Key information
Duration: 1 year full-time
Start date: October 2022
Campus: St Mary's
ECTS: 90 credits
Overview
Genome sequencing technologies have become widespread in nearly all areas of biomedicine. They are routinely used in population genomics, microbiology, epidemiology, clinical diagnostics, and drug discovery.
Despite the relative ease of generating genomic data at scale, there is pressing need for experts in genome data interpretation.
This MSc in Computational Genomics is specifically designed to provide in-depth training in programming, statistics and genome sequence data analysis to graduates with degrees in biological science disciplines. It will provide you with a specialist education in this rapidly developing area and you will be well equipped to progress on to PhD studies or a career in academia or industry.
The six modules cover the basic principles of genetics and genomics, statistical techniques applied to genomics, programming for biological data analysis, and genome data analysis.
You will gain a thorough grounding in the Linux operating system and Python programming language, while R programming will be covered in the context of its application to statistical analysis and data visualisation. This course will also foster transferable skills such as scientific writing, analytical thinking, and presentation of research.
In the latter half of your studies, you will have the unique opportunity to participate in a six-month computational genomics research project in a world class scientific environment, under the supervision of experts in the field.
Structure
This page reflects the latest version of the curriculum for this year of entry. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.
Page last reviewed on 25 October 2021.
Core modules
You will take all of the modules below.
Introduction to Genetics and Genomics
Learn fundamental concepts in genetics, genomics and the applications of next generation sequencing technology, building a necessary foundation for the rest of the course.
Python Programming for Bioinformatics
Discover Python, a simple and powerful programming language that is used for a wide range of scientific applications, and explore its practical applications.
Quantitative Biology and Statistics
Study statistics as well as more advanced statistical and quantitative genomics methodologies.
Genome Data Analysis
Explore Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) data analysis, including processing and interpretation of whole genome, whole exome or gene panel datasets, as well as epigenomic data.
Advanced Genome Data Analysis
Build on previous modules and explore systems thinking, required for translational and biological research.
Computational Genomics Research Project
Join a research team to conduct a computational genomics research project and work on a real-world scientific project as a member of a research group under the supervision of experts in the field.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Practical demonstrations
- Hands-on sessions
- Individual and group assignments
- Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
- 6-month research project
Assessment methods
- Assignments
- Data analysis and interpretation exercises
- Journal clubs
- Poster presentations,
- Research grant application writing exercise
- Lay abstract writing
- Peer review exercises
- Group-based learning
- Code writing hackathon
The six-month research project will be assessed through a written thesis and an oral presentation.
Entry requirements
We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Admissions
- Minimum academic requirement
- International qualifications
- English language requirement (all applicants)
Our minimum requirement is a 2:1 degree in biology or a relevant biomedical science discipline (or a comparable qualification recognised by the College).
We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.
The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a UK qualification.
For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.
If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.
All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.
For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.
Tuition fees and funding
The level of tuition fees you pay is based on your fee status, which we assess based on UK government legislation.
Find out more about fees and funding opportunities.
Fees for 2022 entry
Fees information will be updated shortly. Please check back here for more information.
Tuition fees
This section outlines additional costs relevant to this course. These are not included in your tuition fees. It's possible that all, or only some, of these will be relevant to you.
Figures are approximated, usually based on costs in the most recent academic year. They are likely to change each year but it's useful for you to be aware of the things you may have to pay for. This can help you budget for life at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.
Mandatory costs are those that you will need to pay to fully participate in and complete your studies. Optional costs are not essential to your studies so you can opt-out of these.
Laptop computer (mandatory)
You will need a laptop for some classes and work.
We estimate the approximate costs of a laptop with the required specifications would be £500.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For 2022-23 entry, the maximum amount is £11,836. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students to support you through your studies.
See what opportunities you may be eligible for:
- Find Faculty of Medicine Master's scholarships
- Explore other scholarship opportunities
Living costs, including accommodation, are not included in your tuition fees.
You can compare costs across our different accommodation options on our Accommodation website.
A rough guide to what you might expect to spend to live in reasonable comfort in London is available on our Fees and Funding website.
Further information
Got a question?
Professor Jorge Ferrer
T: +44 (0)20 7594 3340
E: j.ferrer@imperial.ac.uk
Read more about the Department and our research in the Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction.
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