BSc (Hons) Bioinformatics Genomics

Program Overview

This Bioinformatics Genomics degree equips students with comprehensive knowledge in genomics, using a blend of computing, biology, and medicine. Through practical learning and expert guidance, the program prepares individuals for careers in research and independent practice in areas like human health, drug development, and improving plant and animal well-being. The degree offers a strong foundation in bioinformatics, genetics, and molecular biology, enhanced by connections with industry and research organizations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Genomics is one of the fastest-growing areas of research and development and this Bioinformatics Genomics degree will enable you to build up comprehensive knowledge on this fascinating subject. Using a mix of computing, biology and medicine, you will explore the wide-ranging subject matter with an emphasis on practical learning throughout, all the while supported by highly-experienced, expert tutelage. The course aims to prepare you for work as independent practitioners and researchers in a wide range of areas including human health, drugs and therapeutic development, improving the quality of animal, plant and food health, and more.

Outline:

Level 4

• Compulsory modules:
• Cell and Microbiology:
This module provides a comprehensive understanding of cell biology and microbiology, focusing on the structure, function, and dynamics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as the study of microorganisms. You will explore various topics, including cell division, the cell as the fundamental unit of life, cell specialisation, microorganism structure and physiology, identification and classification of microorganisms, control of microorganisms, causes and pathology of common diseases, lifestyle impact on human health, investigation and diagnosis of diseases, therapeutic strategies, human life cycles and aging, and the role of stem cells in regenerative medicine. By the end of the module, you will have acquired knowledge and skills necessary for understanding the intricate relationship between cells, microorganisms, and human health.
• Essential Skills for Bioscientists: This module has been designed to support you in developing the core technical and transferable skills required to study, undertake research, and communicate effectively on topics in the Biosciences.
Using workshops and practical sessions, this module will deliver an integrated understanding of matter, and the connection between the structure of atoms, molecules and compounds and their physical and chemical properties (eg, bonding and energy). It also supports you in developing quantitative skills for solving chemistry calculation problems that form the basis of many analytical methods eg, spectrophotometry, chromatography etc. These concepts will be taught using lectures, tutorials, and lab practicals.
• Human Anatomy and Physiology: This module will introduce you to human anatomy.
You'll gain insights into the relationship between the structure and function of the individual at the system level and as a fully integrated organism. Theory will be supported by a virtual practical activity.

Level 5

• Compulsory modules:
• Bioinformatics and Systems Biology:
This module aims to provide you with a robust foundation in bioinformatics and computational biology. By combining the exploration of computational tools for high-throughput biological data analysis with in-depth network analysis and modelling, the module aims to foster critical thinking, practical skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through these learning experiences, you will be equipped to comprehend complex biological data, apply computational methods effectively, and interpret network properties, thereby preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the field of bioinformatics and systems biology.
• Fundamentals of Pharmacology: This module aims to help you understand how drugs work in the body to prevent and treat diseases.
You will learn about how drugs interact with the body, how doses affect responses, different ways drugs can be given, types of drugs, how the body processes and removes drugs, and the potential dangers. You will also explore methods for discovering new drugs and the idea of personalised medicine.
• Research, Development and Leadership: This module aims to equip you with comprehensive knowledge, skills, and practical experience in research, evidence-based practice, clinical audit, innovation, and collaborative teamwork in biomedical and biosciences contexts.
• Infection and Immunity: This module aims to provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the current concepts of basic immunology as well as continue to build on your infection knowledge from Level 4 with respect to diseases you may encounter in the clinic.Theoretical concepts are reinforced through laboratory practical sessions which will introduce you to diagnostic microbiological and basic immunological techniques and data analysis which are broadly used in a variety of clinical settings and scientific disciplines.
• Genetics and Evolution: This module provides an in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles of genetics, inheritance, and the mechanisms that drive evolution.
Through the lens of various bioscience and biomedical sciences disciplines, you will explore the intricate world of genetics, gaining practical laboratory skills, an understanding and application of molecular biology, and the ability to analyse biological data. The module will also cover the integration of knowledge across bioscience/biomedical sciences disciplines to tackle complex biological inquiries and foster effective communication of scientific concepts. The opportunities provided by genetic approaches to engineer proteins and their therapeutic and biotechnology applications will also be discussed. Enzyme mechanisms and regulation will be taught complementing learning content in the Cell Metabolism module. The module introduces you to the basics of bioinformatics, increasingly used in biological research and is a skill in high demand by employers. This module builds on the key concepts in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry taught at Level 4 which elucidate the importance of macromolecules in the cell.

Level 6

• Compulsory modules:
• Final Year Research Project:
The 40-credit module aims to equip you to plan and produce a small-scale research project relevant to your own area of interest. You will learn to develop an appreciation of how scientific knowledge advances through research including the challenges and limitations. With the support of a supervisor, and shared discussions with other students, you will work independently to carry out a research project to completion.
• Population Genetics and Genomics: The module aims to equip you with bioinformatics skills to analyse the genetic makeup of biological populations and understand how various factors, including natural selection, influence changes in genetic composition.
You will explore theories and concepts explaining the genetic, genomic, and environmental factors contributing to human diversity, variations in disease responses, and drug therapies.
• Data Science in Health and Well-being: The aim of this module is to provide you with advanced knowledge and understanding of the application of data science in healthcare.
The module will introduce a range of advanced statistical methods that are used in health data science, such as linear regression, logistic regression, survival analysis, and principal component analysis.The module also aims to develop your understanding of the whole data science process, including defining the question, obtaining a dataset, performing analysis, interpreting the results, and communicating the results to a wide audience.
• Bioinformatics Genomics Practice: This module introduces you to the fundamental concepts and techniques in bioinformatics genomics.
Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical sessions, you will gain the skills required to process, analyse, and interpret genomic data.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods: lectures, tutorials, lab practicals, workshops, seminars, and a mentoring programme.
• Facilities: simulated bioinformatics pipelines and new biomedical science labs.

Careers:

• Potential career paths: bioinformatics scientist, molecular pathologist, research scientist, biostatistician, microbiologist, bioinformatician, zoologist or wildlife biologist, molecular biologist, agriculturist, bioinformatics analyst (engineer, programmer), biologist (environmental, fisheries, plant, marine bioinformatician), biomedical researcher, biophysicist, biotechnologist, clinical lab technician, computational biologist, epidemiologist, geneticist (genetics engineer), medical illustrator or technologist, physician, professor, technical writer.

Other:

• Placement Year: You can choose to study a placement year module to develop your employability skillset and enhance professional development and career prospects.
The module requires you to undertake 45 weeks of full-time employment relevant to Biomedical Sciences. The industrial placement year aims to enhance your employment prospects by developing industry-related skills in a real work environment. It also aims to enhance and develop your personal and interpersonal skills, knowledge and practical abilities through an individually negotiated portfolio of activities.
• There is no guarantee that you will be successful in securing a placement.
If you choose a course with a placement route and a placement opportunity does not arise, the University will automatically transfer you to the non-placement route. This is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree. The placement route for this course is open to UK students only.
• Strong links with local medical/pharmaceutical providers, environmental/government agencies, information technology, research labs and biotech industries.

• Attendance of seminar series with bodies such as Genomics England Clinical Interpretation Partnership (GeCIP) evidence workshops and seminars.

• UWL's strong links with local medical/pharmaceutical providers, environmental/government agencies, information technology, research labs and biotech industries.

The fees above is the cost per year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront. Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.