Our top performing Masters students will be considered for a College funded PhD scholarship

Bioinformatics is a discipline at the interface between biology and computing and is used in organismal biology, molecular biology and biomedicine. Biological datasets have become so extensive that sophisticated computing approaches are required. This Masters programme focuses on using computers to store data, mine information, analyse and display data - a core part of modern biology.

• Bioinformatics helps biologists glean new insights about genomes and genes (genomics), the expression products of genes in the form of transcribed RNA (transcriptomics) and protein (proteomics). Recent developments have seen advances in the study of cellular metabolites (metabolomics) and in the development of a new area: systems biology.
• You will develop a range of computing, data handling, and data interpretation skills, as well as bringing you up to date with the state of biological science.
• If you have a first degree in a molecular bioscience and want to specialise or enhance your skills in biological computing, this programme is designed for you.
• You will benefit from being taught by scientists at the cutting edge in their field and, if you progress to the MRes, you will get hands-on experience in active research labs during the summer research project.
• You will be based in the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, an ideal environment in which to train in bioinformatics. Internationally-recognised research is carried out here in functional genomics and systems biology. 
• Several world-renowned research centres at the University, such as the Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, do research employing bioinformatic approaches in the study of disease. We host the Sir Henry Wellcome Functional Genomics Facility, which utilises microarray, proteomics, metabolomics and next-generation DNA sequencing technology.

Programme overview

• MRes: 12 months full-time
• PgDip: 9 months full-time

The taught element covers three main areas:

• You will perfect your understanding of the molecular biology of genes and proteins, and learn how to use existing computer programs to analyse them.
• You will learn about the '...OMICS' technologies and their application (microarrays, next-generation DNA sequencing, proteomics and metabolomics).
• You will learn and apply the computational techniques required for bioinformatics in this course, partly run by staff in the School of Computing Science in conjunction with their MSc in Information Technology.

Research project

If you progress to the MRes you will undertake a four-month research project. Normally this will be with one of the research laboratories associated with the programme, but there is also the opportunity to study in suitable laboratories in other parts of the world.

Career prospects

This MRes prepares you for a PhD or direct entry into positions in research laboratories. A postgraduate degree in bioinformatics is valued by many employers, from research groups in basic biological or medical sciences who need staff with computing expertise to help them develop or use computing tools, through medical and neuroinformatics applications, to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

A second class Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Professional experience may be taken into account.

You do not need to have previous experience in computer programming, but you should be numerate, as part of the programme is spent learning programming. We may admit you if your background is outside molecular biology and we are confident that you can develop your understanding of the biology background in a timely manner.

English language

If your first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. See English Language Requirements.

The online application is the quickest and easiest way of applying to the University of Glasgow. The system allows you to fill out the standard application form online and submit this to the University immediately. You can also attach supporting documents including references, certificates and a transcript of previous studies. You will find instructions throughout the online form to help you complete your application. You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish before submitting it.

See: How to apply for a taught degree