MSc in Bioinformatics
The University of Edinburgh - School of Biological Sciences
Key Information
Campus location
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 year
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 38,500 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* international/EU: £38,500 - Scotland/rest of UK £19,100
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field that develops methods and software tools for understanding biological data.
As an interdisciplinary field of science, bioinformatics studies and processes biological data, combining:
- computer science
- informatics
- statistics/mathematics
- engineering
The emphasis is on leveraging aspects of these disciplines to efficiently explore biology: it is BIO-informatics after all.
The aim of the Bioinformatics MSc is to equip you with a strong background in biology, at the same time training you in the application and development of methods used to interpret the vast amounts of data generated by high-throughput 'omics' technologies, be they proteins or nucleic acids.
Is this MSc for me?
On completing this programme you will be well qualified to undertake further studies, take up bioinformatics posts in industry, or perhaps start your own bioinformatics company.
We recognise that all of our MSc Bioinformatics students come from different backgrounds, and have different interests in biology. This programme in Bioinformatics allows you to take advantage of all the advances in biology, as well as the bioinformatics tools to explore that biology.
We aim to provide you with a set of core skills that all bioinformaticians should have. By offering diverse and extensive course options, you can choose the mix of courses you want and determine the specific content of your programme.
Admissions
Curriculum
Programme structure
There are two semesters of teaching, followed by a research project over the summer (May-July/early August).
Courses
Courses are delivered by staff who are active researchers in each field. Their expertise may be supplemented by selected guest speakers, from industry or other research organisations.
There is a mix of compulsory and recommended elective courses available. These are listed on the Degree Programme Table. Note that available courses can vary from year to year, so make sure you are looking at those that are relevant to your application year. Here you will be able to see the compulsory courses for this programme, and the optional courses too.
Bioinformatics Degree Programme Table
Dissertation
The Dissertation, which you submit in late August, is the write-up for the research project you do from early May to late July/early August.
This independent research project involves doing, or applying, things that you have learnt about in the first two semesters. It is full-time and usually in person. Most students find the project to be the most enjoyable part of the degree.
How will I learn?
The teaching styles and assessment methods vary from course to course. They include:
- lectures
- tutorials
- seminars
- computer workshops
- lab demonstrations
For assessment, courses can have a combination of:
- in-course assessments
- exams
Program Outcome
By studying the MSc in Bioinformatics, you will:
- acquire cutting-edge knowledge about 'omics' technologies, and how best to develop and apply tools to leverage the biological data they generate
- learn that these technologies can be used in different ways to answer different biological questions, and to gain practice integrating or combining these approaches to suit the research interests
- be provided with opportunities to practise talks to convey your knowledge to your classmates
- Communicating your knowledge to others is an essential skill. To help you develop these skills, our staff will provide feedback on these talks, and some may be formally assessed.
- gain experience writing interactive programmes, generating reports, summarising your knowledge on a subject, and drawing conclusions from a wide range of data types
- These activities will, with practice, equip you with the necessary communication skills for whatever career pathway you have chosen.
Career Opportunities
Our Careers Service plays an essential part in your wider student experience at the University, providing:
- tailored advice
- individual guidance and personal assistance
- internships and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)
- access to the experience of our worldwide alumni network
We invest in your future beyond the end of your degree. Studying at the University of Edinburgh will lay the foundations for your future success, whatever shape that takes.