Course summary

Genomics is one of the fastest-growing areas of research and development and our Bioinformatics Genomics degree will enable you to build up comprehensive knowledge on this fascinating subject. Using a mix of computing, biology and medicine, you will explore the wide-ranging subject matter with an emphasis on practical learning throughout, all the while supported by our highly-experienced, expert tutelage. As the course progresses, an array of optional modules enables you to pursue the areas that interest you most and provide you with the essential abilities and competencies to progress on to a rewarding career. Throughout your studies, you will benefit from: • being part of a learning community that conducts cutting edge research into areas such as cancer, genomics, microbiology, food safety, ageing and memory, and translation medicine • access to brand-new facilities that include equipment used in modern pharmaceutical, nutritional and clinical laboratories • option of a placement year to develop your employability and career prospects • final year research project - allows you to focus your studies on your specific interests and career goals. What you'll study This Bioinformatics Genomics degree course aims to prepare you for work as independent practitioners and researchers in a wide range of areas including human health, drugs and therapeutic development, improving the quality of animal, plant and food health, and more. At the start of the course, you will gain detailed knowledge and a broad foundation in the scientific underpinnings of the genetic causes of diseases before progressing to develop specialist knowledge and skills. You will study data analysis and modelling in R, learn how to collect and analyse real-life data, gain industrial and clinical skills in our Bioinformatics workstations and simulation suites, as well as develop bioinformatics and genomics techniques such as BLAST, Phylogenetics, FISH, MLPA, aCGH, CRISPR and more. Facets of the course include: • a strong focus on DNA sequencing, proteomics, nanobiology, molecular pathology and genetics analytical methods and techniques • use of excellent facilities including simulated bioinformatics pipelines and new biomedical science labs • regular promotion of work experience opportunities as well as workshops preparing you for working as a bioinformatician (genomics) including interview techniques, work placements, and negotiating workplace politics • attending seminar series with bodies such as Genomics England Clinical Interpretation Partnership (GeCIP) evidence workshops and seminars • a mentoring programme between students of all years • UWL's strong links with local medical/pharmaceutical providers, environmental/government agencies, information technology, research labs and biotech industries. Placement year* You can choose to study a placement year module to develop your employability skillset and enhance professional development and career prospects. The module requires you to undertake 45 weeks of full-time employment relevant to Biomedical Sciences. The industrial placement year aims to enhance your employment prospects by developing industry-related skills in a real work environment. It also aims to enhance and develop your personal and interpersonal skills, knowledge and practical abilities through an individually negotiated portfolio of activities. *There is no guarantee that you will be successful in securing a placement. If you choose a course with a placement route and a placement opportunity does not arise, the University will automatically transfer you to the non-placement route. This is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree. The placement route for this course is open to UK students only.