Master of Science (Bioinformatics)

Course MC-SCIBIF (2014)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2014.

Year and Campus: 2014 - Parkville
CRICOS Code: 062189B
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Duration & Credit Points: 200 credit points taken over 24 months full time. This course is available as full or part time.

Coordinator

Dr Andrew Lonie

Email: alonie@unimelb.edu.au

Contact

Melbourne Graduate School of Science
Faculty of Science
The University of Melbourne

Tel: + 61 3 8344 6128
Fax: + 61 3 8344 3351

Web: http://graduate.science.unimelb.edu.au

Course Overview:

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.

Learning Outcomes:

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.
Course Structure & Available Subjects:

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.

Subject Options:

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

Students must take:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50

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:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50

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:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50

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

Second year - All streams

Students must take:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

and one of the following subjects:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Entry Requirements:

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 must also have completed MAST10005 Calculus 1 or equivalent.


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.

Core Participation Requirements:

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.

Further Study:

The Master of Science offers a pathway to a PhD.

Graduate Attributes:

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.
Links to further information: http://graduate.science.unimelb.edu.au/programs/msc/bioinfo.php

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