What do you get when you combine genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and physiology with computer science, statistics and applied mathematics? The answer? Bioinformatics – tools that give you the power to unlock biological secrets.

This coursework masters degree, which includes a major research project component, provides a broad education in bioinformatics, with strong foundations in computer science and statistics.

Whether your background is in biology, biomedicine, mathematics/statistics, or computer science, there’s an entry point for you into this degree.

Be in demand globally

With demand for bioinformaticians growing worldwide, you'll be well placed to use the skills and networks you develop during this course to build an exciting career.

A course tailored for you

You'll customise your first year based on your academic background, then follow it up with a common second year that builds a broad knowledge of bioinformatics.

Located in the heart of the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct

You’ll benefit from our close connections to the 30 hospitals, medical research organisations and biotechnology institutes that make up the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct – all within a short walk of the University of Melbourne.

Develop your skills with real-world problems

You’ll graduate with a major research project to feature in your CV. In the research project, you’ll develop and apply bioinformatics tools to real-world problems, with support from an expert bioinformatician from within the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct.

Gain more than just technical skills

We know that soft skills are important too, which is why we include a subject on scientific communication, to ensure you can speak and write effectively about your research.

Be research-ready

Your research experience might inspire you to continue to a PhD, or you can put your analytical and communication skills to use in the global workforce, alongside many of our alumni.

The Master of Science (Bioinformatics) is a 200-point course, made up of:

• Discipline subjects (137.5 points), including compulsory subjects and electives
• A professional skills subject –  scientific communication (12.5 points)
• A research project (50 points).

In your first-year, your subjects will be tailored to you depending on your previous academic background (biology or biomedicine, computer science, mathematics or statistics).

In your second year, you'll take subjects that build your knowledge of advanced analysis techniques.

You'll also undertake a research project, over 12–18 months, working on a real-world bioinformatics research question. To support you and provide direction, you’ll be matched with one of our expert researchers and practitioners from across the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct.

Plus, you’ll take a subject on communication for research scientists, which ensures you’re able to speak and write about your research professionally and impactfully.

Your elective subjects are selected in consultation with the Course Coordinator.

Bioinformatics is one of the key sciences of this century, and demand for specialists in the area is strong and growing.

Our graduates go on to work as bioinformaticians, data scientists and analysts, and computational biologists.

Employers in this field include:

• Medical research institutes such as the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and the Florey Institute
• Research hospitals such as the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
• Government departments of health and economic development
• Research-focused companies such as CSL and GSK
• Universities and public research institutions such the CSIRO.

Technical and professional skills

On graduating from the course you’ll have a broad education in bioinformatics, with strong foundations in computer science, biology and statistics. Additionally, you’ll have strong professional skills in:

• Programming and software development
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Research planning, literature reviews and ethical considerations
• Scientific communication, both written and oral.

Further study

At the end of the course, you’ll be well-placed to undertake a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy).

To be considered for entry into this course, you must have: an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a directly related discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 65% (or equ

IELTS (academic English Only): 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 79 + ; Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 58 + no communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 176 + no skill below 169.