Quantitative Biology and Systems Biology

MSc Coordinator of the Master in Quantitative Biology and Systems Biology

Prof. Dr. Christof Aegerter (aegerter * physik.uzh.ch)

Study Coordinator

Dr. Karin Isler (studienkoordination * biol.uzh.ch)

OVERVIEW

The increasing role of quantification in biology, and particularly in the field of systems biology, makes it essential for students to be capable of describing biological phenomena in quantitative terms. These basic skills are covered in two complementary areas. Firstly, students are taught computer-aided and mathematical skills – including, in particular, the standard statistical analysis methods employed in bioinformatics and the computer-aided evaluation of data by means of image recognition, etc. Mention should also be made here of (non-computer-aided) data analysis of the kind employed in physics. Complementary problems, such as working out a quantitative model and solving it (on the computer), provide the basis for acquiring mathematical skills. The modeling methods used here are not only of fundamental importance for systems biology but also for evolution, ecology and immunology. Secondly, students are familiarized with experimental methods and their backgrounds. These include the latest quantitative methods in genomics and proteomics, as well as physical methods and the background to these. Particular mention should be made here of the imaging methods (microscopy and fMRI); this area also takes in the methods used in biomechanics and crystallography and, in the case of ecology and behavioral research, state-of-the-art tracking methods too.

MASTER'S DEGREE COURSE

The program is centered around the two complementary blocks described above. A wide range of block courses and special lectures are provided, and students can focus on different aspects (modeling/experimental methods/genomics and proteomics) depending on the topic chosen for their Master's thesis.

GUIDELINES

BIO 513 Master's thesis (60 ECTS); BIO 520 (10 ECTS).

Students must obtain at least 16 ECTS from the following list, choosing at least two modules from each of the following two blocks. In addition, the module BIO 338 Introduction to Scientific Writing (0 ECTS, one day in September or February) is mandatory for all Biology Master’s students. The module should be taken before writing the Master’s Thesis. Furthermore, the students must discuss the modules selected with their supervisor and include them in the learning agreement.

Block 1, computational methods:

Block 2, experimental methods:

Other recommended modules:

Recommended elective modules in the basic studies:
Highly recommended: MAT 141, STA 120
Also recommended: CHE 154, CHE 155, BCH 202, BCH 215, BIO 390, PHY 127

RESEARCH GROUPS LEADERS FOR MASTER THESES