Bioinformatics, interpretation and data quality assurance in genome analysis (for CPPD)

Scientist working in a lab with biological samples

The module covers the fundamental principles of informatics and bioinformatics applied to clinical genomics. Students are taught to find and use major genomic and genetic data resources; use software packages, in silico tools, databases and literature searches to align sequence data to the reference genome, critically assess, annotate and interpret findings from genetic and genomic analyses. Theoretical sessions are coupled with practical assignments of analysing and annotating predefined data sets.

This module is central to the Genomic Medicine Programme as it provides students with the skills to begin to analyse genomic data. This module is suitable for beginners and does not involve the use of the Unix command line or R. Students with previous bioinformatics experience are advised to take the advanced bioinformatics module.

Information on other modules can be accessed here.

Course Dates

Key Features

Whilst evidence will not be required as part of your application, given the postgraduate level of the course and subject matter, we would recommend that applicants are able to meet the following requirements:

Academic requirement

Applicants are normally expected to a hold a 2i degree or higher from a UK university or an equivalent from an overseas university.

Language requirement

To ensure that all participants can participate fully and get the best from studying with us, you will need to be confident understanding and following arguments presented in written and spoken English at University level.

If English is not your native language, you will need to satisfy yourself that you have an appropriate level of English language proficiency in line with the following recommended tests (achieved in the same sitting and no more than 2 years before the date of booking):

◾IELTS Academic: Overall score of 7.0 (a minimum of 7.0 in Listening, Writing and Speaking; 6.5 in Reading)
◾TOEFL Internet: Overall score of 100 (a minimum of 25 in each individual component)
◾CAE: Grade A or B (with at least 193 in each individual element) plus a Language Centre assessment
◾CPE: Grade A, B, or C (with at least 200 in each individual element)

Alternatively, you may have undertaken all, or part, of your education in English and/or may have extensive experience using English on a regular basis in your professional life.

Note that: International students must ensure they have the appropriate immigration status to undertake the course, and this will need to be checked by the University. Students who do not hold an immigration status that permits study and work in the UK will be based overseas and attendance on modules can be supported as a visitor to the UK. There are restrictions on using the visitor route for study and this may restrict the number of modules that can be undertaken across one year. Further information is provided on the International Students website and prospective students are advised to read this in full.