CAS Applied Bioinformatics: Next-Generation Sequencing Data Analysis

School of 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

Factsheet

Degree: Certificate of Advanced Studies FHNW Applied Bioinformatics: Next-Generation Sequencing Data Analysis
Learning environment: Onsite and Online
ECTS points: 12
Next start: 1.4.2027
Duration: 12 days
Teaching languages: English
Venues: Online and FHNW Campus Muttenz
Fee: CHF 6 800

At a glance

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.

Aims and benefits

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.

Target audience

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.

Structure and programme contents

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

You will acquire fundamental programming skills essential for modern bioinformatics. The focus is on Python programming, version control using Git and working in Unix-based operating systems. You will also gain experience in using tools such as Jupyter for interactive coding and scripting. This module builds the solid foundation required for the bioinformatics approaches covered later in the course.

Essential programming skills for bioinformatics
Python programming
Version control with Git
Coding and scripting with Jupyter

Module 2: Bioinformatics Data Pre-Processing and Analysis

This module introduces core techniques for handling raw sequencing data, including relevant file formats, quality control, read alignment, variant calling and metagenomics analysis.

File formats: FASTQ, BAM, VCF
Genome Analysis Toolkit (GATK)
Quality control procedures
Read alignment techniques
Variant calling workflows
Metagenomics pipelines

Module 3: Bioinformatics Data Interpretation

You will learn to interpret NGS results in biological and clinical contexts, applying statistical and visualisation methods. Topics include differential gene expression, pathway analysis and variant annotation.

Databases: Ensembl, ClinVar, Kraken
Network and pathway analysis
Enrichment analysis
Assessing clinical relevance

Requirements and admission

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.

Organisational matters

Format

The programme includes:

12 instruction days held on Thursdays
An individual project

On completing the programme, you will submit a written report and give a brief presentation summarising the methodology, tools and key findings of your project.
All lessons are online, with the option of attending the first and last day in person at FHNW Campus Muttenz.

Downloads

Programme specific

General Documents

All general documents can be found here.