| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
Cranfield University's MSc in Applied Bioinformatics equips graduates with hands-on skills in bioinformatics, focusing on genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics data analysis. The program emphasizes practical experience through dedicated computer facilities, workshops, and a group research project. Graduates are prepared for careers in industry, research institutions, and academia, with potential job titles including bioinformatician, data scientist, and research scientist.
Program Outline
Extracted Information about MSc in Applied Bioinformatics at Cranfield University
Degree Overview:
This MSc course, established in 1998, provides a hands-on learning experience in bioinformatics skills, covering the latest advances in data analysis. It focuses on genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics data and utilizes the latest advances in programming languages (Python, Java, R, SQL), web technologies (JavaEE, NoSQL, JavaScript), bioinformatics protocols for NGS and 3GS technologies.
Program Objectives:
- Equip graduate scientists with skills to process, analyze, and interpret big biological data.
- Train individuals for careers in industry, public research establishments, and university research institutions.
- Nurture talent to design innovative drug discovery methods and diagnostic instruments.
- Develop the ability to design and implement tools and databases using cutting-edge standalone or web-based platforms.
Program Outline:
Course Duration:
One year full-time, two to three years part-time
Modules:
- Introduction to Bioinformatics using Python (programming basics for bioinformatics)
- Exploratory Data Analysis and Essential Statistics using R (data exploration and analysis with R programming)
- Next Generation Sequencing Informatics (advanced analysis of NGS data, including gene and variant exploration)
- Application of Bioinformatics in Epigenetics, Proteomics and Metagenomics (meta-genomic, epigenomic, proteomic data analysis with bioinformatics tools)
- Machine Learning for Metabolomics (exploring and predicting metabolic data using machine algorithms)
- Programming Using Java (understanding object-oriented programming concepts with Java)
- Data Integration and Interaction Networks (network analysis for biological datasets, and data integration techniques)
- Advanced Sequencing and Genome Assembly (learning to apply and optimize genome assembly algorithms for various sequencing data, including de-novo assembly methods)
Course Delivery
- Module Duration: One module is three weeks for full-time and 6 weeks for part-time.
- Content Delivery: Combination of lectures, hands-on practicals (using dedicated computer facilities), workshops, individual projects, and a group research project.
- Teaching: Lectures followed by practical sessions.
- Assessments: Each module includes coursework (assignments and exams).
- Learning Activities: Tutorials, workshops, independent learning, guest speaker events, group project work.
Assessment:
Coursework, including assignments with a maximum of one week for completion and module-related exams. Exam questions assess understanding of applied concepts and practical skills.
Teaching:
Teaching Faculty:
- Multidisciplinary team including Cranfield University faculty and external specialists.
- Cranfield University Lecturers:
- Professor FD Mohamed (Course Director),
- Dr TK Kurowski
- External Lecturers:
- Professor C Besant (QMUL),
- Dr E Ferreero(GSK),
- Dr LR LARCOMBE (Applied Genomics Ltd),
- Dr RB King (Rothamsted Research),
- and Dr LB (Fondazione Edmund Mach).
Teaching Method:
- Lectures followed by practical sessions (utilizing dedicated computer facilities).
- Interactive teaching style encouraging class engagement.
Additional teaching aspects mentioned:
- 8 weeks of the program are intensive block modules.
- Practical and computational sessions are facilitated by expert technicians in the university’s Bioinformatics Hub computer laboratories.
Careers:
Post-Graduation Career Paths:
- Public Health, pharmaceutical & biotech, and agricultural research institutions
- University-based positions in research or teaching within associated field
- Job titles held by graduates: bioinformatician, data scientist, software developer, research scientist, biostatistician.
Others:
- Students can receive assistance concerning career opportunities through the Career Service which includes career coaching, resume support, interview guidance, access to job postings through Symplicity platform (connects employers with researchers and job candidates).
- Alumni can access career resources throughout life.
- Course boasts the BBSRC's Master's Training Grant (MTG) award for being the best course in life and health sciences.
- Program is designed to meet industry needs based on the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
- Course provides a tailored postgraduate learning experience unlike traditional MSc courses with shared lectures or modules with undergraduate students or students from other programs.
- Cranfield University is ranked 15th for agricultural sciences in the 2023 QS world University rankings by subject.
Disclaimer:
This information has been extracted as accurately as possible from limited context. However, it is crucial to visit and review the official program website for the most accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date details on the MSc in Applied Bioinformatics at Cranfield University.
