Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

Purpose

The Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology is composed of a research project in Bioinformatics. The research project represents novel research that contributes to the advancement of the field of bioinformatics. The research will contribute to the following outcomes:

• Scope of knowledge.

Preparation for the research and the undertaking of the research will put the learner in continual contact with the relevant literature and academic discussions on the research topic. This will enable the learner to assess similar research, and engage in scholarship in the specialised field:

• Knowledge literacy.

Performing the research project will train the learner in the methodology of research in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.

• Method and procedures.

The learner will be trained to identify and apply the most appropriate methods to the research question in order to achieve the aim of the bioinformatics research.

• Problem solving.

The learner will continually be confronted with intellectual questions and problems and will be trained to use gained knowledge to identify the best approach to generate a solution to a bioinformatics problem.

• Ethics and professional practice.

It will be expected of the learner to be conversant in the ethics and professional conduct of scientific enquiry.

• Accessing, processing and managing information.

As part of the research, the learner will have to perform a review of the literature that is directly relevant to the research question. This will require the learner to demonstrate a skill to find, access, retrieve and systematically store published information and the associated references to such bioinformatics studies. The learner will also need to demonstrate the systematic organisation and storage of information generated by the research and a system that can retrieve appropriate sections of the information for analysis.

• Producing and communicating information.

The learner will need to prepare a thesis to communicate the results of the research project. Although not forming part of the summative assessment of the learner, it will be expected of the learner to present progress talks, and a seminar on the literature review. These activities will require the learner to demonstrate effective communication skills in specialist bioinformatics topics.

• Context and systems.

The learner will receive training in intervention of systems, and in dealing with the results of such interventions.

• Management of learning.

The learner will be guided in the development of a scholastic attitude and continued learning.

• Accountability.

The learner will be expected to take ownership and responsibility for his/her work.

Rationale

The qualification is inter-disciplinary, reflecting the inter-disciplinary nature of bioinformatics. It will allow learners with backgrounds in Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Genetics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science and related disciplines to enter into Bioinformatics. At present, learners are required to master aspects related to Computer Science or to Biochemistry or to Genetics, without integration across these disciplines. The interest in an inter-disciplinary approach to the analysis of large experimental datasets in Biology justifies the need for the proposed qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Institution endorses the Regulation for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT). Learners may apply to be accepted to the M.Sc. program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology by the RPL or CAT route. The application will be considered according to the RPL policy and procedures and may assess non-formal or informal learning against the knowledge required to successfully complete the requirements of the M.Sc. Degree. A recommendation will be communicated to the learner.

Entry Requirements.

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Level 8.

This qualification consists of a compulsory module at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Module

• Research project and thesis, 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge to choose an appropriate process of enquiry for the area of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.
2. Use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within the field of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology and understand the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specialised context.
3. Use the resources of academic and professional or occupational discourses to communicate and defend substantial ideas that are the products of research development in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify relevant areas and integrate into own work as appropriate.
• Take responsibility for progression of own research through independent selection and application of new methods to address the selected problem.
• Discuss literature critically and academically and engage with fellow learners and academics at presentations and discussions.
• Effectively use multiple sources of information.
• Review data critically.
• Apply learning strategies and take responsibility for work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply bioinformatics skills to solve challenging bioinformatics problems.
• Identify any negative and positive consequences arising from the application.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Effectively use multiple sources of information.
• Review data critically.
• Apply learning strategies and take responsibility for work.
• Use a range of advanced and specialised skills and discourses appropriate to the discipline to communicate with a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge or expertise.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification is assessed by examination of a submitted thesis, i.e. summative assessment. There are no formative assessment modules.

The examination of the thesis is performed by one unattached, internal (academic associated with the Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, but not the supervisor) and one external examiner and with whom there has been no collaborative project undertaken in the 5-year period preceding the examination. The nominated examiners must be approved.

The internal and external examiners will read the thesis, and prepare a report. The report will be a critical assessment of the thesis and will typically include an assessment of the scientific merit of the work as specified. The examiners will indicate whether the thesis should be accepted as is, accepted with minor or major (typically additional research) modifications, or rejected. If there is a significant difference in the assessment by the two examiners (for instance accept and reject), the the assessment of a third examiner may be requested.

After the examination reports of the examiners have been received the learner must present a seminar on the contents of the thesis. The learner may be asked to discuss issues raised in the reports of the examiners during general discussions directly after the presentation. External examiners who cannot attend the seminar may submit questions with acceptable answers that must be asked during the discussion. These questions will be asked by the internal examiners or designated questioner. External examiners may participate via video technology. The seminar must be of an academic quality and represents an oral examination. If the seminar is not of an acceptable quality, the learner may be asked to do another presentation.