Course Description

Bioinformatics is a major growth area in research and industry; hence qualified bioinformaticians are in high demand. The MSc in Bioinformatics is a one-year full-time course for biological sciences graduates which will equip you with the theoretical and practical analytical skills necessary for a career in this multidisciplinary field.

The course comprises taught modules and guided research, and culminates in a four-month project placement in industry, a research institute or a University of Leicester research lab.

You will work on a Linux laptop on which you install and develop your own Bioinformatics toolkit. During the course this laptop is provided as a loan by the University of Leicester. Ownership of the laptop will be transferred free of charge to you on the successful completion of the course. Also, all students have access to the course server during the course.

Why Leicester?

Bioinformatics is a very practical subject and from day one of the course you will start working on your Linux laptop to develop your own bioinformatics toolkit. Ownership of the laptop is transferred to you, free of charge, on successful completion of the course.

The course is run in a dedicated teaching lab which is ideally suited for working in small groups to ensure optimal student experience.

Course Structure

Modules

• Introduction to UNIX and Linux – Essential Computing Skills
• Programming: Java and Databases for Bioinformatics
• Programming: Perl for Bioinformatics
• Algorithms for Bioinformatics
• Gene and Genome Analysis
• Proteins
• Steered Research Project

Plus your Independent Research Project

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Teaching and Assessment

The course material is taught using a combination of lectures, problem-solving, small group work, drop-in sessions and self-directed learning. The taught modules are assessed by in-module assessments and by exams.

The research projects are assessed on your independence, initiative and understanding whilst performing the project, plus a final oral presentation and the production of a final report published on the web or the submission of a final dissertation.

To bring you right up to date with your chosen topic, you can attend departmental seminars and College Research Theme days that include both visiting and internal speakers.