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Biomedical Genomics (MSc)

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Course Overview

The aim of this programme is to train graduates with backgrounds in the molecular life sciences in genomics relevant to medical applications. With continuing advances in the technologies that are used to sequence DNA, medical applications of genomics are becoming increasingly important. It is now possible to diagnose rare genetic diseases from genomic sequences, while sequencing of tumours has become an important means of refining therapeutic choices in cancer treatment. Graduates of this programme will gain core skills in genomics analysis and practical experience of applying these skills to biological samples and data. 

Download programme brochure here.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). PAC application code: GYS31 

Selection is based on the candidate's academic record at an undergraduate level and their aptitude for the course.

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Students are formally assessed through a variety of both continuous assessment and end-of-semester written examinations. Continuous assessment will include written assignments, programming exercises, genomic analyses, group and individual presentations, and case studies, while assessment of the Research Project includes examination of a written thesis, as well as oral presentations, and participation in a research seminar series.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have achieved a second class honours degree or better in a discipline relating to the molecular life sciences. Qualifying degrees include, but are not limited to, biochemistry, genetics, biomedical science, and biotechnology.

Additional Requirements

Duration

1 year, full-time

Next start date

September 2018

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

15

Closing Date

Please refer to the review/closing date webpage.

Next start date

September 2018

NFQ level

Mode of study

Taught

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

PAC code

GYS31

Course Outline

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 II and will consist of 45 credits of core and 15 credits of optional modules. Both the core modules and the set of optional modules available to the student depend on whether the student has a background in the molecular life sciences or the quantitative or computational sciences. From the end of semester II, the student will focus on a full-time basis on an individual research project.

Core Modules

  • Research project—a research project corresponding to three months of full-time effort (worth 30 ECTS credits; all other core modules are worth 5 ECTS)
  • Introduction to programming for biology —computer programming with a focus on applications to genomics data
  • Molecular and cellular biology of cancer  — An in-depth look at the processes through which cancer develops, progress, and evades programmed cell death in the body. cal science, and biotechnology.
  • Medical genomics I: genomics of common and rare diseases—the role of genetic variation in human health, the genetic epidemiology of common diseases and analytical tools to guide diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic disorders
  • Medical genomics II: the cancer genome—an introduction to the theory and practical aspects of the application of genomics in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer
  • Statistical computing in R—a review of concepts of probability and statistics through the medium of the R statistical computing environment
  • Mathematical molecular biology—discrete mathematics and computer science theory applied to molecular biology, including genome assembly using graph theory and algorithms for sequence alignment and phylogenetics
  • Introduction to Bioinformatics—theory, computational tools and information resources for molecular biology
  • Genomics techniques I: sequencing library preparation—a hands-on overview of the design of high throughput sequencing experiments and laboratory techniques used to prepare biological samples for sequencing
  • Genomics techniques II: genomics data analysis—analytical methods and computational tools used in high throughput genomics data analysis
  • Probabilistic models for molecular biology—stochastic processes and their application to in genomics, including in genome annotation

Optional modules (10 credits from the options below)

  • Applied statistics (5 ECTS)
  • Networks (5 ECTS)
  • Data Visualisation (5 ECTS)
  • Advanced and applied immunology (5 ECTS)
  • Molecular and cellular biology of cancer (10 ECTS)

Why Choose This Course?

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.

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Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

 

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€6,815 p.a. 2017/18

Fees: Tuition

€6,591 p.a. 2017/18

Fees: Student levy

€224 p.a. 2017/18

Fees: Non EU

€13,750 p.a. 2017/18
Further information on postgraduate funding opportunities and scholarships can be found here

What the Experts Say

Dr. Colm

Dr. Colm O’Dushlaine |   Manager, Statistical Genetics, Regeneron Genetics Center,USA

Genomics has become a transformative technology for drug discovery. This MSc programme will produce graduates with the range of skills needed to attract employers and build excellent careers in the biopharmaceutical industry.
Dr. John

Dr. John Greally |   Director,Einstein College of Medicine Center for Epigenomics

I am really excited by this programme because it provides the unique combination of molecular and analytical skills that are critical in order to take advantage of the current wave of innovation in genomics-based technologies. I can see NUI Galway establishing itself as a major centre for biomedical genomics training and research in Europe.
Dr. Terri

Dr. Terri McVeigh |   Specialist Registrar in Clinical Genetics, OLCH Crumlin

I work both as a doctor in Clinical Genetics, and also as a cancer researcher. [The genomics data analysis] module was enormously beneficial to me from both clinical and academic perspectives. The material used in the end-of-module assignment could be derived from our own work or from a dataset of our interest, meaning that we could immediately see real-life applications of our new skills and knowledge base. I would highly recommend this module, and indeed this MSc to anybody with a clinical or research interest in genomics.

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