Biomedical Genomics

Clinical applications of genomics are at the forefront of precision medicine. It is now possible to diagnose rare genetic diseases from genomic sequence data, while the sequencing of tumours has become an important means of refining therapeutic choices in cancer treatment. This has led to a growing need for scientists, who can both analyse genomic data and interpret the results, based on a strong understanding of biological and clinical contexts.



Students enrolled in this programme will acquire some practical skills in the generation of genomic data, using the latest sequencing technologies, but the main emphasis will be on learning the computational and statistical techniques needed to analyse genomic data.



This is a 12-month, 90-credit course consisting of 60 credits of taught modules and a 30 credit research project. Taught modules will be completed by the end of Semester 2 and will consist of 20 credits of core modules and 40 credits of optional modules.



The set of optional modules available to students is designed to deepen and widen acquired knowledge in the molecular life sciences and/or the quantitative or computational sciences.



From the end of Semester 2, the student will focus on a full-time basis on an individual research project.

Optional BI5107: Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional CS1101: Introduction to Programming - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional HDS5104: Statistics for Health Data Science - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional HDS5105: Statistical Computing for Biomedical Data - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional MA4103: Machine learning and deep learning for genomics - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional MA5106: Medical Genomics 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional MA5111: Genomics Data Analysis I - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional MA5234: Genomics Professional Experience - 15 Credits - Semester 1

Optional ST2001: Statistics for Data Science 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional ST417: Introduction to Bayesian Modelling - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Required BI5102: Genomics Techniques 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Required MA5105: Genomics Project - 30 Credits - Semester 1

Optional CS4423: Networks - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Required MA5106: Medical Genomics 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 1

OptionalCT5100: Data Visualisation - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional CT5113: Web and Network Science - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional MA216: Mathematical Molecular Biology II - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional MA3103: Introduction to Bioinformatics - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional MA5107: Medical Genomics II - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional MA5112: Genomics Data Analysis II - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional REM508: Graduate Course in Basic and Advanced Immunology - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Required MA5117: Genomics Research Methods - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Required MA5121: Genomics at Scale - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Required MA5122: Pathogen Genomic Epidemiology and Surveillance - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Required MA5107: Medical Genomics II - 5 Credits - Semester 2

To gain a place on this degree programme, applicants must have achieved a First Class Honours degree or a strong Second Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline. Qualifying degrees include, but are not limited to: biochemistry, biomedical science, genetics, and biotechnology.

1 year full-time.

Next start date: September 2026

Career Opportunities

The MSc in Biomedical Genomics will provide the mix of skills required to engage in genomics analysis and research in a variety of settings. As advances in precision medicine take hold, it is anticipated that the need for genomics analysts in health care, the pharmaceutical industry and in academic research will continue to increase, generating opportunities to seek employment in each of these areas.