MSc Computational Biology

The figure shows a regulatory network that visualizes the molecular interactions between genes and their products within a biological cell.
The figure shows a regulatory network that visualizes the molecular interactions between genes and their products within a biological cell.

Computational, statistical and machine learning methods form an integral part of modern research in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Public Health Care and in Medicine. The past decade has seen enormous progress in the development of molecular and biomedical technologies. Today’s high-throughput array and sequencing techniques produce data in the range of terabytes on a daily basis and new technologies continuously emerge. This will further increase the stream of data available for biomedical research. For this reason analyzing, visualizing and managing this huge amount of data is a challenging task. The Queen’s MSc course in Computational Biology targets these data-driven challenges of modern science. The course is open to graduates in computer science, life sciences, physics or statistics.

  • Duration:        One year, full-time 
  • Closing date: 14 June 2013 (Late applications may be considered if places are still available)

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Course Content

Introductory short course (two weeks) in Cell Biology, followed by modules in: 

• Genomics & Genetics
• Analysis of Gene Expression
• Scientific Programming & Statistical Computing
• Algorithmic Biology
• Statistical Biology
• Bioimaging Informatics
• Research project : MSc dissertation

Entrance Requirements

A 2.1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in a Natural Science subject, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a relevant medical subject (e.g., Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences).

English Language:

  • an IELTS score of 6.5 with not less than 6.0 in each of the four component elements of listening, reading,speaking and writing taken within the last 2 years;
  • a TOEFL score of 90+ (internet based test), taken within the last two years, with minimum component scores of Listening – 20, Reading – 19, Speaking – 21, Writing - 20;.
  • a valid Certificate of Proficiency in English grade A or B;
  • a valid Certificate of Advanced English grade A;
  • or a first or upper second class honours degree from a university based in the UK, Republic of Ireland or other suitably quality assured location in a country deemed by the UK Border Agency to be majority English speaking.

Tuition Fees

Tuition Fees 2012/13 (Band 1)

Home / EU Students:     £3,828International:  £11,266

The Tuition fees for 2013/14 will published on the Student Income and Finance Office webpages once the information becomes available. 

Sources of Funding

The School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast are offering a limited number of studentships to cover international fees only for a one year full time Masters commencing October 2013. 

Successful candidates would be accepted for one of the following full time taught programmes:              

  • Masters in Public Health
  • MSc in Computational Biology
  • Masters of Research in Translational Medicine

Application Process:

Candidates should make an application via the Queen's on-line application portalfor one of the courses of study: Masters in Public Health, MSc Computational Biology or MRes in Translational Medicine

Closing Date:               30 April 2013

The University’s also provide information on possible sources of awards which is available at the Postgraduate Centre

How to Apply

Candidates should make applications through the Universities Online Admissions Portal .  Guidance is available on the University’s Prospective Student pages.

When applying please choose 'Medicine’ as your subject area/School.

For further advice on the application process at QUB please contact:

Admissions and Access Service
Lanyon North
Queen’s University Belfast
Belfast
BT7 1NN
Tel: +44 (0)28 9097 5081
E-mail: pg.apply@qub.ac.uk
www:  www.qub.ac.uk/ado 

Further Information

Professor Peter Hamilton
Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology
Email:  p.hamilton@qub.ac.uk
Telephone:  +00 (44) 28 9097 2802

 

Dr. Frank Emmert-Streib
Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology
Email:  f.emmertstreib@qub.ac.uk
Tel:  +00(44) 28 9097 2792

Further Information for International Students

Once you have applied and accepted your place at the University you mayfind the University’s Admissions webpage for new students webpages of interest.  These webpages contain useful information which will assist you in making the necessary arrangements prior to coming to Belfast to study.

International Candidates should refer to the webpages of the University’s  International Student Support Office  for further information about studying at Queen’s as an International Student.

Graduate Prospects

The University welcomes International Students each year.  Candidates may find the University’s  International Student Support Office website useful for finding out more about living and studying in Belfast.