MSc Bioinformatics Handbook

Our Bioinformatics MSc comprises two components: taught and project. In the taught part, you take 120 credits worth of taught courses, 60 credits each in the two Semesters. Some of the courses are compulsory, others you get to choose which ones you would like to do for the 60 credits per semester. The only compulsory course starting at the beginning of Semester2 is Research Proposal, which, as the name suggests, requires you to write a research proposal. In May, you commence the research project, followed by a write up/Dissertation that you submit in August; this is worth the final 60 credits of the 180-credit degree. In the project, you will have the opportunity to integrate all the knowledge and abilities you have developed whilst doing the taught courses, a situation most students find immensely satisfying, even if it’s hard work at times!

Many students find the project development and implementation very helpful when trying to decide where they want to go with their careers: what area of bioinformatics, and whether the next step is a PhD, or start a new job? Our goal for this degree is to prepare you as much as possible for whatever route you decide to follow.

As we (hopefully) leave Covid behind, I think we have been reminded that social interactions are not only very pleasant when they take place, but also particularly helpful in off-setting any feelings of isolation as you perhaps find your way in a new country and/or culture. Can I strongly encourage you to get to know other members of the programme, not only because it can be great fun (lots of cool things to do in Edinburgh!), but also to build up a network of academic friends around the world. We have several social events organised for you during the course of the year as well, so do look out for those!

Inevitably, sometimes things CAN go wrong, be that having difficulties with the course work, having “difficulties” with your flatmates, or more general physical or mental-health related issues. The main thing is to not suffer in silence, we are very much here to help, but if you don’t tell anyone, we can’t help...! To make all this easier for you, don't forget that you have your Student Adviser to talk to, as well as a very comprehensive student welfare/wellbeing system, including BTO Support; all are available pretty much any time that you might need them, and they are free, so do take advantage of it!

Also, if you have any questions/issues, please do feel free to drop me an email at pretty much any time (i.e. 24/7), and if needed, we can arrange a meeting either in person or on Teams/Zoom, whatever might suit you best.

Finally, from everyone associated with the Programme, we wish you every success and an enjoyable time here in Edinburgh!

Dr Al Ivens

View a copy of the Bioinformatics Welcome Talk.

The Degree Programme Table (DPT) lists the compulsory and optional courses for your programme. 

Bioinformatics DPT

Students are not allowed to take more than a total of 30 credits below level 11. 

An alternative appropriate course may be substituted with the permission of the Programme Director.

Information relating to assessments and their deadlines are detailed in the associated Course Learn Ultra page. Note that access to our Learn Ultra Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is restricted to current students only.

Personalised Timetables 

Information on your timetable can be accessed via MyEd.  

• This includes a personalised timetable service called MyTimetable. 
• Your personalised timetable also appears on Office 365 calendars, which you can view on your smartphone or other device. 

 Access your timetable on MyEd

Timetable information for students

Your final degree classification is based on the mark for the taught component of your degree and the dissertation component. For MSc Bioinformatics, if the taught component average is within 2% of the classification threshold and the project mark meets that threshold, then the median of the taught component marks (weighted by credits) is taken. If that median exceeds the threshold, then the higher classification is awarded.

As a member of the School of Biological Sciences, you are warmly welcome to visit the office or contact staff if you have a query.