Medical Informatics
| Degree: | Master of Science |
| Application required: | yes |
| Course start: | winter semester/summer semester |
| Course duration: | 4 semesters |
| Form of course: | full-time |
| Language requirements: | German certificate |
| Language of instruction: | English and German |
| Other: | post-graduate course (consecutive) |
Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University / Faculty of Informatics of Heilbronn University
Medical Informatics scientists have been trained since 1972 in the context of cooperation between the universities of Heidelberg and Heilbronn. The course is recognized as occupying a top place on the international scene.
Programme Overview
Our society is increasingly challenged by the need to provide efficient, individualised and affordable medical care. Modern information technologies are therefore urgently needed in order to keep up with rapid medical progress and to promote technological and organisational innovations. The interface between medicine, information science and society offers varied, fascinating and responsible assignments and, at the same time, calls for a large number of well trained, qualified experts.
The interdisciplinary field of Medical Informatics is multi-faceted and involves methodological developments and software engineering for diagnosis and treatment. It also promotes simulation and modelling for an increasingly individualized medicine and the development of new procedures in the areas of e-health and telemedicine. The evaluation of genetic data through Bioinformatics is becoming ever more important and it is now one of the core topics, along with the planning and evaluation of clinical studies, data management and the evaluation of new care strategies and communication technologies in the health system.
Training Goals
The goal of the course is to acquire and deepen up-to-date scientific methods in Medical Informatics and to apply them to solve problems in different areas of medicine and the health-care system. This involves using them relevantly and effectively in care, treatment and diagnosis as well as in research. Furthermore, graduates should be in a position to develop new methods and procedures for special questions, critically assessing their effectiveness and efficiency.
University training equips successful graduates with all the necessary skills to take on responsible positions in research, development and management in companies, hospitals and universities.
The successful completion of the course may lead on to independent doctoral research.
Course Structure
Students of Medical Informatics are enrolled at both Heidelberg University and the University of Heilbronn, and benefit from the relationship with higher education and the quality of university training. The two locations are in charming surroundings on the Neckar River and offer a broad range of cultural, sports and entertaining leisure activities.
The M.Sc. in Medical Informatics is planned to take four semesters and comprises seven compulsory subjects and four elective subjects:
In the third semester, two out of four elective modules are selected for deeper study. The fourth semester is devoted to writing the Master’s thesis on a current topic from Medical Informatics. This follows scientific methods and is done under supervision. The choice of topic may come either from institutions of the University of Heilbronn or from the whole scientific context of the University of Heidelberg, with its various cooperating institutions such as the University Hospital, the Theoretikum of the Medical Faculty, the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) and the BIOQUANT.
For further details on the structure and content of the M.Sc. in Medical Informatics have a look the on the webpage miandyou.de or see the examination regulations and the module handbook (both only available in German).
Study Abroad
In research and teaching, the course does not just cooperate with international companies but also with several other universities in Europe and abroad. This cooperation enables the reference to current and interdisciplinary research in teaching. Students benefit from these varied contacts and can take part of their course abroad as desired.
Possibilities available:
- Attending lectures and examinations to gain ECTS credits that are transferred to the Master’s programme in Medical Informatics.
- Conducting a project that is counted in Medical Informatics as a research thesis.
Some of our international partner universities:
Université Claude Bernard, Lyon (France); Northumbria University, Newcastle (United Kingdom); University of Amsterdam (Netherlands); Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (Spain); Harvard Medical School, Boston (USA); University of Washington, Seattle (USA); University of Minnesota (USA); Universidad de Chile (Chile)
Formalities
Application
There is an entry restriction. Please consult the Admission regulations (only available in German).
Closing date for applications
15 July for the winter semester
15 January for the summer semester
Application procedure
The application goes to the University of Heilbronn.
Current information on the application procedure
Further information
15 places are available per semester.
The prerequisites for admission to the M.Sc. in Medical Informatics at the University of Heidelberg and the University of Heilbronn are:
- An above-average degree in Medical Informatics (Bachelor or Diploma, specialist share at least 50%), or in equivalent courses, in particular in information science (e.g. bioinformatics, medical technology, technical or applied information science).
- The possession of a university degree with a regular duration of at least three academic years.
In assessing an above-average degree the following documents are required:
- A final grade of at least “good” or ECTS grade ”B”
- Two letters of recommendation, if possible from professors at the university where the first degree was taken
- Proof of ranking of grades in the final examinations
The admissions committee decides on the equivalence of previous education and the comparability of degrees. The recommendations of the conference of education ministers and university partnership agreements must be considered when it comes to recognising international degrees. In case of doubt, the opinion of the central office for international education (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen, ZAB) will be consulted.
International applicants
Special arrangements apply for international applicants. Information is available at the International Relations Office of Heidelberg University (Seminarstraße 2).
Further information
- Current course brochure (only available in German)
- Application documents or internet application (only for German applicants)
- Module handbook (only available in German)
Examination regulations
Examination regulations: M.Sc. (from 12.10.2006) (only available in German)
Examinations board
The respective examinations board or office is responsible for credit transfer, recognition, and examination issues. Further details are available from the academic advisor (see below).
Fees
A contribution must be paid to the student services organization, and there is an administrative charge to pay to Heilbronn University.
Academic Advisor
We are happy to give you further details and personal advice on the M.Sc. in Medical Informatics.
Dipl.-Inform. Med. Martin Löpprich
Heidelberg University
Institute of Medical Biometry und Informatics
Office hours: by arrangement
Phone: +49 (0)6221 56-7368
E-Mail: studienberatung-mi@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Prof. Dr. Rolf Bendl
Heilbronn University
Faculty of Informatics
Office hours: by arrangement
Phone: +49 (0)7131 504-498
E-Mail: studienberatung-mi@hs-heilbronn.de
Contact
Heidelberg University
Institute of Medical Biometry und Informatics
Department of Medical Informatics
Im Neuenheimer Feld 305
D-69120 Heidelberg
Office
Phone: +49 (0)6221 56-7483
Fax: +49 (0)6221 56-4997
E-Mail: Lydia.Roeder@med.uni-heidelberg.de
University of Heilbronn
Faculty of Informatics
Medical Informatics
Max-Planck-Str. 39
D-74081 Heilbronn
Office
Phone: +49 (0)7131 504-416
Fax: +49 (0)7131 252-470
E-Mail: Tina.Ruhfass@hs-heilbronn.de
