Master of Science (Bioinformatics)

The Master of Science (Bioinformatics) is a coursework masters degree incorporating a substantial research project.
The Master of Science gives students the opportunity to undertake a substantive research project in a field of choice as well as a broad range of coursework subjects including a professional skills component, as a pathway to PhD study or to the workforce.

The objectives of this course are to provide students with:

• a broad education in bioinformatics with strong foundations in computer science, biology, and statistics;
• significant experience in a specific area of bioinformatics;
• ability to conduct independent research in bioinformatics; and
• potential to proceed to a PhD degree.

Students undertaking the Master of Science - Bioinformatics program will complete 200 points comprising:

• Discipline subjects (137.5 points) including compulsory subjects listed for each specialisation plus electives;
• Professional Skills subject (12.5 points);
• Research Project (50 points), commencing in Semester 2.

Exemptions will be granted for students who have completed equivalent subjects in their undergraduate studies.

First year Core - Biology/Biomedicine stream (for students with a biology /biomedicine background)

Students must take:

and two 12.5 point elective subjects selected in consultation with the Course Coordinator.

First year Core - Mathematics/Statistics stream (for students with a mathematics and statistics background)

Students must take:

and one 12.5 point elective subject selected in consultation with the Course Coordinator.

First year Core - Computer Science stream (for students with a computing background)

Students must take:

and one 12.5 point elective subject selected in consultation with the Course Coodinator.

Second year - All streams

Students must take:

and one of the following subjects:

An undergraduate degree with a major in biology, biomedicine, mathematics and statistics, or computer science, with at least an H3 (65%) in the major, or equivalent. Students should also have a background in calculus and computing.

Quotas may be applied and preference may be given to applicants with evidence of appropriate preparation or potential to undertake research. Entry is subject to the capacity of a participating department to provide adequate supervision in a research project appropriate to the interests and preparation of the individual student and may be subject to the agreement of a member of academic staff to supervise the project module. Selection is not automatic and, in particular, is subject to competition.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the University’s programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a course are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant course coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

The Master of Science offers a pathway to a PhD.

Graduates will:

• have the ability to demonstrate advanced independent critical enquiry, analysis and reflection;
• have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship;
• have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s);
• reach a high level of achievement in writing, research or project activities, problem-solving and communication;
• be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning;
• be able to examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines;
• have a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment; and
• be able to initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces.