Master of Science (Bioinformatics)

What do you get when you combine genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and physiology with computer science, statistics and applied mathematics? The answer? Bioinformatics - tools that give you the power to unlock biological secrets.

This coursework masters degree, which includes a major research project component, provides a broad education in bioinformatics, with strong foundations in computer science and statistics.

Whether your background is in biology, biomedicine, mathematics/statistics, or computer science, there's an entry point for you into this degree.

The Master of Science (Bioinformatics) is a 200-point course, made up of:

• Discipline subjects (137.5 points), including compulsory subjects and electives
• A professional skills subject - scientific communication (12.5 points)
• A research project (50 points).

In your first-year, your subjects will be tailored to you depending on your previous academic background (biology or biomedicine, computer science, mathematics or statistics).

In your second year, you'll take subjects that build your knowledge of advanced analysis techniques.

You'll also undertake a research project, over 12-18 months, working on a real-world bioinformatics research question. To support you and provide direction, you'll be matched with one of our expert researchers and practitioners from across the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct.

Plus, you'll take a subject on communication for research scientists, which ensures you're able to speak and write about your research professionally and impactfully.

Your elective subjects are selected in consultation with the Course Coordinator.

Bioinformatics is one of the key sciences of this century, and demand for specialists in the area is strong and growing.

Our graduates go on to work as bioinformaticians, data scientists and analysts, and computational biologists.

Employers in this field include:

• Medical research institutes such as the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and the Florey Institute
• Research hospitals such as the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
• Government departments of health and economic development
• Research-focused companies such as CSL and GSK
• Universities and public research institutions such the CSIRO.

Start-year Intake
Timely applications: 30 November 2021

Mid-year Intake
Timely applications: 31 May 2021

Note: Commonwealth Support Places (CSPs) will be allocated in timely application rounds, you will need to have submitted your full application prior to the timely application deadline to ensure you have the best chance to obtain a CSP.