Msc in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

at University College Cork

Programme content
 

This programme may be taken full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 months from the date of first registration for the programme. The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over two years. 
 

 This MSc programme has four different streams and students take 90 credits from their allocated stream.
 

• Stream for Biological Science Graduates
• Stream for Computer Science Graduates
• Stream for Mathematics Graduates
• Stream for Statistics Graduates
   

Course Practicalities

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
 

• Have a solid background in the theory behind bioinformatics methods and tools so that they can critically evaluate research in bioinformatics;
• Use existing bioinformatics methods and tools and rapidly learn to apply new methods and tools;
• Organise and analyse large data sets generated by genomics and systems biology approaches;
• Understand the role of modelling and simulation of biological systems;
• Have a deep knowledge of the aspect of bioinformatics in which they carried out their three-month research project. This experience will prepare them for a future research career in the bioinformatics field.
   

• Entrants to the programme must be holders of a minimum Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8), or equivalent qualification, in a discipline with a significant element of Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Computer Science or Biology.
• In addition, candidates with Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) may also be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for places, following assessment by the Programme Director, if they are also proficient in mathematics as evident from grades in Higher Leaving Cert maths or Undergraduate maths modules, and have at least one year of proven and relevant Biological, Mathematical or Computational work or Postgraduate experience.
• The number of places is limited and selection will be made on the candidate's performance in his/her primary degree and experience.
   

It is not necessary to have prior knowledge of computer programming or bioinformatics to take the course. All the necessary computer skills will be taught as part of the programme.
 

Minimum Requirements and Accepted English Language Tests & Examinations The minimum English language entry requirements for admission onto a postgraduate programme at UCC are outlined below. These requirements are for postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English. If Gaeilge (Irish) is your first language these requirements do not apply to you.There are a small number of programmes with a higher minimum English language entry requirement and we list these below under Programmes with a Higher Minimum English Language Requirement.IELTS*  
 

• 6.5 Overall
• 6.0 Individual Skills (academic version)
   

TOEFL iBT  

• 90 Overall
• Listening 20
• Reading 19
• Speaking 21
• Writing 20

The EU fee for this course is €6,130; €3,130 (Year 1 Part-time); €3,130 (Year 2 Part-time).
 

The Non-EU fee for this course is €18,500.
 

Deposits

If your course required a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second semester fee payment in January.
 

EU student fee payment

Fees for EU students are payable in two equal instalments. First payment at registration in August and the second in January.
 

International student fee payment

International Students can pay in two equal instalments once they have paid the appropriate deposit. The initial payment is due on registration and the balance usually by the end of January.

Our graduates offer a unique set of interdisciplinary skills making them highly attractive to employers at universities, research centres and in industry. Many research institutes have dedicated bioinformatics groups, while many 'wet biology' research groups employ bioinformaticians to help with data analyses and other bioinformatics problems. Industries employing bioinformaticians include the pharmaceutical industry, agricultural and biotechnology companies. For biology graduates returning to 'wet lab' biology after completing the MSc course, your newly acquired skills will be extremely complementary and useful.
 

Non-biology graduates seeking non-biology positions will also find that having acquired interdisciplinary skills is of great benefit in getting a qualified job in many sectors due to being able to adapt knowledge across a broad range of disciplines.