CAS Applied Bioinformatics: Next-Generation Sequencing Data Analysis

Hochschule für Life Sciences

Develop practical skills in next-generation sequencing data analysis through a combination of lectures by experts, interactive exercises and real-world case studies. You will gain a solid theoretical foundation and practical expertise in applied bioinformatics.

Online info event, Thursday, 11.6.2026

Steckbrief

Abschluss: Certificate of Advanced Studies FHNW Applied Bioinformatics: Next-Generation Sequencing Data Analysis
Lernsetting: Präsenz und Remote
ECTS-Punkte: 12
Nächster Start: 1.4.2027
Dauer: 12 days
Durchführungssprache: English
Durchführungsort: Online and FHNW Campus Muttenz
Preis: CHF 6 800

Auf einen Blick

Develop core skills in next-generation sequencing and Nanopore using Unix, Python and Git for effective, reproducible bioinformatics workflows.
Gain proficiency in widely used open-source bioinformatics tools and databases, including GATK, Ensembl, ClinVar and Kraken.
Apply your knowledge in hands-on sessions with real-world case studies drawn from research and clinical contexts.
Flexible attendance options: fully online, with the option of attending the first and final sessions on-site.

Ziele und Nutzen

Upon completing the CAS-programme, you will be able to:

Apply foundational programming and computational skills within a bioinformatics framework
Perform pre-processing and primary analysis of raw sequencing data generated from next-generation and nanopore sequencing technologies
Interpret and visualise sequencing results with consideration of biological and clinical relevance
Integrate publicly available databases and annotation resources to support in-depth genomic interpretation
Develop reproducible and well-documented analysis pipelines using scripting tools

As part of the programme you will complete an individual project using your own dataset or one provided by your institution, encompassing the full bioinformatics workflow from raw data processing to final interpretation.

Zielpublikum

This CAS is for you if you work in life sciences, healthcare or research and want to build practical skills in bioinformatics. It is particularly relevant if you:

Work with or plan to work with next-generation and nanopore sequencing data
Are in life sciences or research, looking to analyse genomic or transcriptomic data
Are a clinician who wants to interpret sequencing data in a clinical or translational context
Work in biotech, pharma or a related industry where sequencing analysis is becoming essential

You should have a basic understanding of molecular biology, some hands-on experience with a programming language such as Python, and strong motivation to strengthen your computational skills.

Aufbau und Inhalte

This part-time modular programme has three focused modules where you will gain expert knowledge and practical skills to apply directly in your professional practice.

It starts with an introduction to fundamental programming concepts, data management and essential bioinformatics computational tools. You will then receive in-depth training on analysing raw sequencing data from Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT), covering file formats, quality control, alignment, variant calling and metagenomic pipelines. The final module focuses on interpreting sequencing results in biological and clinical contexts, including gene expression profiling, variant annotation and integration with public datasets.

Module 1: Computer and Software Development

Module 2: Bioinformatics Data Pre-Processing and Analysis

Module 3: Bioinformatics Data Interpretation

Voraussetzungen und Zulassung

At least one of the following admission requirements must be met:

Tertiary educational qualification (at least Bachelor’s degree level) and relevant professional experience.
Federal Diploma of Higher Education (from a Swiss “Höhere Fachschule” or “eidg. HFP” or “eidg. BP”) and at least 3 years’ professional experience in a subject relevant to the programme.
At least 5 years’ professional experience in a subject relevant to the programme and successful completion of continuing education courses (in-company or CAS/MAS/DAS), or partially completed tertiary education (> 50%).

As the instruction and training materials are in English, proficiency in English (minimum level C1) is a prerequisite.
A personal notebook/laptop is required for the course.