Bioinformatics is fast-growing field at the intersection of Biology, Mathematics and Computer Science. It seeks to create and advance algorithms, computational and statistical techniques, and theory to solve formal and practical problems arising from the management and analysis of very large biological data sets.

The MSc programme has four different streams, for Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics graduates respectively, who will share some modules, but will also take modules specific to each stream that allow graduates from different backgrounds to increase their knowledge and skills in areas in which they have not previously studied, with particular emphasis on hands-on expertise relevant to bioinformatics

The MSc programme develops skills in data analysis methods and their application to large biological data sets, theory and application of computer programming (using the Python language) and its application for writing bioinformatics algorithms, and the mathematical and statistical theory and methods that underlie bioinformatics algorithms and methods (for example, use of discrete mathematics such as graph theory in many bioinformatics methodologies, and of differential equations for metabolome modelling in systems biology). Students will also develop research skills, as each student will carry out a three-month individual research project, involving a placement within the university, or in an external research institute, university or industry