Applied Bioinformatics and Genomics (MSc)

The aim of this programme is to provide individuals with a platform to explore, analyse and interpret contemporary biological data. This course offers Masters level instruction in Bioinformatics with a focus on genomic bioinformatics.

The aim of this programme is to provide individuals with a platform to explore, analyse and interpret contemporary biological data. This course offers Masters level instruction in Bioinformatics with a focus on genomic bioinformatics. You will develop key skills for the analyses of omics data including genomics data from next generation sequencing technologies. Additional skills around emerging omics including metabolomics and proteomics will also be developed.

This programme has been designed with the needs of academic research, biotechnology and the pharmaceutical and health care industries in mind. We will provide instruction in computational and statistical biosciences and students will foster these additional complementary skills required to enable individuals to work effectively within a multidisciplinary bioinformatics arena.

Aims of the Programme

• To provide you with the interdisciplinary practical skills and knowledge of computational and statistical biosciences to prepare them for challenging careers in academic research, biotechnology, the pharmaceutical and health care industries;
• To introduce the commonly exploited computational, statistical and analytical approaches to post genomic biology and genetics;
• To develop skills to understand and critically evaluate research methodologies and conclusions in order that they can make sound judgements about the applicability of these techniques to their own research;
• To develop competency in both the design and analysis of studies and the effective extraction of information in genetics, genomics and other biosciences coupled with the ability to communicate the information, results, issues and ideas to audiences of both a specialist and non-specialist background;
• To prepare and provide guidance to perform an original piece of research within the specialist area in which they wish to pursue their career. This area of the course also aims to strengthen your ability to take the initiative and responsibility for planning and carrying out tasks and demonstrate original thought in tackling and solving problems as would be necessary in employment.

Distinctive features

This course was first established over a decade ago in response to the emerging informatics needs of the genetics and genomics communities following the completion of the first drafts of the human genome project. Subsequent advances in research technologies and analytic approaches have dictated the continuing evolution of this programme to provide contemporary instruction in these new essential skills.

Providing a strong platform for students entering from the biological, mathematical or computational sciences, this course provides modules in core complementary areas such as in computation/scripting, statistics and molecular biology; the fundamental building blocks necessary to succeed in bioinformatic analysis and interpretation.

As an introduction – you will be taught essential organisational and coding skills required for effective bioinformatics and biostatistical analysis.

One of the unique components of this course is the extended instruction in statistics provided by the Statistics for Bioinformatics and Genetic Epidemiology module.

You will also be introduced to the molecular and cellular biology behind the data. This is invaluable if you are entering from a non-life sciences background to make informed decisions around data interpretation.

You will extend your bioinformatics studies by focusing on next generation sequencing technologies and other developing omics platforms such as proteomics and metabolomics.

We are committed to developing transferable skills and to improving graduate employability. We want highly capable graduate informaticians who can fulfil the growing bioinformatics needs of local, national and international employers.

Career prospects

This programme has been designed with the needs of academic research, the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and health care industries in mind. Instruction in computational and statistical biosciences will enable individuals to work effectively within a multidisciplinary bioinformatics arena.

Since 2004, of the MSc students who have successfully graduated, within one year;

•24% have continued their education by entering PhD Programme in Bioinformatics / Biostatistics

•17% have continued their education by entering PhD Programme in other areas of biomedicine

•10% have continued their education by entering further Masters study/PGCE/medical degrees

•20% have gained employment in Bioinformatics and or Biostatistics

•29% have gained employment in other scientific jobs often with a data analysis context

This Masters programme enables you to demonstrate you are taking the opportunity to develop your abilities in critical analysis, problem-solving, decision-making, finding and using evidence and in dealing with complex issues. The programme is not a substitute for a formal specialty training programme but studying at this level should help successful students demonstrate numerous academic skills that should be highly regarded in relation to their career development and progression. In particular, the programme offers opportunities to demonstrate the development of knowledge and skills in relation to the application of evidence-based medicine and the potential enhancement of services and governance frameworks. As such, it should provide evidence of commitment and potential that may assist you in relation to taking on greater responsibilities or perhaps seeking management, research, scholarship, or leadership roles.