DESS in Bioinformatics at the Université du Québec à Montréal


DESS in Bioinformatics is a graduate program at the Université du Québec à Montréal focusing on the acquisition and improvement of bioinformatics skills of the Bachelors students with the background in Computer Science, Artificial intelligence (AI), Mathematics, Biology and Biochemistry.

The recent expansion of the biotechnology worldwide, in Canada, and particularly in Quebec, offers the prospective of finding intersecting and challenging positions in this cutting edge technological field in both academia and industrial sectors. The real needs in qualified personal in bioinformatics concerns various domains such as: petroleum and mine industries, forestry, pharmaceutical and food industries, agriculture, not forgetting the fundamental research. The duration of the program is 1 year when the program is followed in full time and 2 years in part-time. Two profiles are available:

  • Biology-Biochemistry. The candidates have to possess a bachelor's diploma in Biology or Biochemistry or its equivalent.
  • Computer-Science Mathematics. The candidates have to possess a bachelor's diploma in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Software Engineering.

At the end of the program, the students do an internship in a biotechnology company or in a research laboratory located in the area of Montreal. After obtaining the DESS diploma, the students of both profiles can pursuit their graduation studies by doing a Master in Computer Science or Biology at the Université du Québec à Montréal (several courses taken during the DESS program will then be recognized at the Master's level). The DESS courses are given in French.

All the classes of the DESS in Bioinformatics begin at 5:30 pm.

The application deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year is May 1st, 2024 (the courses begin in September)

Foreign candidates are however asked to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Addresses and phones

Programme du Diplôme d'Études Supérieures Spécialisées en bioinformatique
201, avenue du Président-Kennedy, Local PK-4151
Montréal, Québec H2X 3Y7
Phone: (514) 987-6516
FAX: (514) 987-6621

Director : Vladimir Makarenkov
Phone: (514) 987-3000 poste: 3870
FAX: (514) 987-8477
E-mail: makarenkov.vladimir@uqam.ca


Assistant to the Management of Advanced Studies Programs Mylène Dagenais
Local: PK-4151
Phone: (514) 987-6516
E-mail: dessbioinfo@uqam.ca