Programme Overview:

Jointly offered by DCU’s School of Computing and School of Biotechnology, this Masters programme is designed to produce graduates with the inter-disciplinary skills required to prosper in the expanding bioinformatics and biotechnology sectors. With an industry-oriented focus, state-of-the-art facilities, and major fee support for EU citizens, DCU’s M.Sc. in Bioinformatics is the only programme in the Republic of Ireland to have at its core the integration of the life science and computing aspects of this exciting new discipline.

 Aims and Objectives

(1) Emphasis on Industry-Relevant Skills

DCU’s M.Sc. in Bioinformatics has been developed in close collaboration with industry bodies in order to maximise its relevance to industry needs. Accordingly, modules are delivered using a variety of interactive learning methods – including seminars, presentations, guest lectures and team projects – all of which are designed to facilitate integration of the theoretical and practical aspects of the programme. Additionally, the course’s unique structure strongly fosters interaction between participants on the two streams, thereby allowing them to develop vital industry-relevant skills in the areas of interdisciplinary team working, learning and communication.

(2) A Blend of the Theoretical with the Practical

One of the most challenging, yet rewarding elements of the programme is the practicum. Running from May to August, this sees students from both streams collaborating to work on a major systems biology or bioinformatics project of a research nature. Here, the multi-skilled teams of students draw on theoretical knowledge gained over the taught element of the programme to develop integrated solutions to computational/life sciences problems. The projects may be inspired by student interest, staff research or industry clients, and will typically involve research and development of a software application, bioinformatic analysis, or extension of standard computational and bioinformatic techniques.

A number of past projects have given rise to published papers in academic journals. In exceptional circumstances, there is an option available for students who are unable to undertake the practicum to obtain the qualification of Graduate Diploma in Bioinformatics.

 

 

Programme Description:

Programme Chair: Dr Martin Crane

A one-year full-time Masters programme featuring a common core curriculum with two distinct streams: Computational Systems Biology (MCSB) and Bioinformatics for Life Sciences (MBIO).

Programme Structure:

The two streams within this programme are designed to offer two distinct tracks with a shared bioinformatics emphasis to appeal to both computing and life science specialists. The innovative programme structure sees students of both streams following a common core curriculum, along with a number of modules particular to their stream.

Over the first two semesters, students on the Bioinformatics for Life Sciences stream take fundamental and intermediate modules in computing, as well as modules in specialised biological topics, algorithms and analysis. Simultaneously, students on the Computational Systems Biology stream follow specialist topics, adding to these foundation and intermediate modules in biological areas. This educational process therefore fosters the creation of synergy between the two streams, and allows students to gain a grounding in both the computing and life science aspects of the bioinformatics industry.

One of the most challenging, yet rewarding elements of the programme is the practical project undertaken between May and late August. This involves students from both streams collaborating to work on a major research project of a practical nature. Here, the multi-skilled teams of students draw on theoretical knowledge gained over the taught element of the programme to develop integrated solutions to computational/life science problems. The projects may be inspired by student interest, staff research or industry clients, and will typically involve development of a software application, bioinformatic analysis or review of a new area. In exceptional circumstances, there is an option available for students who are unwilling or unable to undertake the practical project to obtain the qualification of Graduate Diploma in Bioinformatics.

 

Click here to see MBIO course structure and all module descriptors (PDF)

Entry Requirements:

There are two distinct intakes into this degree, reflecting the two different streams of graduates produced:

Computing Stream: Good Second Class Honours degree in Computer Science, Computing, Computer Applications or a related discipline. Candidates with significant experience in the computing sector, in addition to a primary degree in some other discipline, may also apply for entry.

Life Sciences Stream: Good Second Class Honours degree in Biotechnology, Biology or a related discipline. Candidates with significant biological experience from their primary degree, or subsequent to their primary degree, may also apply for entry.

International Applications
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

Dates for Submission of Applications 2009

EU Applicants
This programme will not be running in the 2009/2010 academic year.

Non-EU Applicants
This programme will not be running in the 2009/2010 academic year.

 When applying for the programme use the PAC code DC702.

Queries on completed applications can be made by e-mail to registry.pac@dcu.ie

Career Prospects:

Bioinformatics: An Exciting Career Option

Currently there is a worldwide shortage of professionals with the computing and life science skills necessary to support the growing bioinformatics and biotechnical industries. Hence, for individuals who enjoy being at the forefront of scientific developments, bioinformatics and, more generally, biocomputation can be a very rewarding career option. With increased research supports for genomics, there is a growing demand for researchers and managers, among others, with a thorough understanding of the techniques used in genome analysis. Bioinformatics graduates are also in strong demand in other sectors such as the chemical industry, where they can aid product development, and the pharmaceutical industry, where they can assist in developing superior drugs. Among the companies and institutions for which our graduates work are ArraDx, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin City University, European Bioinformatics Institute, European Molecular Biology Lab (HeidleBerg), Ericsson, Icon Clinical Research, Quintiles, and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

 

See what past graduates did

Additional Features:

Further information

There are no Saturday classes and no requirement for workshop attendance prior to the commencement of the course. This is a full time course and as such lectures, tutorials and practicals are scheduled between the hours of 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday depending on staff timetables and location timetables, a sample timetable is available online at: www.dcu.ie/timetables/feed.php3?prog=MBIO&per=1.1&week1=20&week2=31&hour=1-20&template=student

Further information on this programme, and other programmes offered by DCU School of Computing, is available at www.dcu.ie/computing. Programme enquiries should be directed to bioinformatics@computing.dcu.ie or tel: +353 (0)1 700 8608. To apply for a taught postgraduate programme, visit the Postgraduate Applications Centre at www.pac.ie/dcu to complete an online application. For closing dates – see our website.

Fees Reduction

This programme is supported by the HEA under the Graduate Skills Conversion Programme resulting in a reduced fee for European Union Students. This is subject to review each year and in 2008/2009 the fees payable per annum by most EU students were reduced to €1,750.

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