Bioinformatics

Learn to code for biology. This module introduces you to Unix, Python and R – all essential tools for bioinformatics. You'll practise writing and running scripts, manipulating large datasets and creating reproducible code. By the end, you'll be able to write simple programmes to solve biological problems. This is a foundational module for building your coding and data analysis skills. 

Explore how genomes evolve and what they can tell us about life. This module covers evolutionary biology and bioinformatics topics like phylogenetics, pan-genomes and population genomics. You'll use cutting-edge tools to analyse large datasets and uncover evolutionary patterns. It’s an essential part of understanding genome-level evolution and analysis. 

Master the tools used to decode genomes and for advanced statistical analysis. This module covers how scientists assemble DNA sequences and identify important features using bioinformatics. You'll get practical experience with software used in real research, learning both the theory and the hands-on skills needed to work with complex genomic data. It’s a key module for developing your expertise in genomic and statistical analysis. 

This semester long full-time module consists of three independent research projects carried out in groups/teams. This module is worth 60 credits and consists of instructor lead group analysis of exemplar problems in bioinformatics analysis. Here you will practice your newly acquired bioinformatics skills with the support of academics and your peers. You will work on these projects in small groups with individuals taking responsibility for different components of the analysis and presentation. This allows you to learn from one another to experience the working environment often found within real projects, and develop and fine tune your skills. There are three rotations, each of which will be led by a different academic and will last for three weeks. The module is assessed in three parts, each contributing equal weight to the final mark. The three assessments are a presentation, a GitHub page, and a project report.  

The module aims to provide students with a range of presentation and IT skills that are essential for modern biological researchers. The workshop content will provide a conceptual framework, while journal clubs and coursework will deliver the hands-on experience required to develop appropriate practical skills.

This module tackles real-world research data through a hands-on