COURSE CURRICULUM

The Cranfield MSc in Bioinformatics offers a comprehensive suite of compulsory modules that equip students with a deep understanding of computational biology, data analysis, and programming. The course begins with foundational training in data analysis using R, covering essential statistics, data manipulation, and unsupervised multivariate techniques like PCA and k-means. Students gain hands-on experience writing R scripts for various biological data applications. The program also includes an introduction to bioinformatics through Python, where students learn object-oriented programming, file handling, and apply libraries like BioPython for biological sequence analysis and visualisation. Further modules delve into the application of bioinformatics in fields such as epigenetics, proteomics, and metagenomics, providing practical skills in analysing ATAC-seq, proteomic data, and microbial community composition using pipelines like QIIME2. The Next Generation Sequencing Informatics module introduces genomic sequencing technologies and transcriptome analysis, guiding students through data quality control, variant calling, and gene expression profiling. Machine learning is taught through the lens of metabolomics, with a strong focus on classification, regression, and deep learning using R. Students also explore Java programming for developing applications with object-oriented principles and GUI components. The Advanced Sequencing Informatics and Genome Assembly module trains students to develop high-quality genome assemblies using cutting-edge algorithms and tools. Techniques for raw data processing, hybrid assembly strategies, and functional annotation are taught with an emphasis on large-scale data. Across all modules, there is a strong focus on practical applications and critical evaluation of methods. The program ensures graduates can confidently design, implement, and assess computational approaches for a wide range of biological research problems, preparing them for leading roles in academia, healthcare, and biotech industries.