Bioinformatics

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For graduates with a computer science or biological science background, an MSc in Bioinformatics will allow you to research, develop and apply computational tools for storing, organising and analysing the large amount of bimolecular data now available. Delivered by the Department of Informatics, which has an enviable reputation for research-led teaching and project supervision from leading experts in their field.

KEY BENEFITS

* Unrivalled location in the heart of London giving access to major libraries and leading scientific societies, including the BCS Chartered Institute for IT and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
* Multidisciplinary programme taught by staff from the Schools of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Medicine and Natural & Mathematical Sciences, giving access to advanced facilities and cutting-edge research projects.
* Balanced integration of computational, biological and medical aspects that enable students to develop analytical and practical transferable skills, preparing them to play a creative and leading role in the professional and research community.
* Access to speakers of international repute through seminars and external lectures, enabling studetns to keep abreast of emerging knowledge in bioinformatics and related fields

PURPOSE

For graduates in computer science or biological sciences with good knowledge of computer programming, this MSc will equip you with the theoretical foundations and practical understanding of computational techniques in the study of molecular biology that is required for careers in fields such as biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Research for your individual project will provide valuable preparation for a career in research or industry.

DESCRIPTION

This programme encompasses the multi-disciplinary nature of bioinformatics that involves research, development and application of computational tools for storing, organising and analysing the large amounts of bimolecular data now available (eg genomic, gene expression arrays, protein-protein interactions, protein and nucleic acid structures). It is built around taught core modules such as Algorithm Design & Analysis, and Algorithms Design for Computational Molecular Biology, which are complemented by a wide range of optional modules such as introduction to statistics for bioinformaticians and protein / gene interaction networks. The final part of the programme is an individual project which is closely linked with the research activities of the various Schools contributing to the programme. In addition, students with a biology background will be introduced to programming and computer science and students with a computational background will be introduced to molecular biology.

STRUCTURE OVERVIEW Core programme content * Individual Project.

Indicative non-core content Compulsory Modules:

* Algorithm Design & Analysis
* Algorithms for Computational Molecular Biology.

Optional modules:

* Advanced Research Topics
* Advanced Topics in Computational Genomics
* Data Analysis of Large-Scale Experiments in Molecular Biology*
* Data Structures and their Implementations in C++ - (Compulsory for students with Biological Science background, Optional for students with a background in Computer Science)
* Database Technology
* Fundamentals of Genetics & Biomolecular Structure for Bioinformatics* - (Compulsory for students with a background in Computer Science)
* Genetic Data Analysis in Medicine*
* Group Project
* Statistics for Bioinformatics*
* Structural Bioinformatics & Protein Structure Predictions*
* Text Searching & Processing.

* Students must take at least two of these modules for the award of the MSc Bioinformatics.

FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT Lectures; tutorials; seminars; laboratory sessions; optional career planning workshops. Assessed through: coursework; written examinations; final project report.



MODULES More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year. Algorithm Design & Analysis - Required Algorithms For Computational Molecular Biology - Required Advanced Research Topics - Optional Advanced Topics In Computational Geonomics - Optional Data Structures & Their Implementation In C++ - Optional Database Technology - Optional Group Project - Optional Text Searching & Processing - Optional

2:1 BSc honours degree or overseas equivalent in computer science, mathematics, a bioscience-related subject or a joint degree in two such subjects, plus demonstrable competence in a high level computer programming language. English Language Requirements CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A)

FUNDING Students are generally self-funded. Some College funding is available; see the Graduate School webpages for details .