Bioinformatics is defined as the collection, classification, storage, and analysis of biochemical and biological information using computers especially as applied to molecular genetics and genomics [Merriam-Webster dictionary, 2018].

The University of Liège has been a pioneer in Bioinformatics with research papers from the Life Sciences Department dating back to 1977!
Nowadays research labs involved in Bioinformatics are spread all over the university, in life sciences but also in engineering sciences, veterinary sciences, agronomy and medical sciences. Those labs cover a wide range of sub-disciplines from phylogeny to systems biology.

In terms of bioinformatics education, the university of Liège has also been a pioneer institution. The university of Liège is, since 2003, one of the very few Belgian universities delivering a complete Master (120 credits) in the field. In 2018, the Bioinformatics and Modeling Master has been revamped by Profs. Meyer and Baurain with a focus on students having a strong biological background but not necessarily strong programming skills.
In some cases, the bioinformatics programme can even be completed in one-year.

Why study Bioinformatics?

Both academia and industry are increasingly looking for computer-literate biologists with skills in software programming, data analysis and systems modeling. Hence, supercomputers and artificial intelligence algorithms are increasingly becoming the new best friends of the life science researcher. In this context, the aim of the Master in Bioinformatics and Modeling (BIM) is to allow young professional and students with a life science background* to acquire a solid training in computing techniques applied to biological data.

Why at the University of Liege in Belgium?

• It can be done in a one-year program (if one already holds a Master's degree with strong life sciences* level).
• It requires no deep previous knowledge in computer science, statistics or programming. However, a sound biological background is mandatory.
• It is bilingual, most of our slides being given in English. Furthermore, French language classes can be attended for free at the university.
• Most of our classes are taught by academics of the Department of Life Sciences with a strong expertise in bioinformatics, hence focusing on the use of computing tools to produce new biological insight knowledge (rather than on the development of new computational methods).
• An important part of the week is devoted to hand-on exercises such as homework, personal projects and a Master's thesis.
• Laptops running under Linux can be provided during practical sessions and exams.
• It is relatively inexpensive: our inscription fee is below 1000 EUR/year, while most bedrooms in Liège area have a rent below 500 EUR/month.
• Liege is a very active French-speaking city with lots of sociocultural activities and events going on all year long.
• The city has a central position in Europe. Indeed by train, Liege is located 25 min away from Maastricht (Netherlands), 30 min from Aachen (Germany), 60 min from Brussels (Belgium), 120 min from Paris (France) and 180 min from London (UK).

*The level of life sciences courses in studies of Biology, Medicine, Veterinary, Pharmacy, Agronomy and Chemistry (at university or equivalent) is generally considered as "strong". However, it is the jury who ultimately decides admissions on a case by case basis.