MSc/MRes/PgDip/PgCert in Bioinformatics
Programme code: C542
Duration: MSc and MRes 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time; PgDip: 9 months; PgCert: 6 months. Part-time distance variants are available for MSc, PgDip and PgCert
Location: Exeter (Streatham Campus)
Contact:
Director: Dr Jamie Stevens
Phone: +44 (0)1392 263775
Fax: +44 (0)1392 263700
Email: j.r.stevens@exeter.ac.uk
Programme information:
Visit the Bioinformatics web pages at http://www.biosciences.ex.ac.uk/bioinformatics/index.php
2008/09 Fees:
MSc/MRes UK/EU £4,000 (full-time); International £11,655 (full-time); pro rata for part-time
Bioinformatics encompasses all aspects of biological information acquisition, processing, storage, distribution, analysis and interpretation. This programme provides an overview of current developments and introduces appropriate and novel tools and techniques from computer science, biology and mathematical statistics. The programme also addresses the current uses of bioinformatics in biotechnology, ethical issues and the use of future technologies for bioinformatics research. In addition, the research project gives you an opportunity to undertake a substantial, individually motivated and practically oriented piece of work, which allows you to apply your knowledge in real biological domains.
All modules are 'blocked' into short, intensive four-week periods, thereby allowing credit to be accumulated through short-period placements of four weeks by students from industry wishing to update their knowledge and skills base.
All material is specifically designed for Masters level and will form an ideal grounding for your future career. The programme has a significant research component, which accounts for about half of the programme, as well as professional skills training, and is designed to provide training in areas most relevant for your academic and professional development.
We also offer a distance learning variant of the programme, aimed at international students and those already in industry who wish to retrain in bioinformatics. Please see the MSc in Bioinformatics by Distance Learning Factfile at http://www.biosciences.ex.ac.uk/bioinformatics/dl/index.php
Entry requirements: The course is designed to accommodate postgraduate students from a wide range of first-degree backgrounds. You will require at least a 2:2 degree or equivalent in any scientific or engineering discipline, including natural, mathematical and cognitive science or, if you are a graduate in non-scientific disciplines, you will have at least a 2:1 and your degree must have contained a significant computational or empirical component, e.g. programming, experimental design, data analysis, or project.
Modules:
1. Professional Skills
2. Tools and Techniques for Bioinformatics
3. Essentials of Molecular Biology
4. Biological Sequence Analysis & Structural Bioinformatics
5. Pattern Recognition
6. Omics Technologies and Bioethics.
7. Research Methods
8. Research project
MRes and MSc students must take all eight modules (six taught modules, the research methods module and a project). Diploma students take six taught modules and the research methods module, which includes a mini-project/review. Certificate students take four taught modules.
Funding:
The programme is supported by EPSRC as a Masters in Research. There are a number of studentships and other forms of support which will be awarded to suitably qualified students (2:1 or better and British or EU Nationals). Generous School bursaries of £2,000 are available. The University also offers a Full-Fee Masters Scholarships Scheme.
