PgCert Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is a discipline at the interface between biology, computing and statistics and is used in organismal biology, molecular biology and biomedicine. This 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 graphical presentation - all of which form a core part of modern biology.Benefit from being taught by scientists at the cutting edge of their field with intensive, hands-on experience in an active research lab during the summer research project.Emphasis is placed on understanding core principles in practical bioinformatics and functional genomics, then implementing that understanding in a series of practical elective courses in semester 2 and a summer research project. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement.Equips you with understanding and hands-on experience of both computing and biological research practices relating to bioinformatics and functional genomics.Based in the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, which has carried out internationally-leading research in functional genomics and systems biology. It’s an ideal environment in which to train. Gain practical experience of working with large molecular datasets, with semester 2 courses built around real research scenarios, enabling you to see why each scenario uses the particular approaches it does and how to go about organising and implementing appropriate analysis pipelines.

Normally an upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Professional experience may be taken into account. Applicants with a lower second-class Honours degree in a relevant subject will be considered on a case by case basis.Relevant degree subjects are:all biology degrees with a substantial molecular biology or genetics component.other biology degrees with at least some molecular biology.computing science, software engineering or IT.mathematics or statistics (with evidence of experience in computer programming).other physical sciences subjects with either evidence of experience in computer programming or evidence of a strong background in molecular biology.For all other degree backgrounds, please consult the programme director for advice before applying.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 and many of the courses involve statistical analysis. 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 the contact listed above), as we do often take students with other backgrounds