Master of Bioinformatics
Postgraduate | ECU-BIO-MAS | 2021
Course information for 2021 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Harness bioinformatics in a real-life industry project
Hone skills in working with complex data sets – combining biology, computer science and information engineering. Work on a project under the eyes of an industry professional. Make workplace connections. Become a bioinformatition or informatician.
- Study method
- 100% online study with practicum placement
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Total subjects
- 10
- Price from
- $23,950
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Master of Bioinformatics
About this degree
- Reflect critically on a complex body of specialist knowledge and understanding of recent developments and methods applicable to the field of Bioinformatics and related disciplines.
- Investigate, analyse and synthesise complex ideas, concepts and theories in Bioinformatics.
- Apply communication skills to design innovative contributions to professional practice in Bioinformatics.
- Use high level self-management skills to initiate, plan and execute a substantial project or contribution to professional practice in Bioinformatics.
This course provides students with skills and experience in bioinformatics, focusing on omics science, computer programming, applied mathematics and statistics.
It provides work experience in relevant organisations within the industry, allowing students to gain an understanding of the application of bioinformatics in a real world context. It also focuses on practical skills for researchers and industry professionals in bioinformatics, and offers flexible study options through on-campus and off-campus study.
Recommended study pattern
Course Structure
Year 1 - Semester 1
MAT5212 Biostatistics 20
CSI6208 Programming Principles 20
MAT6206 Data Analysis and Visualisation 20
Year 1 - Semester 2
SCH6234 Molecular Biology and Genomics 20
SCI6150 Biological Databases and Data Mining 20
SCI6152 Mass Spectrometry in Systems Biology 20
Year 2 - Semester 1
RES5115 Research Preparation: Principles and Approaches 20
SCI6151 Integrative Systems Biology 20
SCH6245 Clinical Bioinformatics 20
Year 2 - Semester 2
CSI6223 Work Experience Project 60
Award requirements
Students are required to complete 10 units:
MAT5212 Biostatistics 20
CSI6208 Programming Principles 20
MAT6206 Data Analysis and Visualisation 20
SCH6234 Molecular Biology and Genomics 20
SCI6150 Biological Databases and Data Mining 20
SCI6152 Mass Spectrometry in Systems Biology 20
RES5115 Research Preparation: Principles and Approaches 20
SCI6151 Integrative Systems Biology 20
SCH6245 Clinical Bioinformatics 20
CSI6223 Work Experience Project 60
ECU is ranked one of the world’s best young universities and Australia’s best public university for teaching quality. That quality extends to more than 30,000 students, many studying online through Open Universities Australia. ECU offers the same quality of teaching to you, regardless of where you’re studying in the world. Their flexible study solutions include a huge range of online courses, recognising your need to juggle work, family or other commitments.
Learn more about ECU.
Explore ECU courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 28
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 25
How to apply
Edith Cowan University manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Edith Cowan University who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
Special entry may be considered for students with a cognate first degree (or with appropriate experience) who can apply for a reduced course duration:
1.5 years full time (3 years part time) – 180 credit points
Admission is based on:
Bachelor degree in a related discipline*, or
Bachelor degree in any discipline, plus five years relevant work experience^, or
Graduate Certificate of Bioinformatics (or equivalent), or
Evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent.
*Related discipline refers to any chemistry/biology discipline
^Relevant work experience constitutes Senior/Managerial positions to be approved by the Course Coordinator.
Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Bachelor degree; or
- Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.
Alternatively, applicants can apply with at least five years of appropriate professional experience.
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
If you're applying for a course and have previous study or professional experience, you may be eligible for what we call 'advanced standing'.
For more information and to apply please go to https://www.ecu.edu.au/future-students/course-entry/advanced-standing
Study method requirements
Students undertaking a work placement will demonstrate discipline knowledge, communication and collaboration skills, in addition to a proven professional work ethic whilst undertaking projects in industry or university setting.
Attendance requirements
During their WIL placement unit, students will be required to undertake the equivalent of at least ten weeks of full-time work placement with a host organisation, at university as a research project or as an online project.
Career opportunities
This course places students with an industry/organisation for their semester-long project. The placement will enable students to undertake a bioinformatics project with a host supervisor, as well as getting direct exposure to the nature of the organisation and its priorities. This provides an excellent springboard for employment following this degree. Employment opportunities will be in local government, industry, state, national government and non-government organisations, particularly in the biological, medical and research sectors.
Possible future job titles
Bioinformatician, computational biologist, computational chemist, computational scientist, systems biologist, clinical bioinformatician, data scientist, data analyst, informatician, biometrician.
Career outlook
- Actuaries, Mathematicians and Statisticians:
- $93K to $120K
- Secondary School Teachers:
- $93K to $120K