MSc Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics

The past decade has seen enormous advances in molecular and biomedical technology resulting in an omics revolution. Bioinformatics covers the application of mathematics, statistics, and computing to biological and clinical scenarios. Algorithms and software tools are used to understand and interpret patient-derived Big Data.

WHAT'S INVOLVED?

You will be analyzing clinical and omics data to find complex patterns relating to patient response to treatments and prognosis. You will discover results that translate to the real world, through clinical trials or commercialization. You will use your vision to find unique solutions to clinical and biological problems, and by the end of the degree you will be ready to work within a multidisciplinary team alongside bioinformaticians, biologists, and clinicians from the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research.

This is complemented by guest lectures from industrial and clinical collaborators.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2023 for courses that commence in late September. If any program receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the program application page.

Please note a deposit will be required to guarantee a place on the course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list. Please see the deposit terms and conditions for more details.

Bioinformatics And Computational Genomics Highlights

The analysis of Big Data may provide the key to unlocking the cause and development of various diseases, such as cancer. It also offers the prospect of developing new drugs and therapies to prevent and treat conditions and diseases.

Global Opportunities

You'll be involved with our Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research and Welcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, which work with partners around the world in developing treatments and pioneering advances in patient care. Both Centres have an international reputation for the successful dissemination and application of cutting-edge research, knowledge transfer, and the commercialization of research ideas and innovations.

A fascinating and challenging set of subjects, this Masters degree will provide students with a background in computational or life sciences, to move across to an exciting new area of discovery, technology and applications.

You’ll begin with an introductory short course (two weeks at the beginning of the first semester) in Cell Biology, followed by modules in:

• Digital Pathology
• Applied Genomics
• Analysis of Gene Expression
• Genomics and Human Disease
• Scientific Programming and Statistical Computing
• Biostatistical Informatics
• Research Project: Dissertation

We provide a broad learning base and offer training in open-source programming languages commonly used in academia and industry.

The research projects are mainly split between the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, and the Centre for Experimental Medicine. You’ll be working with supervisors who are actively conducting research into the causes and treatments of inflammatory disease and cancer. There are also opportunities to work on research projects with our industrial partners.

Environment

You’ll be taught by active researchers including several biologists, one pathologist and two mathematicians/ statisticians. We also have teaching input from our industrial partners.

During the research projects, you may have the opportunity to work alongside PhD students in open-plan environments on-campus, but the course is flexible.

Assessment & Feedback

Assessment for the modules will be based on 100 percent coursework/in-class tests/dissertation. Students who pass all of the taught modules but who fail to achieve a mark of at least 50 percent in the dissertation are eligible for the award of a PG Diploma.

Learning and Teaching

We provide a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in an advanced society making use of innovative technologies.

Across a combination of morning and afternoon classes, examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are lectures, practical experiences, E-Learning technologies, Self-directed study and added value qualifications to enhance employability.

Field trips

We regularly head off to places to visit our local industrial partners such as Almac Diagnostics and Analytical Engines.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

The rapid production of 'omics' data within medicine and the life sciences has meant that individuals with analytical experience in this field are highly sought after. Recent graduates have gone on to work in the industry in companies such as Almac Diagnostics, Liberty IT, and Fios Genomics and some have gone on to further Ph.D. level research.

Employment after the Course

Many of our students go on to pursue further Ph.D. studies in Bioinformatics at Queen's and further afield. Others go on to work in a variety of roles in both the private and public sectors here in Northern Ireland and internationally. The following are some of the jobs they have taken on:

Bioinformatician at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Application Scientist at Dotmatics

Network and Security Engineer at Darktrace

Senior Data Scientist at Liberty IT

Graduate Trainee HPC, University of Bristol

Junior Bioinformatic Scientist at Almac Group

Bioinformatician at Fios Genomics Ltd

Biomedical Scientist and Junior Bioinformatician, BioKinetic Europe

Data Analyst. Diaceutics

Professional Opportunities

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programs alongside sterling integration with business experts help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports, and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognized by a world-leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.