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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
12 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Biology | Genetics | Molecular Biology
Area of study
Natural Science
Course Language
English
About Program

Program Overview


The MSc in Bioinformatics & Computational Biology at UCC is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program that equips students with interdisciplinary skills in biology, mathematics, and computer science for solving problems in data management and analysis. The program includes a three-month research project, providing hands-on experience in applying bioinformatics techniques to cutting-edge research questions. Graduates are highly sought after by universities, research centers, and industries in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and biotechnology.

Program Outline


Degree Overview:

Our MSc in Bioinformatics & Computational Biology is a one-year full-time (or two years part-time) taught masters course commencing in September. Bioinformatics is a fast-growing field at the intersection of biology, mathematics, and computer science. Bioinformatics seeks to create, advance, and apply computer/software-based solutions to solve formal and practical problems arising from the management and analysis of very large biological data sets. Such applications include genome sequence analysis, such as the human genome, the human microbiome, analysis of genetic variation within populations, and analysis of gene expression patterns. Another emerging area within bioinformatics is systems biology, which examines how individual biological components (e.g. metabolic pathways, genes, proteins, organelles, cells, physiological systems, organisms) interact in a network to produce observable phenotypes of a whole organism or body system. As part of our MSc programme, students carry out a three-month research project in a research group in UCC or in an external university, research institute, or industry. The programming and data handling skills that you will develop, along with your exposure to an interdisciplinary research environment, will be very attractive to potential employers.


Outline:

This programme may be taken full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 months from the date of first registration for the programme. The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over two years. This MSc programme has four different streams and students take 90 credits from their allocated stream. Stream for Biological Science Graduates Stream for Computer Science Graduates Stream for Mathematics Graduates Stream for Statistics Graduates


Teaching:

Staff on this programme include programme coordinator Dr Marcus Cleeson, from the School of Microbiology, and associated staff from the Schools of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics & Statistics, Biochemistry & Cell Biology and the Department of Computer Science.


Careers:

Our graduates offer a unique set of interdisciplinary skills making them highly attractive to employers at universities, research centres and in industry. Many research institutes have dedicated bioinformatics groups, while many 'wet biology' research groups employ bioinformaticians to help with data analyses and other bioinformatics problems. Industries employing bioinformaticians include the pharmaceutical industry, agricultural and biotechnology companies. For biology graduates returning to 'wet lab' biology after completing the MSc course, your newly acquired skills will be extremely complementary and useful. Non-biology graduates seeking non-biology positions will also find that having acquired interdisciplinary skills is of great benefit in getting a qualified job in many sectors due to being able to adapt knowledge across a broad range of disciplines. Where have our graduates gone? As this MSc qualification is recognised worldwide our graduates work across the globe including the Netherlands, Austria, the USA, and New Zealand. Graduates in Ireland work with Teagasc, tech multinationals, and BioPharma. Since there is a shortage of bioinformaticians there are many opportunities for bioinformaticians both locally and internationally.


Other:

Working in the field of bioinformatics is both a challenging and satisfying job, which often involves problem-solving, programming, statistical analyses of large data sets and mathematical modelling of biological phenomena. It is possible for a bioinformatician to work on many different biological questions and types of data sets, making this an interesting and exciting field to work in. A bioinformatician’s day-to-day work can involve studying many different fascinating and important biological questions, such as: How many genes are there in the human genome, and can we identify them all? What are the differences between cancer cells and healthy cells? How do new drug-resistant strains of malaria evolve from existing strains, and can we predict what strains will emerge in the future? What bacteria are present in different environments, such as different parts of the human body in people of different ages, populations, and health? How are different animal groups (e.g. humans, flies, jellyfish, earthworms, etc.) related to each other, and when and where did they evolve from a common ancestor? And so on! As part of the MSc programme, students carry out a three-month research project in a research group in UCC or in an external university, research institute or industry. This will provide the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in bioinformatics to a cutting-edge research question. In principle, placements abroad to execute the research project can be facilitated subject to approval.

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University College Cork


Overview:

University College Cork (UCC) is a public research university located in Cork, Ireland. It is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland (NUI). UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.


Services Offered:

    Student Support:

    UCC provides a range of support services for students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.

    Library:

    The Boole Library offers extensive resources, including books, journals, and online databases.

    Campus Life:

    UCC offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs, societies, and sports teams.

    Accommodation:

    UCC provides on-campus accommodation options for students.

    International Office:

    The International Office supports international students with visa applications, cultural adjustment, and other services.

    Adult Continuing Education:

    UCC offers a variety of programs for adult learners, including evening classes and online courses.

    Continuing Professional Development:

    UCC provides professional development opportunities for working professionals.

    Micro-credentials:

    UCC offers micro-credentials in various fields, allowing students to gain specific skills and knowledge.

    Scholarships and Prizes:

    UCC offers a range of scholarships and prizes to support students financially.

    Transition-In Programme:

    UCC provides a transition-in program for students who are new to higher education.

    Graduate Attributes:

    UCC focuses on developing graduate attributes such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

UCC offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including sports, clubs, societies, and events. The campus is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.


Key Reasons to Study There:

    World-class Education:

    UCC is renowned for its high-quality education and research.

    Strong Academic Programs:

    UCC offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.

    Vibrant Campus Life:

    UCC provides a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved.

    Beautiful Location:

    UCC is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

    International Reputation:

    UCC is a globally recognized university with a strong international reputation.

Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

  • Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
  • Business and Law
  • Engineering and Science
  • Medicine and Health Sciences
  • Education
  • Music

Other:

  • UCC is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as the world's first green campus.
  • UCC is a member of the National University of Ireland (NUI).
  • UCC has a strong research focus and is home to a number of research centers and institutes.
  • UCC is a popular choice for international students, with a large international student population.

Total programs
589
Average ranking globally
#367
Average ranking in the country
#3
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:

  • EU Home Students:
  • Minimum Qualification:
  • Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8), or equivalent qualification, in a discipline with a significant element of Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Computer Science or Biology.
  • Alternative Qualification: Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) may be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if the candidate is proficient in mathematics (evidenced by grades in Higher Leaving Cert maths or Undergraduate maths modules) and has at least one year of proven and relevant Biological, Mathematical or Computational work or Postgraduate experience.
  • Note: Not all courses are open to international
    on-EU applicants.
  • Please check the fact file above.

Language Proficiency Requirements:

  • Non-native English Speakers: Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements.
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