Master of Applied Science (Bioinformatics)

Please note: This course will no longer be offered from 2012. The information below is for continuing students who are currently enrolled in this course.

Bioinformatics brings together the fields of life science, computer science and statistics. Bioinformaticians strive to understand medical and biological systems by the creative application of statistics and computer analysis. They may write computer programs that analyse data in a new way, they may apply existing analysis tools to new data sets, they may introduce novel statistical methodologies into the analysis of data and they may extend existing analysis capabilities to genome-sized data sets. The most recognised application of bioinformatics has been the mapping of the human genome sequence.

Overview

Over recent years there has been a surge of interest in bioinformatics that has been fed by major advances in areas such as genome sequencing projects, molecular modelling, genomics and proteomics. Two streams of study are offered in the postgraduate program in bioinformatics. Stream A is for students with an information technology background and Stream B is for students with a strong background in molecular biology.

This program will be of interest to graduates in computer science wanting to extend their skills to the computer analysis of biological data and problems. Life science graduates wanting to understand the information technology and statistical background to bioinformatics will also be attracted to the program.

Sydney University Advantage

Sydney University has a vast breadth of expertise in bioinformatics covering the disciplines of statistics, computer science, genetics, biochemistry, veterinary science, medicine and agriculture. Bioinformatics research has been concentrated within the Sydney Bioinformatics Centre and into the Medical Foundation Building, which houses bioinformatics and functional genomics groups. The University has hosted the Australian Genomic Information Centre since 1991.

Researchers have also contributed to the establishment of a bioinformatic interest group in Australia, now called Bioinformatics Australia. The group provides a forum for the discussion of ideas, conference organization, and as a means of binging like-minded individuals together.

Program Expectations

The coursework program will provide students with a coordinated approach to bioinformatics, thus developing expertise to perform and develop the analysis of biological data with underlying competencies in the life sciences, computer science and statistics. Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate
[GradCertApplSc(Bioinf)], Graduate Diploma [GradDipApplSc(Bioinf)] or Masters [MApplSc(Bioinf)], graduates will have a specialist knowledge and understanding of the topic of bioinformatics.

Research Path

For students seeking a career in bioinformatics research, the Masters program provides an option known as the Research Path. This option permits a significant component of the Masters to be taken as a bioinformatics research project and training in research related skills is provided. Completion of this option allows students to apply for admission to a research program. Eligibility to the Research Path is conditional on academic performance.

Mode of Delivery

The program is run from the Camperdown campus with the majority of classes being held from 9am to 5pm, although many IT classes are conducted in the evening.

Admission Requirements

Stream A (IT background)

• GradCertApplSc(Bioinf):
  - a Bachelor’s degree in science (information technology)
• GradDipApplSc(Bioinf):
  - a Bachelor’s degree in science (information technology); or
  - GradCertApplSc (Bioinf); or
  - equivalent qualifications and experience
• MApplSc(Bioinf):
  - a Bachelor’s degree in science (information technology); or
  - GradDipApplSc (Bioinf); or
  - equivalent qualifications and experience

Stream B (Life Sciences background)

• GradCertApplSc(Bioinf):
  - a Bachelor’s degree in life sciences
• GradDipApplSc(Bioinf):
  - a Bachelor’s degree in life sciences; or
  - GradCertApplSc(Bioinf); or
  - equivalent qualifications and experience
• MAppSc(Bioinf):
  - a Bachelor’s degree in life sciences; or
  - GradDipApplSc(Bioinf); or
  - equivalent qualifications and experience

Program Requirements

Stream A (IT background) and Stream B (Life Sciences background)

• GradCertApplSc(Bioinf):
  - satisfactory completion of 24 credit points (cp)
• GradDipApplSc(Bioinf):
  - satisfactory completion of 36 cp
• MApplSc(Bioinf):
  - satisfactory completion of 48 cp

Units of Study

Up to date list of units of study.

After Graduation

Bioinformaticians work in hospitals, at universities and in industry in a range of areas such as medicine, pharmacology, veterinary science, ecology, genetics, agriculture, molecular modelling, phylogenetics, genomics, proteomics, biochemistry, molecular biotechnology, computer science and statistics.

Credit for Previous Study

Credit is not available in this program unless it is for units of study undertaken within embedded programs at the University within the past two years, except at the discretion of the Dean.

Annual intake

30

Minimum Program Duration – Full Time

• GradDipApplSc(Bioinf) - 2 semesters
• MApplSc(Bioinf) - 2 semesters

Minimum Program Duration – Part Time

• GradCertApplSc(Bioinf) - 2 semesters
• GradDipApplSc(Bioinf) - 3 semesters
• MApplSc(Bioinf) - 4 semesters

Is Mid-Year Entry Available?

No