ObjectivesTo respond to the national and international need for trained bioinformaticians by teaching Biological Sciences graduates the theoretical and practical analytical skills used in bioinformatics. A four-month project placement in industry, a research institute or a University research laboratory is an integral part of the course. The course prepares graduates for employment in the post-genomics era, either directly or as the result of subsequent study.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements A degree with first or second class honours in Biological Sciences or a related scientific discipline or an equivalent qualification; also, non-graduates with several years’ appropriate industrial experience.
Academic titleMSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Bioinformatics
Course descriptionCourse modules
-General Computing Skills
-Programming in Java
-Databases
-Algorithms for Bioinformatics
-Gene and Genome Analysis
-Scripting and Programming in Pearl
-Structural Bioinformatics
-Steered Research Projects (each student undertakes two projects involving database development and analysis, and programming.)
-Independent Research Projects (each student undertakes a project involving original, independent research, either in an approved company, external institution or in the University.)
Teaching and assessment methods
The course material is taught using a combination of lectures, problem-solving, small group work, formally constructed practical sessions, drop-in sessions and self-directed learning. The taught modules are assessed by in-module assessments and by two integrated written papers covering all the core modules of the course. The steered research projects and the independent research project are assessed on the student’s independence, initiative and understanding whilst performing the project, a final oral presentation and the production of a final report published on the web or the submission of a final dissertation. Additionally, at the end of the course all students are given a viva voce examination by the external examiner