(MSc) Master of Science
Health Genomics
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Masters
Full-time
MSC C45012
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A degree with an overall 2.2, or equivalent, in a relevant subject such as:
Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science(s), Genetics, Pharmacology, Medicine,
Chemistry.
Your degree should contain some Biology/Medical components including:
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics, Drug Design, Immunology, Microbiology and Virology.
We will also consider applicants with backgrounds in Data Science, Bioinformatics or Computer Science degrees on a case by case basis.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum component score of 5.5
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Dr Lakjaya Buluwela
Reader in Cancer Medicine
Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
Genome sequencing is revolutionizing the field of medicine. The ability to sequence and analyse the genome of individuals in a fast and inexpensive manner provides an unprecedented level of genetic information associated to health and disease. On the other hand, the data processing of such level of information is challenging and requires specialized skills in genomics, health and data analysis. This course aims to train scientist to be able to analyse genomic data in connection with health and disease. Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. Therefore to ensure your course is as relevant and up-to-date as possible, your module structure may be subject to change. Genome sequencing is revolutionizing the field of medicine. The ability to sequence and analyse the genome of individuals in a fast and inexpensive manner provides an unprecedented level of genetic information associated to health and disease. On the other hand, the data processing of such level of information is challenging and requires specialized skills in genomics, health and data analysis. This course aims to train scientist to be able to analyse genomic data in connection with health and disease. Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. Therefore to ensure your course is as relevant and up-to-date as possible, your module structure may be subject to change.
This course explores how genome sequences are analysed and provides hand-on experience in data analysis. You will learn advanced statistical and computational techniques to analyse genomic data. In addition the course also covers gene and genome technologies as well and professional skills.
This course covers, among other things:
- Gene technologies and general genomics
- Bioinformatics and computational biology
- Data analysis and computing programming
- State-of-the-art genome-wide analysis techniques
- Statistical analysis of biomedical data
An important component of the course is a research project under the supervision of one of our internationally-recognised investigators. Your research project will immerse you in a research environment, allowing you to conduct your research alongside our expert academics and PhD students in shared labs.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Comprehensive and systematic knowledge and understanding of human genetics and genomics and applications to health and biomedicine.
A2: Advanced knowledge of applications of genomic data analysis to health data.
A3: Basic and advanced understanding of molecular biology and its application to health and biomedicine.
A4: Fundamental and advanced skills in bioinformatics and data analysis of health and biomedical datasets.
A5: Knowledge and understanding of regulatory ethical issues in health data analysis.
A6: Research based learning and methods in health genomics.
A7: Introduction into new venture creation.
Learning methods
Lectures and practical sessions (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and A6)
Online materials, papers and self-learning (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6 and A7).
Assessment methods
A combination of coursework (A1, A2, A3, A4 and A7) and exams (A1, A3, A5 and A6) for the taught modules and a written dissertation and oral presentation for the research project.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Systematic retrieval and integration of health genomics information
B2: Critically evaluation of data analysis and bioinformatics methods
B3: Analysis and identification of appropriate tools and methods for data analysis of health genomics datasets
B4: Numerical interpretation of quantitative data using graphs, tables and statistical tests
B5: Integration of information and knowledge from different fields (genomics, data analytics, bioinformatics and health)
B6: Plan and execute a research topic.
Learning methods
Lectures, practical sessions and online materials (B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5).
Research project (B6)
Assessment methods
A combination of coursework and exams for the taught modules (B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5) and a written dissertation and oral presentation for the research project (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 and B6).
C: Practical skills
C1: Design and execute relevant data analysis work for health datasets
C2: Combine standard and state-of-the-art methods for data analysis of health datasets
C3: Deep understanding of methods, proven by the capacity to clearly describe and explain appropriate methods
C4: Capacity to work in a team, organise, plan, execute and evaluate tasks
C5: Develop and improve entrepreneurship skills in heath genomics
Learning methods
Lectures (C2 and C3), practical sessions (C1 and C4) and online materials (C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5).
Assessment methods
A combination of coursework and exams for the taught modules and a written dissertation and oral presentation for the research project.
D: Key skills
D1: Write clear, concise structured reports, including graphical material, describing complex and original material. Construct well-argued and clearly presented essays and reviews; give oral and poster presentations to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Write an in-depth review of the literature for selected topics. Prepare a professional Curriculum Vitae.
D2: Use networked PC operating systems for file management. Use state-of-the-art computational methods for data handling and analysis. Able to locate and use online catalogues, databases and appropriate software packages.
D3: Apply appropriate advanced statistical and quantitative methods to analyse data.
Apply other advanced quantitative methods used in molecular medicine
D4: Explore, analyse and find effective solutions for problems involving moderately complex information.
D5: Work effectively as part of a team to collect data and/or to produce reports and presentations, and organise a scientific conference.
D6: Work independently, set realistic targets, plan work and time to meet targets within deadlines and evaluate and reflect on own performance, and how this can be improved to enhance employability.
Learning methods
D1 - lectures, seminars, coursework, self-learning, the research project and its associated training seminars.
D2, D3, D4 - lectures, seminars, coursework, self-learning, practical classes and the research project.
D5 - lectures, seminars, coursework, self-learning, practical classes and the research project and its associated training seminars.
D6 - seminars, coursework, self-learning, practical classes and the research project.
Assessment methods
D1 - reports in scientific paper format and as worksheets; examinations; essays; literature review group project report and oral presentations; action plans; CV; scientific paper format report, oral presentation and poster from the research project.
D2 -.reports in scientific paper format and as worksheets; examinations; group project report and oral presentations; action plans; CV; scientific paper format report, oral presentation and poster from the research project.
D3 - reports in scientific paper format and as worksheets; examinations; class tests; scientific paper format report, oral presentation and poster from the research project.
D4 - reports in scientific paper format and as worksheets; examinations; essays; literature review; group project report and oral presentations; action plans; scientific paper format report, oral presentation and poster from the research project.
D5 - group project report and oral presentations; action plans; preparation of a scientific conference.
D6 - reports in scientific paper format and as worksheets; examinations; essays; group project report and oral presentations; action plans; CV; scientific paper format report, oral presentation and poster from the research project; preparation of a scientific conference