Objectives-educate participants to a post graduate standard up to and including M.Sc.; -increase biological scientists' knowledge of the potential applications of information technology to their research; -provide students with a practical and theoretical knowledge of computational molecular biology sufficient to enable them to develop careers in biotechnology; -develop both qualitative and quantitative research skills; -develop in all students a range of transferable skills; -enable those already in employment in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries to extend their knowledge without the need to leave the workplace; -contribute towards meeting the international demand for personnel with skills in the processing and management of biological data.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements: Applicants are normally expected to have a first or second class honours degree with a strong biological or computing component. Applicants will normally be required to successfully complete, at the first attempt, at least two of the core modules before being considered as a candidate for entry to the full MSc programme. Students should normally study for no more than 60 credits (four 15 credit modules) without registering for a formal qualification. The programme must be completed within five years from the date of registration on the first module. Each applicant must satisfy the Programme Committee that s/he has the analytical and time-management abilities necessary for the successful completion of a research project.
Academic titleBioinformatics MSc
Course descriptionCourse description
Bioinformatics provides students with a practical and theoretical knowledge of modern biochemistry and molecular biology, along with techniques from computer science, IT and mathematics, to prepare them for careers in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries. This flexible distance programme provides training in the latest methods, together with opportunities for professional networking online. It is designed for graduates in a biological science or in computer science.
Students may study individual modules, or work towards a formal qualification. The qualifications available are the Postgraduate Certificate, the Postgraduate Diploma and the MSc in Bioinformatics.
Special features
The programme is designed for the professional development of graduates in employment, so you will be able to study at a time and place convenient to you. You will access the course materials through a Virtual Learning Environment, and you will be supported through an appropriate combination of bulletin boards, on-line chat tutorials and videoconferences.
Career opportunities
The course will extend the skills developed during your first degree, providing opportunities for progression in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries, or in academia.