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MSc/Diploma in Bioinformatics
Objectives
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MSc/Diploma in Bioinformatics
Objectives
Programme AimsThe MSc in Bioinformatics will give students a thorough grounding in the informatic and biological science behind modern bioinformatics research and discovery, and to equip them for future careers as bioinformaticians. In particular, the MSc programme will
• ensure that students have a working knowledge of a relevant computer programming language, such that they are able to implement their own programmes
• ensure that the students have a theoretical and practical grounding in the science of databasing, particularly in its relevance to genomics and functional genomics scale datasets
• give students a deep understanding of the science underpinning the core algorithms used in bioinformatics (such as BLAST and HMM)
• prepare students for progression to a PhD programme by fostering best practice in study and practical research, with an emphasis on cutting edge individual research in the major research project undertaken in the latter part of the programme
• prepare students for careers in academic science or in industry by training them in application of bioinformatics skills
• provide students with a set of transferable skills
The Bioinformatics MSc/Diploma offers:
• close collaboration between world-leading Informatics and Biological Sciences specialties, offering a powerful synergistic approach
• strong rooting in advanced analysis of genomics data in a statistical, evolutionary and population context
• leading edge presentation of the computing science basis of bioinformatics (programming, database science, text mining, probabilistic reasoning, ...)
• a wide variety of within-MSc/Diploma specialisations, particularly exploiting the varied courses offered by the School of Informatics
• access to the world-leading biological and informatic research groups in the School of Biological Sciences in Edinburgh through a major research project placement
• the intellectual, social and cultural milieux of the University and City of Edinburgh.
On graduation from the programme we expect that students will be able to
• compete successfully for the best PhD positions, and be able to progress immediately to mature PhD research
• progress to a research assistantship or other post in an academic biological sciences laboratory and set up and perform advanced bioinformatics services and research
• apply their skills in either academic or industrial settings to support their and others' work
• maintain their working knowledge of advanced bioinformatics by applying the learning skills taught
Programme Outcomes:
Knowledge and understanding
A clear overview of the theoretical and intellectual basis of modern bioinformaticsAn appreciation of the roles of computational and experimental research in biology
A wide experience of algorithms, programs and approaches to solving bioinformatics problems
Intellectual skills
An overview of the wide field of bioinformaticsThe ability to critically synthesise information from disparate sources in assessment of scientific hypotheses
A knowledge of the principles of programming, particularly as applied to biological data
A knowledge of the principles of database science, particularly as applied to biological systems
Understanding of probabilistic approaches to biological systems
Professional/subject-specific/practical skills
Programming in a chosen languageDesign and reporting of experimental investigations in bioinformatics
The ability to conceive, plan and execute bioinformatics experiments
Hands-on skills in use and interpretation of core bioinformatics algorithms
Transferable skills
Written and verbal communication skillsGroup and team work skills
Computational/IT skills including workspace management
Numeracy skills, in particular skills in statistical inference and testing
Time management and organisational skills
Database interrogation and other online/internet information retrieval skills