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Course overview

As biological sciences have become more data driven, bioinformatics is now central to modern biological research, from genetics, nutrition and epidemiology to ecology, neuroscience and biomedicine.

This programme teaches you how to manage and manipulate large datasets to reveal new insights in biological sciences. You get intensive training in a computer-based approach to biological research. You develop the computational and analytical understanding necessary as a platform for processing biological data. This involves the appreciation of biochemistry and molecular biology, together with IT and specialist skills in computer programming, data analysis, statistics and computational biology for multidisciplinary careers in research.

This course is taught at our National Horizons Centre at the University’s Darlington campus. This £22m purpose-built biosciences research, education and training facility is a focal point for the growing regional biosciences community. There are three routes you can select from to gain a postgraduate master’s award:

• MSc Bioinformatics – one year full time
• MSc Bioinformatics – two years part time
• MSc Bioinformatics (with Advanced Practice) – two years full time

The one-year programme is a great option if you want to gain a traditional MSc e two-year master’s degree with advanced practice enhances your qualification by adding a vocational or research based internship to the one-year master’s programme. A vocational internship is a great way to gain work experience and give your CV a competitive edge. A research internship provides you with the opportunity to develop your analytical, team-working, research and academic skills by working Â鶹ԭ´´ a research team in an academic setting. We guarantee a research internship, but cannot guarantee a vocational internship. We will, however, provide you with practical support and advice on how to find and secure your own vocational internship position should you prefer this type of internship.

How you are assessed

Modules are assessed by a variety of methods including exams and in-course assessment with some using other approaches such as group work, verbal or poster presentations.

Your Advanced Practice module is assessed by an individual written reflective report (3,000 words) together with a study or workplace log, where appropriate, and through a poster presentation.

Career opportunities

Our bioinformatics programme equips you with a strong foundation for further PhD research or for prospective employment. There is an increasing demand for bioinformatics skills across the biotechnology, life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors. The ability to manage, analyse, integrate and visualise big data using technologies such as Python and R is also applicable to fields including software development, data analytics and finance.