Course description
MRes: 12 months full-time
PgDip: 9 months full-time
The explosion in gene sequencing in the last few years has led to a need in industry for graduates to apply computational methods to the analysis of genomes and their gene products. As a result there is a demand for the provision of postgraduate training in bioinformatics, and the University is well-placed to contribute to satisfying this demand because of its strong research base in the bioinformatics area.
Content
The focus of this programme is on predicting the protein-coding and other informational potential of genomes, deriving evolutionary models from this, deciphering the function of the proteins encoded by the genomes, analysing and modelling protein structures, and using the information in the diagnosis and cure of disease. The programme is suited to numerate students with a degree in a molecular bioscience who wish to specialise in the computing aspects of biology. However, graduates in computing science may also be considered, with biological training provided for them. The programme provides an excellent preparation for those intending to enter the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries, or who wish to continue to a PhD in bioinformatics.
The programme is organised by the faculty, but involves staff from a wide range of departments, especially the Department of Computing Science which provides some of the courses from its MSc in Information Technology. This allows the programme to balance both major biological aspects of bioinformatics: DNA and protein analysis - with a basic training in relevant aspects of IT.