Bioinformatics, MSc

If you would like to study full-time for a Masters qualification in a rapidly developing discipline of relevance to the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical industries this courses is for you. Why choose this course?

• It is designed to enable students with either a biosciences or computing background to become qualified as Bioinformaticians.
• The course has been designed by world-leading researchers in the field, who will be directly involved in teaching and in project supervision.
• On completion of the course you will be well qualified for work in industry or for further study for PhD.

Excellence in postgraduate and professional education

Our thriving research community has a strong national and international profile, and is involved in a wide range of research activities. In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) in 2008, 90% of our research work in Subjects Allied to Medicine was judged to be of international standard, with 20% being recorded as world class.

Our principal commitment is to translating our research and teaching excellence into competitive, effective graduates who are equipped to inspire and innovate in their chosen careers.

Contact details
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Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 8308

To complete the full Masters course you have to complete 180 credit points.

What will I study?

In the first term you will be guided in choosing to study one of the following modules depending on your previous experience:

• Biological Systems (20 credit points) – ideal for those with limited biological background
• Software Engineering 1 (20 credit points) – for students who have not previously studied computing.

In addition you will study:

• Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics (20 credit points)
• Statistics for Bioinformatics (20 credit points).

In the second term you will study:

• Research Methods (20 credit points).

And choose 40 credit points from the following selection:

• Software Engineering 2 (20 credit points)
• Machine Learning (10 credit points)
• Medical Informatics (10 credit points)
• Advanced Genome Analysis (10 credit points)
• Systems Biology (10 credit points).

In the final term and over the summer you will complete:

• Research Project (60 credit points) - under the guidance of a named supervisor.

The Research Methods module is delivered by eLearning plus supportive seminars. The materials have been specially designed to provide you with a supported and structured learning experience.

You can contact your tutor and discuss ideas with other students via email and discussion boards. Completed assessments are submitted online via the University’s virtual learning environment.

The Research Project forms a major part of both courses, and you will be guided on the choice of topic by discussion with the Programme Leader, Module Leader and individual academic staff. This provides the opportunity for you to learn to work independently and research an area of interest in depth. Throughout the course of the project you will be supported by your individual supervisor with regular meetings being held to assess progress.

How will I be assessed?

You will undertake self-guided and formal assessments, including written assignments, tests, formal examinations and poster presentations to test your acquisition of masters level knowledge and skills.

Facilities

This course benefits from the excellent facilities and equipment available in the School of Science and Technology.