Univerza na Primorskem Fakulteta za matematiko, naravoslovje in informacijske tehnologije
Presentation of the study
The academic study programme Bioinformatics is conducted in both Slovenian and English language.
The rapid growth of diverse biological data, the establishment and maintenance of databases, the development of new tools, and the integration of modern information technologies for data processing require new professionals with a strong background in natural sciences, with a particular emphasis on biological, mathematical, computer, and information sciences.
The study programme provides interdisciplinary integration of knowledge from biochemistry, biology, chemistry, physics, and genetics, which is further enhanced by mathematics, computer science, and informatics. With the acquired knowledge, graduates are capable of understanding problems and processes in complex biological systems, proficient in methods of mathematical modelling, algorithm development, and the use of computer and information technologies as tools for solving practical problems. They gain both theoretical and practical knowledge that enables them to continue their studies at the second-cycle level in related fields.
Students are skilled in data analysis, algorithm development, and the use of modern information technologies, and are prepared for further study at the second cycle. The programme also promotes the development of communication skills, critical thinking, project work, and responsible and ethical handling of biological data in applied research environments.
Programme Information
Name of the programme: Bioinformatics
Type of programme: academic, 1st Bologna cycle
Degree awarded: “diplomirani bioinformatik (UN)” equiv. to B.Sc. in Bioinformatics
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
ECTS-credits: 180
Mode of study: full-time
Language of study: Slovene, English
Place of study: Koper, Izola (partly)
Accreditation: The programme is accredited in accordance with the Higher Education Act and is officially recognized.
Admission to the first year of study shall be granted to applicants having:
a) passed the general matura examination (splošna matura); or
b) passed the vocational matura examination (poklicna matura) in a 4-year secondary-school programme and a final examination in a general matura subject; the selected subject cannot be the same as one of the subjects passed in the framework of the vocational matura;
c) successfully completed any four-year secondary-school programme before 1 June 1995.
In the case of enrolment limitations, applicants shall be selected on the basis of overall matura, vocational matura or final examination results (70 % of points), and overall results in the 3rd and 4th year of secondary school (30 % of points).
“Transfer between study programmes” refers to a situation in which a student enrolled in a particular study programme does not complete it (i.e. discontinues their studies in the enrolled programme) and enrols directly into a higher year of a new study programme, provided that both the previous and the new programme are at the same Bologna cycle (level). When considering the possibility of transfer to a new study programme, the comparability of the programmes and the student’s completed study requirements in the previous programme are taken into account.
A candidate may enrol in a higher year of the academic study programme in Bioinformatics in accordance with the transfer criteria if they are transferring from a related first-cycle study programme or a former undergraduate study programme (programmes adopted before 11 June 2004), provided that the following conditions are met:
- the candidate meets the admission requirements for the academic study programme in Bioinformatics,
- the completion of the initial study programme which the candidate is transferring from ensures the acquisition of comparable competences to those of the academic study programme in Bioinformatics, and
- other criteria in accordance with the Criteria for Transfers between Study Programmes are met (comparable curriculum of the study programme and completed study requirements of the candidate).
Individual applications for enrolment under the transfer criteria are considered by the Committee for Study and Student Affairs of UP FAMNIT, which, in addition to the (related) field of study, also takes into account the comparability of study programmes in accordance with the Criteria for Transfers between Study Programmes.
A candidate transferring from a related study programme abroad may also be admitted under the transfer criteria, provided that, in accordance with the law, they have been granted the right to continue their studies in the academic study programme of Bioinformatics through the recognition procedure of foreign education.
In case of enrolment restrictions, applicants shall be selected on the basis of the average grade obtained during the study programme they are transferring from.
A student may progress to the next year if they accumulate at least 42 ECTS credits from the current year and complete all requirements from the previous year.
In special cases involving individual circumstances (such as illness or extraordinary situations), a student may be allowed to progress to the next year even with a lower number of ECTS credits. In such cases, the decision on enrollment is made by the Committee for Study and Student Affairs of UP FAMNIT.
A student who has not completed all the requirements specified by the study programme for progression to the next year may repeat a year once during their studies. If a student repeats a year, they are not entitled to extended student status (absolvent year), and their student status expires at the end of the 3rd year.
By progressing or repeating a year, a student retains student status and, consequently, the rights and benefits defined by law. In accordance with the law, a student may apply for an extension of student status, but for no more than one year.
In the 2nd and 3rd year of study, students select a total of four elective courses: two internal electives and two external electives. Internal elective courses are chosen within the study programme. External elective courses may be selected from accredited study programmes in Slovenia or abroad, primarily in the fields of mathematics, financial mathematics, computer science, informatics, and other natural sciences; depending on the student’s interests, courses from other fields of study may also be chosen. External elective courses may also be selected from the list of internal elective courses.
More information on elective courses and study tracks is available in the document “Curriculum” (see above).
In the 3rd year, a student may choose to complete practical training in a work environment instead of one external elective course. The training lasts 3 weeks and is worth 6 ECTS.
The purpose of the practical training is to provide students with exposure to the work environment and potential employers during their studies. The student completes the training in a real work setting under the supervision of a qualified mentor in the field of bioinformatics.
General competencies
- The ability to analyse, synthesise and predict solutions and consequences of various factors in biochemistry.
- The ability to critically assess developments in science, in particular in biology, biochemistry and molecular genetics.
- The ability to use mathematics and computer science and informatics in the natural sciences, in particular in biology, biochemistry and molecular genetics.
- Social, communication and teamwork skills in project work and team work.
- The ability to independently glean new knowledge and integrate it with existing knowledge.
- The ability to glean new information, to clarify it and place it into the context of bioinformatics.
- A cohesive overview of the development of bioinformatics as a new discipline.
- A sound education in the natural sciences.
- The ability to analyse certain situations, to critically verify the information and to predict solutions and potential consequences.
- The ability to apply theoretical and practical research methods, approaches and technologies.
- The ability to formulate strategies and creative solutions to problems arising in the use of biological information.
- Autonomy in professional work and a commitment to ethics.
Subject-specific competencies
- The ability to describe a biological phenomenon in the language of mathematics or computer science.
- The ability to explain one’s understanding of mathematical concepts and principles.
- The ability to solve problems with the use of modern information technology.
- The ability to use the algorithmic approach: to develop an algorithm to solve a given problem.
- The ability to analyse a given problem, numerically as well as graphically and algorithmically.
- To confidently tackle and solve a given problem in bioinformatics.
- The ability to solve problems with the use of numerical methods.
- The ability to bridge knowledge from different fields of natural sciences, e.g., biology, chemistry, genetics, biochemistry, mathematics, computer science and informatics.
- The ability to incorporate new research, and expert findings, information and interpretations into the context of bioinformatics.
- The ability to recognize the nature of biological information on the World Wide Web and to use it in practice.
Graduates may find employment in public administration (e.g. the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning, the Environment Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food), healthcare institutions and pharmaceutical companies, private and public laboratories, national and international non-governmental organisations (e.g. IUCN, WWF), as well as in the private sector, including the agricultural production and food industries, both nationally and internationally. The knowledge acquired in mathematics, computer science, and informatics also enables graduates to pursue careers in education and research, in IT-related institutions, and in organisations where statistical expertise is required (e.g. statistical offices, insurance companies, banks). In addition, graduates are well prepared to continue their studies in postgraduate programmes in the field of bioinformatics.
Graduates may also pursue careers not directly related to bioinformatics, as the skills developed during the programme, such as logical thinking, sound judgement, critical evaluation of procedures and results, and an analytical approach to problem-solving, are highly valued in leadership and professional roles across many fields.