Bioinformatics is conceptualizing Biology in terms of molecules (in the sense of Physical Chemistry) and applying “informatics techniques” (derived from disciplines such as applied mathematics, computer science and statistics) to understand and organize the information associated with these molecules, on a large scale. It explores new ways for approaching biological problems and aims at the comprehension of basic principles of Biology. Bioinformatics interacts strongly with modern structural, molecular and environmental biology, as well as with pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry. Nowadays, the field is rapidly developing worldwide; several important goals have already been accomplished, while large investments from various sources are continuously attracted. Bioinformatics occupies a central position in the recent developments of Life Sciences, with the most sound example being the analysis of data derived from all genome sequencing efforts, including the Human Genome Project.
Since 2003, the Faculty of Biology in the University of Athens organizes and operates the “Bioinformatics” Postgraduate Programme, in accordance with the provisions and articles of the Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs (FEK 773/17-0-2003), under the direction of Professor Stavros Hamodrakas. Since 2014, the Programme operates in its updated form, in accordance with the articles of the Greek Laws 3685/2008 (FEK 148, No. A) and 3014/2014 and the ministry declaration No. 43800/B7, under the direction of Professor Constantinos Vorgias. From the year 2018, the Postgraduate Programme is being reorganized as the “Bioinformatics – Computational Biology” Master’s Program and operates reformed in accordance with the applicable provisions of Law 4485/2017, under the direction of Professor Ioannis P. Trougakou and continues with the provisions of Law 4957/2022, under the direction of Assoc. Professor Vassiliki Iconomidou.
The revised Regulations of Studies have been devised and approved by the Programme’s Coordinate Committee and the Faculty of Biology’s General Assembly.
The Bioinformatics Postgraduate Programme aims to satisfy the need for high-quality training of young scientists, with the intention to enter the challenging field of Bioinformatics.Given the explosion in Biotechnology research (including, among others, Pharmacogenomics and Molecular Medicine), the emergence of a critical mass of scientists with a foundation in Bioinformatics, should lead to the advancement of modern biological research in our country, in both academia and industry. The Bioinformatics Postgraduate Programme is organized and coordinated by the Faculty of Biology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. At the same time, the Programme collaborates with a number of prominent Universities and Research Institutions including the Agricultular University of Athens, the University of Thessaly, the National Technical University of Athens,. the Harokopio University, the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), The National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF) and the National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”. The Programme’s courses are taught by Professors and Researchers from the above institutions, as well as invited speakers from other institutions, both in Greece and abroad. The Programme is accommodated in the Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology at the campus of the University of Athens.
Prerequisites for Admission
The Bioinformatics Postgraduate Programme admits graduates from Schools of Science, Polytechnic, Economical and Agricultural schools and Medical/Biomedical schools from recognized academic institutes, both in Greece and abroad, as well as graduates from Technical Educational Institutes (TEI) with related disciplines. Apart from the applicant’s Bachelor degree, the prerequisites for admission are defined by the Programme’s Coordinative Committee. The admissions process also includes a personalized interview for the applicant before the members of the Committee. A maximum of 50 students are accepted per year. Admitted graduate students will receive the same perks as undergraduate students of the University, as defined by the articles of the Law No. 2083/1992. The Programme’s curicullum is organized in four semersters (two academic years).
Fees
The Programme’s costs are covered by the students’ tuition fees. Fees are set to 1500€ per year (a sum of 3000€ for two academic years).
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