Forum:Msc in bioinformatics at Gent University

Question

[ggcvn]

Hello,

Do you recommend Gent University's master programme in bioinformatics(system biology)? I will be graduated from Molecular Biology and Genetics and I have programming and statistics background. What should I consider for choosing a master's programme? Which one is more important: programme content or number of research labs? I want to work in industry after graduation. (If you have an idea, could you please compare ku leuven and gent for the master programme in bioinformatics?)

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

[GenoMax]

Which one is more important: programme content or number of research labs?

This is something you need to decide. While you want to choose a program that would help you find a job afterwards it is important to choose something that you are genuinely interested in and will want to do every day.

No matter which university you join you will likely change your mind about what you want to do once you start the program. It is one thing to read about faculty interests on a web page and quite the other when you personally interact with them. You may also take new courses discover new topics that you did not know about. All of these can be career changing events that may take you in a completely new direction.

I want to work in industry after graduation.

Again, it may be 2+ years before you are ready for the job market. Keep your options open and focus on your studies until final semester, before you graduate.

Answer 2

[theodore.killian]

I graduated from the KUL Bioinformatics program last year. It's relatively easy to do a master's thesis in industry (and potentially get paid). You can do a industry thesis potentially anywhere, although it's incumbent on you to do the legwork of finding a suitable company. I don't know about the U Gent program, but from what I've heard it sounds similar. KUL is definitely a good program. Good luck!