man chester tics brochure

8/4/2019 Man Chester tics Brochure

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B IO INFORMATICS

POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE/DIPLOMA/MSc

ONLINE MODULAR DEGREE PROGRAMME


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Who is this course for?The programme has been created to meet increasing demand from the pharmaceutical,

biomedicine, medical informatics, and biotechnology industries for experts skilled

in using computers to manipulate and analyse the growing quantities of genetic

information available to these industries.

It is designed to meet the needs of two types of students: people with a background inthe bio-sciences (including those with joint degrees) who wish to acquire competence

in biocomputing; and those with a background in computing and computer science

who wish to gain a grounding in molecular biology.

What are the benefits for me??This course will enable you to:

study molecular biology if you have a background in computing

study computing and modelling techniques if you have a background in bioscience

train in one of the most exciting and fast-moving disciplines in the field of bioscience

receive support during your studies from academics actively engaged in bioscience

research at the universities of Manchester and Leeds

acquire subject-specific skills in bioinformatics, including the ability to use a wide

range of bioinformatics software, and the ability to write your own programs and

software packages

gain a practical and theoretical knowledge of computational molecular biology

sufficient to prepare you for a career in biotechnology, or for research work

gain the multidisciplinary training which is now seen as essential in the

biotechnology industries

progress your career within the pharmaceutical (especially relating to drug design

and delivery), biotechnology or biosciences industries

undertake a meaningful research programme, and apply your knowledge to real

biological problems

retrain, if you have a first degree in Computing, Maths or IT, and want to change career

develop problem-solving skills necessary for work in research and industries

carry out computer processing for any organisation involved in handling large

amounts of biological data

What are the benefits for my organisation?

In addition to the individual benefits outlined above (which will transfer into the

workplace), a sponsoring organisation will gain from:

the input of a broad interdisciplinary knowledge of bioinformatics

a range of transferable skills being applied in the workplace, including

communication, presentation, creativity, and teamwork

the flexibility of online learning and a reduction in study time spent away from work

C O U R S E O V E R V I E W

This new world-class programme is

based on modules from the

established MRes Bioinformatics

Degree course taught at The

University of Leeds and the MSc

Bioinformatics Degree taught at The

University of Manchester. It drawsupon expertise from both institutions.

You can be admitted to the Certificate,

Diploma or Masters Programme, once

you complete at least two core

modules and no more than four

modules.Alternatively, you may choose

to study one or more selected

modules of your choice.

Bioinformatics: an online Masters

Degree programme, delivered

jointly by The University of Leeds

and The University of Manchester


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CORE MODULES

Introduction to BioinformaticsThis is designed to develop the skills now needed by the biotechnologyindustries. It is divided into six sections:

Introduction to Programming for BioinformaticsThis part of the course is designed to develop the skills required toenable you to write programs using the C or Java programminglanguages. The taught half of the course is divided into 18

workpackages (with the final two being optional). For eachworkpackage there are a number of modules of a specificallydeveloped Computer Based Training (CBT) package to complete, anexample program to understand, compile and run, and an exercise tocarry out. For the second part of the course you will work on a mini

project divided into three separate parts.

Introduction to Molecular Biology for Computer ScientistsThis introductory module aims to provide a good basic understandingof contemporary molecular biology to students with a background inone of the physical sciences and with sufficient knowledge of organicchemistry to be able to recognise the common functional groups andtheir properties. No previous knowledge of molecular biology isrequired. Current concepts will be presented and issues of debate willbe highlighted. It provides a sound basis for further study of Bioinformatics.

BiocomputingThis is designed to develop the skills required by biotechnologyindustries. As genome-sequencing projects continue to generate huge

volumes of data, a major challenge for biologists is the effectivemanagement of these data in order to extract useful information.Computational biology, or Biocomputing, is concerned with thedevelopment of these methods for storage and processing ofbiological data. A large part of the work of computational biologistsconsists of the management and analysis of strings of characters thatmay be nucleic acid or protein sequences, or their annotation.

Object-oriented analysis and design with UMLThis module covers the use of UML throughout the process of object-oriented analysis and design. It includes:

an introduction, including basic object-oriented concepts and anexample object-oriented model

requirements analysis, including use-case diagrams and scenarios

object-oriented analysis object-oriented design UML and implementation languages

Theory and Applications in Bioinformatics

This module is designed to provide a theoretical grounding in the keymethods underlying biological sequence analysis applications (as

C O U R S E S T R U C T U R E

This course shows the value of collaboration between

WUN members. Bioinformatics is one of the most

critical areas of development in the biological sciences

and I am delighted that WUN can make this

contribution to a leading-edge agenda.

Sir Alan Wilson, University of Leeds Vice-Chancellor and Cha irman of WUN

The programme was developed jointly by The University of

Leeds and The University of Manchester, as members of the

Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), which is an

international partnership of leading higher education institutions.

The course is delivered online, via a virtual learning

environment known as the Bodington System.This allows

you to navigate and search through course notes, protocols,practicals and references to useful texts and URLs.The course

notes are provided as web pages.These provide the necessary

background to the course, which is focused on problem-based

learning.Throughout the course you will interact with the

members of the course team, and with other learners, through

course study rooms and 'chat rooms' for online tutorials.

The programme consists of modules, each of which has a value

of 15 credits, and a literature or research project. Some of the

modules described here may change, according to demand and

availability.The structure of the programme is as follows:

Certificate programme

4 modules = 60 credits

Introduction to Bioinformatics

One module selected from: C for Bioinformatics,Introduction to Molecular Biology, Java for Bioinformatics,or Theory and Applications in Bioinformatics

One module selected from: Biocomputing, orObject-orientated analysis and design with UML

One further module selected from the Optional Modules

Diploma programme

6 modules plus Literature Project = 120 credits


Theory and Applications in Bioinformatics One module selected from: C for Bioinformatics,

Introduction to Molecular Biology, or Java


Two further modules selected from the Optional Modules

The Literature Project (30 credits)

Masters programme

6 modules plus Research Project = 180 credits


Theory and Applications in Bioinformatics

One module selected from: C for Bioinformatics,

Introduction to Molecular Biology, or Java


Two further modules selected from the Optional Modules

The Research Project (90 credits)

1. Introduction to Bioinformatics

and the Internet2. Sequence databases3. Sequence alignment and

database searches

4. Protein function prediction

5. Protein structure prediction6. Sequencing projects andcontig analysis


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introduced in the Introduction toBioinformatics module).The module consists of six parts:

1. Introduction to Probability andStatistics using Matlab

2. Traditional Sequence Alignmentand Search

3. Introduction to Probabilistic SequenceModels

4. Markov Chains and HMM Applications

5. Phylogenetic Methods

6. Neural Networks (in brief)

OPTIONAL MODULES

Introduction to Microarray Data Analysis

This module focuses on microarray dataanalysis in the context of post-genomebioinformatics. You will work throughpractical examples using the maxdview

visualisation environment. There are sixsections:

1. An overview of biological information

2. Data capture

3. Using the data

4. Data integration

5. Strategies for drug discovery

6. Industrial organisation

The Science of Proteomics

This module explores methods forstudying the proteome the entire

complement of proteins expressed by acell. It introduces the modern separationand analytical methods needed to cope

with a dataset that is an order ofmagnitude more complex than that of the

genome. You carry out exercises usingauthentic data from research laboratoriesat the University of Leeds and use state-of-the-art software tools for analysis andinterpretation.

Intermediate JavaThis module is designed to further

develop the skills you will need to writemore advanced programs using the Javalanguage. The taught half of the course isdivided into eight workpackages. Each hasa number of modules of a ComputerBased Training (CBT) package to complete;a number of example or demonstrationprograms to understand, compile and run;and an exercise to carry out. For thesecond part of the course you undertakethree mini-projects.

The Bioinformatics of Protein Structure

This module introduces you to proteinstructure and function, including theconcepts of protein evolution and themolecular biology underlying it, and thestructural databases. You carry out exercisesto explore homologies between proteinstructures, and construct phylogenetictrees. You also explore how the three-dimensional structure of proteins and theirfunctions can be predicted, and carry outcomparative modelling of protein structures.

Molecular Modelling and Structure-Based

Drug Design

This module introduces the basicprinciples and applications of molecularmodelling. Topics covered include:molecular mechanics; energy minimizationtechniques; molecular dynamics and

Monte Carlo simulations; conformationalanalysis; solvation; calculation ofthermodynamic parameters and themodule finishes with a section onstructure-based drug design and virtualscreening of lead compounds for drugdevelopment.

LITERATURE PROJECT

This provides Diploma students withexperience and training in abstracting andassessing information from a variety ofpublished sources. It is designed to giveexperience in carrying through a substantivereview of developments in Bioinformatics.

You will be expected to report and makerecommendations on the scientific,resource and investment issues that willinform management decisions. Yourproject results will need to be presented asa bound dissertation of at least 10,000 words.

RESEARCH PROJECT

The objective of the MSc research projectis to give you experience and training inbioinformatics research. The project isnormally carried out in your workplace. Itaims to help you understand and experience: the technical skills required for

efficient bioinformatics research the organisation and implementation

of research working to deadlines and as part of a team the skills required to record, report

and write-up original scientific researchThe results of your supervised researchproject will need to be presented as abound dissertation (minimum length20,000 words, maximum length 30,000

words or equivalent scientific data content).

For admission to the programme you must have

a first or upper second class degree or equivalent

qualification in a relevant science subject

some relevant knowledge or experience of

bioscience and/or computer science and/or

mathematics relevant to informatics

access to a PC running a recent version of Microsoft

Windows (preferably Windows XP or Windows

2000), with a screen resolution of 1024 x 768

during the course you will be required to

download and install programs and plug-ins

which only run under Windows, so no other

operating system will be supported

the recommended textbooks will be supplied in

an online form which will require Microsoft

Internet Explorer version 5.5 or above; no

other browser is currently recommended

you will need to download and install the

following plug-ins:Adobe SVG Viewer, MDL

Chemscape Chime, and Sun Java plug-in

(version depends on Windows version)

proficiency in written English you should be

able to produce well-structured work,

summarise key points clearly and discuss issues

in writing from different points of view

a willingness to spend some time in discussion

and working online with others in your tutor

group, sharing your professional experience and

learning from them

commitment, determination, enthusiasm and the

ability to be organised and work independently

an average of 7-8 hours a week per module

available for your studies.You will need to log

on several times a week

To progress to registration for an award you will

need to demonstrate satisfactory performance in

two core modules.

Entry requirements

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Online study, sometimes known as eLearning, means that rather than studying and

attending lectures at a higher education establishment, the student uses the Internet

to access course information and transmit completed assignments for marking. This

enables a person from anywhere in the world to take a world-class course at a

leading UK university without attending the university in person.

W H A T I S O N L I N E S T U D Y ?

A broad mix of study

resources

A variety of online learning media

support the course. Throughout your

studies you will be a member of a tutor

group of fellow students. You will workwith this group throughout your course

discussing the programme materials,

collaborating on group tasks,

participating in group exercises and

generally supporting one another. In

effect, you will be part of a learning

community that shares your goals and

aspirations.

Full support

One or more tutors who specialise in the

theory and practice of Bioinformatics will

support you and your group. They will

act as mentors and provide you with

personal guidance as you progress,

advising you how to make the most of

the course and helping you to overcome

any obstacles you encounter. The

Universities also provide a comprehensive

range of administrative and general

support services throughout your course.

The course includes tutor-marked

assignments and written assessments. You

will be taught and assessed through a

combination of media, computer

conferencing and the Internet. Your

work will be marked and returned to you

with detailed comments and advice. You

will find this comprehensive personal

feedback one of the most valuable

aspects of your study.

Programme

You will take part in a range of activities.

Private study will include reading

materials provided online and you will

often need to undertake independent

research to find additional reading

matter or information.

Group activities will be timetabled and

will last for a number of days to let you

participate at times that suit you

personally. A typical small group study

might involve a task or exercise linked to

a particular theme. A group discussion

will bring students together in a larger

group to discuss or debate set questions.

Your tutor will provide full guidance and

support.

When you complete the course,

depending on your choice of modules

and the nature of your research project,

you will receive an award from either the

University of Leeds or the University of

Manchester. This has exactly the same

internationally recognised status as the

equivalent programme studied at the

University.

How does online study work?

This course has been purpose-built for online delivery. Substantial investment was made

to design and develop the course, and it was thoroughly tested using a rigorous quality

assurance process before receiving approval for student use.

The Bodington System online learning platform used for this course is highly advanced.

It was developed to make it as easy as possible for you to study and navigate through the

rich set of learning materials and other features of this course.

You can:

study at any time of the day or night that

suits you

study anywhere you wish, using a

computer connected to the Internet:

from your home, office, hotel or even

while travelling

use the Bodington System online

learning platform, which is one of the

most advanced systems currently

available

benefit from online tutor supportwhenever you need help, advice or

encouragement

take part in online discussion groups

and work in collaboration with fellow

course participants

enjoy access whenever you wish to the

online resources at Leeds and

Manchester Universities, including

journals, reference databases and

downloadable reading matter

save money by gaining an internationally

recognised university qualification

without incurring any costs foraccommodation or travel

What are the benefits of studying online?


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The Universities of Leeds and Manchester have worked in

close partnership to design, develop and provide this

course.

The University of Leedswas

established as a University in 1904.

Internationally acknowledged as a

centre of excellence in a wide range

of academic and professional

disciplines, it is one of the largest and most popular

universities in the UK, and rates among the top ten for

research.

The University of Manchester is a truly

international institution with a world-

class reputation for high quality

research. In the most recent (2001)

Research Assessment Exercise, the

University received the top 5* rating,

denoting international excellence, in both Biology and

Computer Science, for teaching and research.

The Worldwide Universities

Network (WUN) is a grouping of

research-led institutions of

international standing who have come together to create

a worldwide research and graduate education

partnership.

To obtain more information:

Please email Heather Vincent

[email protected]

mentioning any specific queries you may have.

If you are interested in applying for a place on the course,

you can apply online or request more details at:

http://www.cs.man.ac.uk/biomed/applications.html

Please note: This prospectus may contain some details that have

subsequently changed. Up-to-date information is available from

[email protected]

or write to:

Heather Vincent

Room 2.89

Department of Computer Science

University of Manchester

Oxford Road

Manchester

M13 9PL

UK

Manchester and Leeds Universities deliver the course

jointly. Manchesters campus-based Bioinformatics

course was among the first anywhere, while the Faculty

of Biological Sciences at Leeds is one of the largest

life-science research centres in the UK.

To apply or find out more...

W H O P R O V I D E S T H I S C O U R S E ?

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