Bioinformatics, Polyomics and Systems Biology MSc
New Course Discount: The University of Glasgow will apply a £3,200 discount to the international fee for this one year full-time postgraduate taught masters course starting in September 2013.
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.
- Bioinformatics helps biologists gain new insights about genomes (genomics) and genes, about RNA expression products of genes (transcriptomics) and about proteins (proteomics); advances have also been made recently in the study of cellular metabolites (metabolomics) and in a new area: systems biology
- ‘Polyomics’ involves the integration of data from these ‘functional genomics’ areas - genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics - to derive new insights about how biological systems function
- On this programme, you will develop a range of computing and programming skills, as well as skills in data handling, analysis and interpretation, and you will be brought up to date with recent advances in biological science
- The new programme structure puts the emphasis on understanding core principles in all these areas, and then implementing that understanding in a series of practical-based elective courses in Semester 2 and in a summer research project
- The Semester 2 elective courses are built around real research scenarios, enabling you not only to gain practical experience of working with large molecular datasets, but also to see why each scenario uses the particular approaches it does and how to go about organizing and carrying out appropriate analysis pipelines
- You will benefit from being taught by scientists at the cutting edge of their field and you will get intensive, hands-on experience in active research labs during the summer research project
- 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 below), as we do often take students with other backgrounds
- You will be based in the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, an ideal environment in which to train in bioinformatics; our College has carried out internationally-recognised research in functional genomics and systems biology
- You will learn computer programming in courses run by staff in the School of Computing Science in conjunction with their MSc in Information Technology
- 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 also host a new functional genomics facility, Glasgow Polyomics (formerly the Sir Henry Wellcome Functional Genomics Facility), which utilises microarray, proteomics, metabolomics and next-generation DNA sequencing technology; the MSc programme has close links to this facility.
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.
Further information: Dr Mark E S Bailey
email: mark.bailey@glasgow.ac.uk
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.
International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.
International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.
Further information regarding academic entry requirements: student.recruitment@glasgow.ac.uk
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:
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
We ask that you apply online for a postgraduate taught degree. Our system allows you to fill out the standard application form online and submit this to the University within 42 days of starting your application.
You need to read the guide to applying online before starting your application. It will ensure you are ready to proceed, as well as answer many common questions about the process.
Guide to applying online
Do I have to apply online for a postgraduate taught degree?
Yes. To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We are unable to accept your application by any other means than online.
Do I need to complete and submit the application in a single session?
No. You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process. You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload additional documents such as your final transcript or your language test.
What essential documentation should I have available before I start my application?
As well as completing your online application fully, it is essential that you submit the following documents:
- A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s)
- A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
- Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
- Two supporting reference letters on headed paper
- Evidence of your English Language ability (if your first language is not English)
- Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
- A copy of the photo page of your passport (Non-EU students only)
Do my supporting documents need to be submitted online?
Yes, where possible, please upload the supporting documents with your application.
What if I am unable to submit all of my supporting documents online?
If you cannot upload an electronic copy of a document and need to send it in by post, please attach a cover sheet to it that includes your name, the programme you are applying for, and your application reference number.
You may send them to:
Recruitment & International Office
71 Southpark Avenue
Glasgow
G12 8QQ
Fax: +44 141 330 4045
Can I email my supporting documents?
No. We cannot accept email submissions of your supporting documents.
What should I do if am having problems using the online application system?
If you are having issues, please email doashelp@mis.gla.ac.uk
What entry requirements should I have met before applying? Where can I find them?
You should check that you have met (or are likely to have met prior to the start of the programme) the individual entry requirements for the degree programme you are applying for. This information can be found on the ‘entry requirements’ tab on each individual programme page, such as the one you are viewing now.
What English Language requirements should I have met before applying? Where can I find them?
If you are an international student, you should also check that you have met the English Language requirements specific to the programme you are applying for. These can also be found on the ‘entry requirements’ tab for each specific programme.
Guidance notes for using the online application
These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately, they are also available within the help section of the online application form. You can also download a PDF with detailed guidance information for the online application system:
Applicants' Guide to Online Application
- Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
- Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
- Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
- Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
- Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
- English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
- Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.
- References: Please provide the names and contact details of two academic references. Where applicable one of these references may be from your current employer. References should be completed on letter headed paper and uploaded on to your application.
Standard application deadlines
- International applications (non-EU) 23 July 2013
- UK and EU applications 27 August 2013
Classes start on 16 September 2013 (provisional date) for most courses and you may be expected to attend induction sessions the week before
