The MSc in Bioinformatics, Polyomics and Systems Biology is an exciting and innovative programme, offered for the first time in 2013/14, that has grown out of our well-regarded MRes in Bioinformatics, which ran for more than 12 years. Bioinformatics is a discipline at the interface between biology and computing and is used in organismal biology, molecular biology and biomedicine. ‘Polyomics’ is a new term used to describe the modern integrated approach to biological analysis involving genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomics and systems-level datasets. This Masters programme focuses on using computers to glean new insights from DNA, RNA and protein sequence data and related data at the molecular level through data storage, mining, analysis and display - all of which form a core part of modern biology.

Programme overview

• MSc: 12 months full-time;
• PgDip 9 months full-time;

The programme has the following overall structure (please see link on right hand side of this page for further details):

• Core material - 60 credits, Semester 1, made up of 10- and 20-credit courses - Foundations of Bioinformatics, Omics and Systems Approaches in Biology, Programming, Information Systems and Databases
• Elective material - 60 credits, Semester 2, students select 6 10-credit courses from those available
• Project - 60 credits, 15 weeks embedded in a research group over the summer

Research project

You will undertake a 15-week 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 MSc is good preparation for a variety of career paths. Many of our graduates go on to do a PhD in the UK or abroad. Many also go directly into positions in research laboratories as bioinformaticians or as research assistants/technicians focusing on analysis. A postgraduate degree in bioinformatics is valued by many employers - e.g. research groups in basic biological or medical sciences who need staff with computing expertise to help them develop or use computing tools; labs and companies implementing neuroinformatics applications; the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

Academic entry requirements

Academic entry requirements

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.

If you have a degree in a molecular bioscience and want to specialise or enhance your skills in biological computing, this programme is designed for you

If your background is in a non-molecular life science, or in another discipline such as Computing Science, please apply anyway, or enquire (see contacts listed on the 'Introduction' tab), as we do often take students with other backgrounds

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now