Bioinformatics MSc

Bioinformatics is a rapidly developing field within life sciences focused on developing methods and software tools to understand biological data.

Overview

Every field in life sciences has been transformed by the use of computers. Bioinformatics is a rapidly developing field within life sciences focused on developing methods and software tools to understand biological data. However, the original definition of bioinformatics was “the study of information processes in biotic systems” (Hogeweg and Hesper, 1970). The ability to develop and apply computational methods to large and complex datasets will be a key driver of biological innovation in the next decades.

MSc Bioinformatics at Nottingham is aimed at students with a background in biological sciences who wish to develop skills in bioinformatics and data skills for industry, future research careers and more. The course provides no accreditation for medical informatics, although the skills learned will be useful. The course is not aimed at students with a background in computer science.

The study programme incorporates the areas of:

• Computational biology, programming and practice
• Evolutionary genomics and bioinformatics
• Genomics
• Cutting-edge research technologies and ideas in molecular biology
• Advanced experimental design and analysis

Careers

We have designed this intensive taught course to deliver a wide range of bioinformatics skills grounded in a solid understanding and appreciation of the underlying biology sciences. Graduates of the course are equipped with the skills to pursue employment or further study in a variety of areas.

We anticipate that many of our graduates will go on to undertake PhDs applying their bioinformatics skills to a wide range of problems and questions. In addition, we anticipate students will go on to a wide range of bioinformatics careers in industries such as healthcare and basic science research.