Computational Biology,

University of York, Department of Biology

Disciplines:

Biology
Computer Science & IT

| More

Quick facts

Country:	United Kingdom	Duration:	12 Months
City:	York	Start Date:	October
Educational Form:	Research	Languages:	English
Education Variants:	Full Time
Annual Tuition Fee:	€ 4663 - Details € 15816 (non-EEA)

Programme Description

The MRes in Computational Biology programme trains graduates to meet the computational research demands of modern interdisciplinary bioscience in universities, research institutes and industry. Delivered by staff from across the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Computer Science, the course provides interdisciplinary research-led training in data analysis, informatics and the simulation of biosystems.

What kind of background do students have?

The programme is principally aimed at graduates of the biological and molecular sciences but also accepts graduates of computer science, mathematics and statistics. The course develops the core skills to support long-term research careers in computational and quantitative areas of modern interdisciplinary integrative bioscience.

What kind of graduate does the programme produce?

The programme develops computational bioscientists who:

* can organise and analyse large datasets generated by `omic-scale technologies
* adopt an integrated view of biological systems across many levels of organisation
* understand the role of modelling and simulation of biological systems
* have direct experience of interdisciplinary research
* appreciate the role of science in society e.g. commerce, IP issues, ethics and the public understanding of science

Contents
Requirements
More

Programme Content

The programme consists of modules (including lectures, workshops and projects) that are carefully tailored to deliver the programme´s aims delivered by an interdisciplinary team of staff across the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Computer Science. What kinds of skills will I develop?

The programme develops skills in the following areas:

Data analysis

* Data Analysis I: Concepts and Skills - basic numerical and statistical concepts
* Data Analysis II: Applied Biological Data Analysis - multivariate analysis methods
* Introduction to Machine Learning - artificial neural networks, Bayesian & symbolic approaches to data analysis

Programming

* Introductory Computing - basic computing skills and databases
* Introduction to Programming - programming concepts and practice (using Python)
* Java and Biocomputing - introduction to Java and applications programming

Informatics

* Molecular Sequence Analysis - sequence searching and alignment, profiles and phylogeny
* Structural Bioinformatics - biomolecular sequence-structure-function relationships; structure prediction

Modelling and simulation

* Simulation of Complex Biosystems - biosystem concepts, models and simulation

Transferable skills

* Transferable Skills I - Communication & Research
* Transferable Skills II - Enterprise in BioScience

Research skills (for more details see Research Projects)

* Project 1 (4 weeks) - group-based
* Project 2 (12 weeks) - individual
* Project 3 (16 weeks) - an external placement in industry, research institutes or universities

You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test if you come from a non-English speaking country.

Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.

More information

Requirements

Entry Requirements

For entry to the MRes Computational Biology programme, the a first or upper second class honours degree in any Biological Science-related subject. Alternatively, we will consider applicants with a degree in Computer Science, Mathematics or Statistics who can demonstrate a commitment to the Biosciences.

Will I need to be interviewed?

All UK applicants will normally be interviewed before a place is offered. Overseas applicants will not be asked to come to York for interview unless they are visiting the UK, in which case every effort will be made to find an interview date and time that is convenient for their itinerary. If it is not possible to visit, telephone interviews will be arranged for all overseas applications.

English Language Requirements

The University's absolute minimum English language requirements are:

* IELTS: 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
* TOEFL: paper-based 550/ computer-based (CBT): 213/ internet-based (iBT): 79
* Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: A, B, C
* Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: A