Applied Genomics MSc

Technological advances in genomics are revolutionising life sciences. Whole genomes can be sequenced with ease, full communities can be characterised by their genetic content, the spread of pathogens and emerging diseases can be investigated at the molecular level, and traits can be mapped with base-pair precision. As DNA sequence technologies are producing more and more data every day at an ever-decreasing cost, there is a clear need for specialists in this rapidly-evolving field.

Why study MSc Applied Genomics at Middlesex University?

This is an interdisciplinary programme with teaching provided by Life Sciences and Computer Science research active academics as well as other experts in the field. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of genomics principles and methodology to investigate economically and ecologically relevant traits. You will be trained to pursue a genomics career in the life sciences sector.

This programme has a strong applied and practical focus. You will use cutting edge technology to generate novel sequence datasets and analyse these over the course of the programme. A hands-on approach will give you the practical and computational skills in genomics in our laboratories and computing facilities; skills needed for a successful career in genomics.

Course highlights

• Practical approach to teaching with a strong link to research
• Expert input from biological, biomedical and computer scientists
• Possibility to perform dissertation study within external organisation
• A flexible course that provides broad but thorough basis in genomics
• Individual dissertation project allows high degree of specialisation in sub-area of own interest.

What will you study on MSc Applied Genomics?

This programme will provide you with a solid understanding of the structural complexity of genomes, their evolution and the sophisticated processes underlying gene control. In conjunction, specialist classes will provide you with practical skills via molecular biology laboratory sessions focused on genome sequencing.

Computational tools and statistical techniques for whole genome research will be introduced using real datasets and will specifically focus on coding, data handling and the analysis of large sequential datasets.

A strong link between research and teaching ensures you will develop good practical skills in genomics, preparing you for the job market.

What will you gain?

You will gain practical skills in molecular biology, including sample handling and laboratory management, as well as critical research skills in genomics. The programme also aims to teach computing skills including computing languages and statistical analysis of big data.

How is the MSc Applied Genomics taught?

The programme is taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, computing workshops and investigative molecular and clinical laboratories. You are encouraged to actively engage with the learning activities. Group work is prominent in many modules and there will be opportunities to discuss and explore work with peers, academics and the technical team.

As part of the programme, you will perform an individual research project. Potential topics are diverse and previous works in the department have been on:

• The evolution and spread of antibiotics resistance in microbial communities
• Epigenetics in osteosarcoma metastasis and chemoresistance
• Molecular genetics of biofilm formation and the role of biofilms in infectious disease
• Genomics of mycoremediation (bioremediation by fungi)
• Metabarcoding based biodiversity assessment of uncharacterized communities
• Genome evolution in ungulates
• The evolutionary genomics of wing-pattern diversity in butterflies
• Genomics of pesticide resistance in economically relevant fish parasites.

Assessment

Assessment is diverse and includes portfolio-work, writing a scientific paper, analysing genomic data, preparing a poster and presenting results. Additionally, you will submit a dissertation on your major research project and undertake a viva related to the work.

The project will be supervised by a member of academic staff, but you are strongly encouraged to work with external partner institutions in the UK or overseas. In this case, you may also have a mentor based at the external institution.

How can the MSc Applied Genomics support your career?

This course encompasses several real-life research projects that will prepare you for your dissertation and for the job market. These projects will be of clinical, forensics or ecological relevance. You will gain hands-on experience via the generation of genomics datasets, research planning and laboratory management, bioinformatics analyses and reporting.

Upon graduation, you will be able to move into a variety of careers such as Plant Breeder, Molecular Geneticist, DNA-Based Ecological Assessment, Molecular Diagnostics, Bioinformatician or progress into academic research.