes?
To qualify for a master programme, you must have completed a bachelor degree – with a workload of at least 180 ECTS and lasting at least six semesters – in a related subject, or hold an equivalent degree from a recognised Austrian or foreign higher education institution.
If your undergraduate studies are not sufficiently relevant, for instance if you’ve completed a degree in an unrelated subject, your qualifications will be assessed after we have received your completed application.
Application interview
Everything revolves around the students on our Master degree programmes. That’s why we’d like to get to know you personally.
As part of the online application you will have to write a statement of motivation. Predefined questions about your motivation can be found in the online application. In your answers, which have to be entered in the provided input fields of the online application, you deal with the questions and explain your motivation to study the selected Master degree programme
Your statement of motivation and your CV (curriculum vitae) form the basis for your application interview. The admission interview is a one-to-one interview, usually with the degree programme director.
In addition to getting to know you personally, your motives for the Master degree programme will be discussed, as well as your professional background and the skillset you have acquired so far. Special attention will be paid to your previous academic and professional experience, your methodological and language skills and your general suitability with regard to your intended Master degree programme.
The application interview is held in the language of instruction of the degree programme and can take place online via Microsoft Teams or in presence.
Interview dates
There is usually a selection of dates to choose from, with quotas allocated for each date. You can select a preferred date and time slot for your admission interview during the online application process. In order to still benefit from the full selection of dates, we recommend that you submit your application in good time.
Get an overview of the dates for your programme.
No dates available at the moment.
After you have successfully completed your online application, your application will be checked for completeness and correctness. As soon as this process is completed, we will inform you by e-mail and confirm the date for your admission interview. We will send you the Microsoft Teams Meeting Link in a separate e-mail a few days before the application interview date.
| Application deadline for EU nationals | 15/05/2024 |
|---|---|
| Application deadline for non-EU nationals | 15/04/2024 |
You've decided for one of our degree programmes? First of all: congratulations and thank you for choosing us! We’ll be happy to guide you step-by-step through your online application.
You would like to plan ahead and would like to know when your degree programme starts? Here you will find the answer!
Questions about the degree programme?
Prospective Student Advisory Service
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