This modular programme aims to produce postgraduate students with a sound knowledge of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology.  The programme covers practical, theoretical aspects and the necessary skills to undertake individual and collaborative research in this field. This programme has been designed for students wishing to make a career in the  Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical industry, medical and academic or any field where a knowledge of bioinformatics is desirable. 

The programme offer a mix of traditional Bioinformatics with an introduction to the cutting edge of research at the molecular level . The focus of the programme is not simply on the state of current knowledge but also the methodology used in obtaining that knowledge, making use of recent research papers to inform class discussion. In addition to taught modules in the field you will also be trained in research processes, culminating in an individual research project which will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your individual skills and abilities.

For entry to this programme, students are required to have qualifications equivalent  to a  honours degree from a UK university in a relevant subject or experience.  For overseas students there is a requirement for an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher (or equivalent), TOEFL score of 650 or an equivalent. Applicants whose qualifications do not conform to these criteria may be admitted to the programme at the admission tutors discretion which will normally involve an interview.

• Students are assessed in practical work and theory.
• In taught modules 40% of the module mark is derived from coursework during the semester (this can take a variety of forms including laboratory work, data analysis, essays, oral presentations etc.) and the remaining 60% from written theory examinations at the end of the semester.
• The Research Skills module is assessed by coursework involving a variety of forms of presentation.
• The Research Project is assessed mainly by the final written report, with contributions from a poster presentation and portfolio.
• The pass mark for all modules is 50%

• The curriculum is tailored to current demand in an area of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology.
• Emphasis is placed on the development of skills as well as academic knowledge.
• Part-time students in relevant employment may be permitted to carry out research projects at their place of work.

• Project work is an essential component of a Masters degree programme and one that most students enjoy. Small projects and group work exercises feature throughout the programme.
• The individual research project is the culmination of the programme makes up 33% of the programme.
• Project work encourages students to show initiative in their individual work under supervision, using appropriate analytical techniques to generate and interpret new data.
• Dissertation preparation develops literature researching, presentation and written communication skills essential in professional life

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Most graduates would be expected to pursue research careers in the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industry, in the National Health Service or Health Protection Agency, environmental monitoring, in academic research in Universities, research institutes etc. Many students go on to laboratory based careers but there are also careers in areas such as scientific sales and management, clinical data management etc. This degree can also be utilised by those students who have less specific career aspirations but enjoy the challenge of scientific study at this advanced level.

The School of Health and Bioscience provides immediate contact with University support systems.

• When you arrive, you will be allocated a Personal Tutor (a member of staff familiar with your degree). You will see your Tutor at regular intervals to discuss progress and life in general. Your tutor will be responsible for directing your skills development work, by directing you to programmes which will tackle any areas in which your academic background may be deficient.
• The programme tutor may also give support on academic matters, and advice about other specialist help available through the University.
• The School also has a Help Desk to provide administrative assistance and advise how to get the right help.
• Internet homepages are used by many staff to support their teaching and your learning.
• Lecture and practical files, quizzes, mark summaries and much more are now available for several modules via UELPlus Online programme links.

Throughout the programme you will find a number of scheduled support activities devoted to specific aspects e.g. how to write your project report, or more general aspects such as careers.
Support for students on a University level includes:

• Libraries and Learning Resource Centres
• Careers advice and information
• Counselling and Advice for practical problems
• Health Centre with a nurse regularly on duty
• Language tuition
• Dyslexia support
• Accommodation

• A small and friendly campus.
• A School with staff and facilities to match to the wide interests and backgrounds of students.
• Good connections with NHS, Pharmaceutical Industry and other employers.
• Sports facilities at the Atherton Centre, which is just a few minutes walk away.
• Multiplex cinema, theatre, supermarkets, high street shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs a few minutes walk away in Stratford - a major site of new development in East London.
• Central London only 20 minutes away by underground, and extensive transport links with all parts of London.

Students completing this programme should:

• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of bioinformatics and specialised areas of biotechnology and have an appreciation of the current range of theoretical and research understanding in those areas.
• Create, design and explore a research question in a specialised area of bioinformatics and evaluate this research with appropriate justification or create, design and explore a work-based learning project to evaluate an issue in practice.
• Reflect critically on their own and others' learning and practice.
• Disseminate to peers in a critical format, underlying evidence in specific areas of practice
• Have a systematic awareness of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems and new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of molecular biology, bioinformatics and biotechnology.
• Have a comprehensive understanding of the latest research techniques used in molecular biology, bioinformatics and biotechnology.
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences using a variety of methods including written, poster, oral and web-based presentations
• Design and develop a high quality dissertation and present it in a suitable form.
• Provide evidence of ability to set realistic aims in research work and manage time and resources effectively.

Knowledge

• A sound foundation and knowledge of both the practical and theoretical aspects of bioinformatics and biotechnology.
• Detailed knowledge of bioinformatics.
• The principles of statistical assessment of clinical and research data.

Thinking skills

• The ability to use integrated approaches to analyse and interpret complex and contradictory scientific information autonomously and to accurately assess and criticise your own and others' work.
• An awareness and understanding of the ethical constraints associated with the subject area and the ability to relate these to your own experience.
• The ability to contribute to the development of the subject through applied study or research.
• The ability to solve problems in science.

Subject-Based Practical skills

• The ability to select and apply a range of practical skills relevant to bioinformatics.
• A higher level of competence in laboratory skills.
• An ability to isolate, assess and resolve problems independently and to react effectively to unusual and unexpected situations.
• An improved ability to engage in professional and academic communication with others in your specialist field.
• The ability to select and utilise appropriate computer software, and to understand its limitations in presenting scientific data.

Skills for life and work (general skills)

• Increased ability to take responsibility for your own learning and the ability to work with and motivate others
• Ability to reflect critically on your own and others' performance resulting in the improvement of subsequent actions.
• Increased confidence in your own abilities.
• Improved skills in written and verbal communication of complex information.

The typical duration of this programme is one year full-time or two years part-time. It is possible to move from full-time to part-time study and vice-versa to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.

The teaching year is divided into two semesters of roughly equal length. Teaching and assessment of taught modules is completed within each semester. The research project is completed in the summer period, between June and September. For part-time students, attendance is required on one full-day per week, for full-time students attendance is normally three days but this may be increased during the research project.

The order in which modules are taken will vary for different groups of students. This is possible because the modules are all free standing, except that the research skills module should be taken before the start of the project.

Part-time MSc students study Bioinformatics in semester A and Applications of Bioinformatics in Semester B of the first year. The following year they study Molecular Biology and Disease in semester A and Research Skills in semester B. We anticipate that most students taking the part time programme will be in related employment and will be able to devise projects which can be carried out at their place of work. Alternative arrangements will be made individually for students unable to do this, and the project would be taken in the summer period, normally of the second year.

Full time students complete the whole programme in a single calendar year. Students starting the programme in Semester A will take Bioinformatics and the Molecular Biology and Disease module in semester A followed by Applications of Bioinformatics and Research Skills in semester B. The project would be taken in the summer period. Students starting in semester B will take Applications of Bioinformatics and the Research Skills module in semester B, followed by the project in the summer period. The Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology and Disease modules would be taken in semester A of the following academic year.

Full-time Postgraduate Diploma students will take Bioinformatics and the Molecular Biology and Disease module in semester A followed by Applications of Bioinformatics and Research Skills in semester B. Students following this program by part time study would normally take Bioinformatics and Applications of Bioinformatics in the first year of study, though this is not essential. Students can start this programme in full time or part time mode in either semester.

Postgraduate Certificate students take only the Bioinformatics and Applications of Bioinformatics modules. These two modules can be taken in either order so students can start this programme in September or in February.

• In order to gain a Postgraduate Certificate, you will need to obtain 60 credits at Level M.
• In order to gain a Postgraduate Diploma, you will need to obtain 120 credits at Level M
• In order to obtain a Masters, you will need to obtain 180 credits at
• Level M. These credits will include a 60 credit level M core module of advanced independent research.

Knowledge is developed through

• Lectures
• Seminars and workshops
• Student centred learning – directed reading, assignment preparation.

Thinking skills are developed through

• Tutorials
• Seminars and workshops
• Report writing and assignments
• Project work

Practical skills are developed through

• Laboratory practical sessions
• Individual research project
• Data analysis exercises
• Use of IT and library based resources
• Student presentations

Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through

• Student centred learning
• Seminar and workshop discussions
• Oral and written presentations
• Computer assignments
• Managing time
• Team work

Knowledge will be assessed by

• Examinations and coursework (in the taught core course modules emphasis will be given  to work-based coursework)
• Interim reports and Final oral examination

Thinking skills are assessed by

• Examinations and coursework(in the taught core course modules emphasis will be given  to work-based coursework)
• Final oral examination
• Tutorials with University and work-based supervisor

Practical skills are assessed by

• Laboratory practical / coursework (in the taught core course modules emphasis will be given  to work-based coursework)
• Reports from work based supervisors

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by

• Laboratory practical/ coursework (in the taught core course modules emphasis will be given  to work-based coursework)
• Coursework reports
• Reports from work based supervisors