ObjectivesBioinformatics is rapidly becoming a core component of the biosciences, underlying a wide range of research disciplines. This makes training in Bioinformatics an especially important asset for new researchers, particularly those who wish to take full advantage of the vast and rapidly expanding body of data now available at the level of gene sequence, protein expression, protein structure and cellular metabolism. The Bioinformatics programme provides a strong foundation in understanding the scientific basis of Bioinformatics together with research training in the practice of Bioinformatics methods. At the University of Hertfordshire we stress the importance of integrating biological knowledge and computational expertise. The MSc program Bioinformatics aims to provide students with an in depth knowledge of the sequence, structure and function of bio-molecules and the technology to obtain such knowledge. This technology encompasses laboratory (DNA recombinant) techniques and computational skills needed for: -Selecting, retrieving and storing information from publicly available biological databases -Designing and maintaining "private" databases to store retrieved information from publicly available biological databases -Querying relevant data and subject them to algorithms, statistical procedures and machine learning methods for further analysis -Programming, implementing and applying the relevant algorithms for the alignment, motif discovery, structural and functional prediction of bio-molecules
Academic titleBioinformatics MSc, PgD, PgC
Course descriptionWork placement
Bioinformatics covers a broad range of topics. Because the students have to master such a variety of competences in just one year, the program is quite dense. At the time of development we therefore did not seriously consider the inclusion of work placement. However, the final project the students have to conduct may offer possibilities for external placement.
Careers
This course gives you the skills you will need for a wide range of bioinformatics careers in academia or industry.
Teaching methods
The program is taught by the Schools of Life Sciences and Computer Science. It provides the scientific basis of Bioinformatics together with training in the practice of Bioinformatics methods. At the University of Hertfordshire we stress the importance of integrating biological knowledge and computational expertise. The emphasis is on learning through lectures and workshops while at the same time giving students opportunities to apply and develop their knowledge and skills in a research environment. Hands-on experience will be gained through practicals, in particular during the Problem Based Learning approach of the Applied Bioinformatics module and the Final Research Project.
Course content
Year 1 - full details
Core modules
-Applied Bioinformatics
-Computation for Life Scientists 1: Computation, Programming and Database
-Computation for Life Scientists 2: Mathematics, Statistics and Algorithms