Specialized areas
area A
Nucleic acid bioinformatics
This specialization prepares students to work independently with next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, which currently forms the foundation of molecular diagnostics, cancer research, and population genomics. The program covers the full cycle of genomic and transcriptomic data analysis.
Specialization courses:
- Genomics and Transcriptomics (Semester II)
- NGS Data Processing 1 (Second Semester)
- NGS Data Processing 2 (Semester 3)
- Gene Expression Analysis — RNA-seq and Related Techniques (Semester III)
The topics covered include, among others:
- sequencing technologies,
- NGS data formats (FASTQ, BAM, VCF) and tools for processing them,
- read mapping, variant detection and annotation (SNPs, indels, structural variants),
- the design and implementation of data pipelines,
- data normalization, analysis of differential gene expression, identification of splicing variants,
- analysis of epigenomic and metagenomic data,
- the integration of transcriptomic data with proteomic data.
area B
Structural bioinformatics and proteomics
This specialization focuses on the structure and function of proteins—a key area for drug design, protein engineering, and modern pharmacy. The program covers methods for predicting protein structures, molecular dynamics analysis, molecular docking, virtual screening, computational proteomics, and more.
Specialization courses:
- Structural Bioinformatics of Proteins (Semester II)
- Computational Proteomics and Functional Annotation of Proteins (Semester II)
- Protein Interactions and Complex Modeling (Semester III)
- Enzymology and Bioinformatics of Binding Proteins (3rd Semester)
The topics covered include, among others:
- protein structure prediction using classical methods and deep learning-based methods (AlphaFold, ESMFold),
- visualization and analysis of 3D protein structures,
- protein-ligand and protein-protein molecular docking,
- molecular dynamics simulations and the evaluation of complex stability,
- virtual screening of chemical compound libraries,
- protein identification from mass spectrometry data, analysis of post-translational modifications,
- proteome functional annotation and metabolic pathway analysis,
- computational enzymology and in silico protein engineering.
area C
Applied Bioinformatics and Technology Transfer
This specialization combines technical expertise with the business knowledge necessary for commercializing bioinformatics solutions. The program covers the management of technology and research projects, intellectual property protection, medical device regulations, and the development of bioinformatics products.
Specialization courses:
- Commercialization of Biomedical and Bioinformatics Technologies (Semester II)
- Intellectual Property in Bioinformatics and Biotechnology (Semester II)
- Management of Technology and Research Projects (3rd Semester)
- Bioinformatics as a Product: Software, Platforms, Services (Semester III)
The topics covered include, among others:
- business models of biotechnology and bioinformatics companies,
- technology commercialization processes (technology readiness levels, due diligence, licensing),
- intellectual property protection in the context of bioinformatics (patents, copyrights, etc.),
- regulations governing medical devices,
- project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum) in the context of biotechnology and R&D,
- sources of funding,
- developing bioinformatics products—software, SaaS platforms, and analytical services.
The program allows for flexible course selection across specializations. In the second and third semesters, students take two required courses within their chosen specialization and two elective courses, which they may select from the course offerings of the other two specializations. This means that, for example, a student in Specialization A (nucleic acid bioinformatics) can supplement their profile with courses in structural bioinformatics or technology transfer—and vice versa. In total, students complete 8 specialization courses during their studies, 4 of which are required and 4 are electives, allowing them to shape an individual, interdisciplinary competency profile tailored to their own career plans.
