19. Bioinformatics coursework degrees

Master of Applied Science (Bioinformatics) (MApplSc(Bioinf))

Degree Code: LC042

Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) (GradDipApplSc(Bioinf))

Degree Code: LF030

Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) (GradCertApplSc(Bioinf))

Degree Code: LG015

This chapter sets out the requirements for postgraduate degrees offered in the Faculty of Science in the area of Bioinformatics. A comprehensive guide to the requirements and units of study of the coursework degrees is listed.

The information in this chapter is in summary form and is subordinate to the provisions of the relevant degree Resolutions, which can be found at the end of this chapter, or in the University of Sydney Calendar. The Calendar is available for sale at the Student Centre, for viewing at the faculty office or the Library, or online at:
www.usyd.edu.au/publications/calendar.

Course overview

The Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Bioinformatics), Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) and Master of Applied Science (Bioinformatics) are articulated award courses that provide a professional qualification to biologists and computer scientists working in industry, research and education.

The award program brings together the disciplines of computer science, statistics and the life sciences, developing and enhancing skills in bioinformatics. Students with little background in molecular biology who want to extend their understanding of the biosciences, statistics and bioinformatics follow Stream A. Students with a strong background in molecular biology who want to study bioinformatics, statistics and computer science follow Stream B.

The program has core and optional units of study to satisfy both of these requirements and will produce graduates with skills in the disciplines that underpin bioinformatics and in bioinformatics itself. Graduates from the Bioinformatics program will be proficient in molecular biology, genetics and bioinformatics. (Biology graduates who want to learn about computer programming are directed to the Graduate Diploma in Computing).

Candidates will normally commence their study in Semester 1, except with the permission of the Dean.

Course outcomes

The aim of this articulated coursework program is to provide students with a coordinated approach to bioinformatics, thus developing expertise to perform and develop the analysis of biological data with underlying competencies in the life sciences, computer science and statistics. Upon completion of the graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master's, graduates will have a broad understanding of the topic of bioinformatics. In addition, the master's will provide the option of experience in carrying out and completing a research project and report.

Bioinformatics postgraduate coursework degree table

Units of study listed in the table as optional are recommended; other Information Technology units of study are also available with approval from the the Program Coordinator.

Units of study listed as compulsory for a particular degree or stream do not need department permission for enrolment.

Unit of study	Credit points	A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition	Session
Stream A (Information Technology Background)
All Degrees: Compulsory Units
BIOL5001 Molecular Genetics and Inheritance	6	Note: Department permission required for enrolment Department permission not required for Stream A Bioinformatics students.	Semester 1
BIOL5002 Bioinformatics: Sequences and Genomes	6	C BIOL5001 N BIOL3027, BIOL3927 Note: Department permission required for enrolment Department permission not required for Bioinformatics students. BIOL5001 corequisite not required for Molecular Biotechnology students or Stream B Bioinformatics students.	Semester 2
MOBT5201 Applied Molecular Biotech A (Theory)	6	N BCHM3098, BCHM5001, MOBT5101	Semester 1
STAT5001 Applied Statistics for Bioinformatics	6		Semester 1
Diploma: Recommended Optional Units
Diploma students must complete 12 credit points from the following:
COMP5028 Object-Oriented Design	6	A Intermediate level of object oriented programming such as Java N INFO3220	Semester 1
COMP5318 Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining	6	A COMP5138 and familiarity with basic statistics Note: Department permission required for enrolment	Semester 1
COMP5426 Parallel and Distributed Computing	6	A Equivalent of COMP5116	Semester 1
MCAN5104 Image Analysis	6		Semester 1 Semester 2
BETH5201 Ethics and Biotech: Genes and Stem Cells	6	A A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year.	Semester 2
Masters (Non-Research Stream): Recommended Optional Units
Masters students must complete 24 credit points from the following:
COMP5028 Object-Oriented Design	6	A Intermediate level of object oriented programming such as Java N INFO3220	Semester 1
COMP5318 Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining	6	A COMP5138 and familiarity with basic statistics Note: Department permission required for enrolment	Semester 1
COMP5424 Information Technology in Biomedicine	6	A Basic programming skills	Semester 1
COMP5426 Parallel and Distributed Computing	6	A Equivalent of COMP5116	Semester 1
MCAN5104 Image Analysis	6		Semester 1 Semester 2
BETH5000 Core Concepts in Bioethics	6	A A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year.	Semester 1
BETH5201 Ethics and Biotech: Genes and Stem Cells	6	A A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year.	Semester 2
Masters Research Stream: Additional Core Units
NB: Entry to the Masters Research stream is by invitation only
BINF5002 Bioinformatics Research Project A	6	C BINF5003, BIOL5001, BIOL5002, MOBT5201 and STAT5001 Note: Department permission required for enrolment	Semester 2
BINF5003 Bioinformatics Research Project B	6	C BINF5002, BIOL5001, BIOL5002, MOBT5201 and STAT5001 Note: Department permission required for enrolment	Semester 1 Semester 2
BIOL4015 Scientific Research in Biology	6	P Pass degree in an area of Life Sciences or Equivalent C BIOL4016 N BIOL4009, BIOL4010 Note: Department permission required for enrolment BIOL4016 corequisite not required by Bioinformatics Masters Research Stream students.	Semester 1 Semester 2
Masters Research Stream: Recommended Optional Units
Masters research stream students must complete 6 credit points from the following:
COMP5028 Object-Oriented Design	6	A Intermediate level of object oriented programming such as Java N INFO3220	Semester 1
COMP5318 Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining	6	A COMP5138 and familiarity with basic statistics Note: Department permission required for enrolment	Semester 1
COMP5424 Information Technology in Biomedicine	6	A Basic programming skills	Semester 1
COMP5426 Parallel and Distributed Computing	6	A Equivalent of COMP5116	Semester 1
Stream B (Life Science Background)
All Degrees: Compulsory Units
BIOL5002 Bioinformatics: Sequences and Genomes	6	C BIOL5001 N BIOL3027, BIOL3927 Note: Department permission required for enrolment Department permission not required for Bioinformatics students. BIOL5001 corequisite not required for Molecular Biotechnology students or Stream B Bioinformatics students.	Semester 2
COMP5213 Computer and Network Organisation	6		Semester 1 Semester 2
MOBT5201 Applied Molecular Biotech A (Theory)	6	N BCHM3098, BCHM5001, MOBT5101	Semester 1
STAT5001 Applied Statistics for Bioinformatics	6		Semester 1
Diploma and Masters: Additional Compulsory Unit
COMP5214 Software Development in Java	6		Semester 2
Diploma and Masters: Recommended Optional Units
Diploma students must complete 6 credit points from the following:
COMP5206 Introduction to Information Systems	6	N INFO5210	Semester 1 Semester 2
COMP5211 Algorithms	6		Semester 1 Semester 2
MCAN5104 Image Analysis	6		Semester 1 Semester 2
BETH5201 Ethics and Biotech: Genes and Stem Cells	6	A A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year.	Semester 2
Master (Non-Research Stream): Recommended Optional Units
Masters students must complete 18 credit points from the following:
COMP5424 Information Technology in Biomedicine	6	A Basic programming skills	Semester 1
COMP5206 Introduction to Information Systems	6	N INFO5210	Semester 1 Semester 2
COMP5211 Algorithms	6		Semester 1 Semester 2
BETH5201 Ethics and Biotech: Genes and Stem Cells	6	A A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year.	Semester 2
MCAN5104 Image Analysis	6		Semester 1 Semester 2
Master Research Stream: Recommended Optional Units
Masters research stream students must complete 18 credit points from the following:
NB: Entry to the Masters Research stream is by invitation only
BIOL4015 Scientific Research in Biology	6	P Pass degree in an area of Life Sciences or Equivalent C BIOL4016 N BIOL4009, BIOL4010 Note: Department permission required for enrolment BIOL4016 corequisite not required by Bioinformatics Masters Research Stream students.	Semester 1 Semester 2
BINF5002 Bioinformatics Research Project A	6	C BINF5003, BIOL5001, BIOL5002, MOBT5201 and STAT5001 Note: Department permission required for enrolment	Semester 2
BINF5003 Bioinformatics Research Project B	6	C BINF5002, BIOL5001, BIOL5002, MOBT5201 and STAT5001 Note: Department permission required for enrolment	Semester 1 Semester 2

Bioinformatics unit of study descriptions 2010

BETH5000 Core Concepts in Bioethics

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: The equivalent of two hours of seminars per week and up to 4 hours per week spent on online learning tasks, small group sessions, project work, and consultation with lecturers. Assumed knowledge: A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. Assessment: Essays; short written assignments; research project/presentation.

Note: A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year.

This unit of study provides a broad overview of the primary issues in, and theoretical approaches to, bioethics. Following an introduction to the history of bioethics and review of the major theoretical approaches to applied ethics, central debates in bioethics surrounding doctor-patient relationships, informed consent, privacy/confidentiality, research ethics, abortion, euthanasia, genetics, cloning, stem cell research, justice and distribution of health care resources, etc., are examined. In addition to classical cases and traditional theoretical perspectives, emerging topics and alternative perspectives are explored. The unit concludes with the topic of global public health and socio-political critique(s) of the discipline of bioethics itself. Learning activities will include seminars, small group sessions, and project work. It is recommended, but not required, that BETH5000 is taken during students' first semester in the program.

BETH5201 Ethics and Biotech: Genes and Stem Cells

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: The equivalent of one 2-hour seminar per week presented in flexible mode incorporating seminars and an intensive format. In addition, students will spend up to four hours per week on online learning tasks, small group sessions, project work and consultation with lecturers over the course of the 13 weeks of semester. Assumed knowledge: A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. Assessment: Essays, short written assignments, presentation/project.

Note: A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year.

This unit introduces students to the broader social/political, ethical/philosophical and legal/regulatory issues that underlie genetics, stem cell research and the emerging biotechnologies. The unit will provide a brief overview of the relevant science before considering scientific, cultural and religious understandings of life and human identity. The second part of the unit will review the political, regulatory and commercial context of biotechnology and the control of information. Students will then review the history of genetics and eugenics and the ethical issues that arise in clinical and population genetics, stem cell research and cloning. The final part of the unit will explore the boundaries of research and knowledge and the issues raised by emerging biotechnologies, such as nanotechnology and proteomics. Learning activities will include an intensive seminar program, small group sessions and reading. Students will be able to concentrate on stem cell research, clinical or molecular genetics or other biotechnologies according to their clinical and scientific interests and experience.

BINF5002 Bioinformatics Research Project A

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Jermiin Session: Semester 2 Classes: Meetings by arrangement with the supervisor Corequisites: BINF5003, BIOL5001, BIOL5002, MOBT5201 and STAT5001 Assessment: Project plan, seminar, final report

Note: Department permission required for enrolment

BINF5002 comprises the commencement of a research project on a topic with significant emphasis on the use of bioinformatics tools to address important questions in the areas of biology, biochemistry, mathematics and statistics, computer science, crop and veterinary sciences, and medical science. Students will be working with an appointed supervisor from the Faculties of Agriculture, Science, Veterinary Science, and Medicine or from industry under the guidelines of the convenor. Students will commence a small research project in an area agreed by the student, the supervisor and the convenor. Research experience is highly valued by prospective employers as it shows a willingness and ability to undertake independent, as well as guided, research in bioinformatics. The project is not conducted in the way of contact hours per week for a semester. Rather, the student is expected to work in a continuous manner throughout the semester.

BINF5003 Bioinformatics Research Project B

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Jermiin Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: meetings by arrangement with the supervisor Corequisites: BINF5002, BIOL5001, BIOL5002, MOBT5201 and STAT5001 Assessment: seminar, final report

Note: Department permission required for enrolment

BINF5003 comprises the continuation of a research project commenced in BINF5002.

BIOL4015 Scientific Research in Biology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Lecturers:- Prof S. Simpson, Prof B. Oldroyd, A/Prof R. Coleman, A/Prof M. Beekman, Dr. D. Hochuli, Dr. C. McArthur Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 13 workshops Prerequisites: Pass degree in an area of Life Sciences or Equivalent Corequisites: BIOL4016 Prohibitions: BIOL4009, BIOL4010 Assessment: Research proposal (based on University of Sydney Research and Development scheme) (50%). Written assignment to include data analysis and presentation of analysed results (50%)

Note: Department permission required for enrolment

Note: BIOL4016 corequisite not required by Bioinformatics Masters Research Stream students.

Studies in Life Science investigate the dynamics of living organisms and span the levels of biological organization, from the ecosystem to the molecular. Research in the Life Sciences strives to offer explanations as to how organisms function, interact and evolve. A graduate Biologist must be conversant with a wide range of analytical techniques, including quantitative analysis as well as being able to communicate effectively about their research. Students must understand the logical structures which underpin analytical techniques, be able to design experiments based on understanding of biological processes and document their intended research. This course work unit provides the core skills and techniques that will equip students to perform a broad range of laboratory and field studies in biology, develop critical thinking and clear communication skills. Students will be introduced to the appropriate methodologies for data collection, handling and analysis which underpin the successful testing of biological hypotheses, and document their intended research as a grant proposal

Textbooks

Reccomended reading: Dytham, C. (2003) Choosing and Using Statistics: A Biologists Guide. 2nd edn. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford.

BIOL5001 Molecular Genetics and Inheritance

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jenny Saleeba Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2-3 tutorials per week. Assessment: Formal exam, quizzes

Note: Department permission required for enrolment

Note: Department permission not required for Stream A Bioinformatics students.

The fundamentals of inheritance and applications of molecular genetics will be covered. At the completion of the Unit, students will be able to recognise the most common modes of inheritance, understand the fundamentals of linkage analysis, be familiar with common genome structures, be familiar with modes of transmission and mechanisms of change in genetic material, be familiar with the genetic mechanisms behind complex biological systems, understand basic methods in recombinant DNA technology, be adept at applying genetics to solving problems in biology and understand the fundamentals of quantitative and population genetics.

BIOL5002 Bioinformatics: Sequences and Genomes

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Neville Firth Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1 lecture or tutorial per week, 1 three hour practical per fortnight. Corequisites: BIOL5001 Prohibitions: BIOL3027, BIOL3927 Assessment: Formal exam, projects.

Note: Department permission required for enrolment

Note: Department permission not required for Bioinformatics students. BIOL5001 corequisite not required for Molecular Biotechnology students or Stream B Bioinformatics students.

Bioinformatics - the application of computers to life sciences, and genomics - the study of biology at the genome-wide scale, are revolutionising basic and applied biological sciences in the 21st century. The unit focuses on the application of bioinformatics to the storage, retrieval and analysis of biological information, principally in the form of nucleotide and amino acid sequences. An extensive practical component emphasises the development of hands-on skills in the use of bioinformatics technologies. Students will gain an appreciation of the significance and potential of bioinformatics and genomics in contemporary life sciences; an awareness of the breadth of bioinformatics resources and applications, including non-sequence-based biological information; skills and experience in the use of a core set of programs and databases for nucleotide and amino acid sequence analysis and phylogenetic reconstruction; a basic understanding of the theoretical foundation and underlying assumptions of the programs, and their relative strengths/limitations; and, competence in the evaluation of output from the programs in appropriate biological context.

COMP5028 Object-Oriented Design

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour tutorial per week. Prohibitions: INFO3220 Assumed knowledge: Intermediate level of object oriented programming such as Java Assessment: Assignments, written exam.

This unit introduces Object-Oriented Analysis and Design especially the principles of modelling through Rational Unified Process and agile processes using Unified Modeling Language (UML), both of which are industry standard. Students work in small groups to experience the process of object-oriented analysis, architectural design, object-oriented design, implementation and testing by building a real-world application.
Objectives: In this unit students will develop the ability to: identify how the system interacts with its environment; identify appropriate objects and their attributes and methods; identify the relationships between objects; write the interfaces of each object; implement and test the objects; read and write various UML diagrams including use case, class, and sequence diagrams; apply design patterns to standard problems.

COMP5206 Introduction to Information Systems

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour tutorial per week. Prohibitions: INFO5210 Assessment: Assignments, written exam

This unit provides a comprehensive introduction to information systems in organisations and the enabling role of information technology. The critical role of data and knowledge management will be covered from both conceptual and practical standpoints. Methods and techniques for analysing systems and eliciting user requirements will be emphasised. Key topics covered include: basic information systems concepts; systems approach and systems thinking; E-Business and E-Commerce; data and knowledge management; systems analysis and development methodologies; ethical, legal and social aspects of information technologies; and Web 2.0 and social computing. On completion of this unit students will have a good understanding of important information concepts; a deep understanding of the systems approach and its applicability; be able to develop skills to perform systems analysis in contemporary systems environments; have an understanding of major conceptual and technological developments in Information Systems.

COMP5211 Algorithms

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lectures and one 1 hour tutorial per week. Assessment: Assignments, written exam.

The study of algorithms is a fundamental aspect of computing. This unit of study covers data structures, algorithms, and gives an overview of the main ways of thinking used in IT from simple list manipulation and data format conversion, up to shortest paths and cycle detection in graphs. The objective of the unit are to teach basic concepts in data structure, algorithm, dynamic programming and program analysis. Students will gain essential knowledge in computer science.

COMP5213 Computer and Network Organisation

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour tutorial per week. Assessment: Assignments, written exam.

This unit of study provides an overview of hardware and system software infrastructure including: compilers, operating systems, device drivers, network protocols, etc. It also includes user-level Unix skills and network usability. The objectives are to ensure that on completion of this unit students will have developed an understanding of compilers, operating systems, device drivers, network protocols, Unix skills and network usability.

COMP5214 Software Development in Java

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour tutorial per week. Assessment: Assignments, written exam.

This unit of study introduces software development methods, where the main emphasis is on careful adherence to a process. It includes design methodology, quality assurance, group work, version control, and documentation. It will suit students who do not come from a programming background, but who want to learn the basics of computer software.
Objectives: This unit of study covers systems analysis, a design methodology, quality assurance, group collaboration, version control, software delivery and system documentation.

COMP5318 Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: (Lec 2hrs & Prac 1hr) per week Assumed knowledge: COMP5138 and familiarity with basic statistics Assessment: Assignments, written exam.

Note: Department permission required for enrolment

Knowledge discovery is the process of extracting useful knowledge from data. Data mining is a discipline within knowledge discovery that seeks to facilitate the exploration and analysis of large quantities of data, by automatic or semiautomatic means. This subject provides a practical and technical introduction to knowledge discovery and data mining.
Objectives: Topics to be covered include problems of data analysis in databases, discovering patterns in the data, and knowledge interpretation, extraction and visualisation. Also covered are analysis, comparison and usage of various types of machine learning techniques and statistical techniques: clustering, classification, prediction, estimation, affinity grouping, description and scientific visualisation.

COMP5424 Information Technology in Biomedicine

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: (Lec 2hrs & Tut 1hr) per week Assumed knowledge: Basic programming skills Assessment: Assignments, quizzes, written exam.

Information technology (IT) has significantly contributed to the research and practice of medicine, biology and health care. The IT field is growing enormously in scope with biomedicine taking a lead role in utilizing the evolving applications to its best advantage. The goal of this unit of study is to provide students with the necessary knowledge to understand the information technology in biomedicine. The major emphasis will be on the principles associated with biomedical digital imaging systems and related biomedicine data processing, analysis, visualization, registration, modelling, compression, management and communication. Specialist areas such as Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), computer-aided diagnosis (CAD), image-guided surgery (IGS), content-based medical image retrieval (CBMIR), and ubiquitous m-Health, etc. will be addressed. A broad range of practical integrated clinical applications will be also elaborated.

COMP5426 Parallel and Distributed Computing

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: (Lec 2hrs & Prac 1hr) per week. Assumed knowledge: Equivalent of COMP5116 Assessment: Assignments, written exam.

This unit is intended to introduce and motivate the study of high performance computer systems. The student will be presented with the foundational concepts of parallel and distributed computing that are pertaining to the different types and classes of high performance computers. The student will be exposed to the description of the computer systems and will also get an introduction to the principles of cloud computing. Students will gain skills in evaluating, experimenting with, and optimizing the performance of high performance computers. The unit also provides students with the ability to undertake more advanced topics and courses on high performance computing.

MCAN5104 Image Analysis

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Allan S. Jones Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 10 one hour lectures, 10 two hour practicals over a one week period. Assessment: Eight practical reports (50%), 1 three part mathematical assignment (20%), 1 in-depth assignment of 2500 word length on a relevant topic (30%).

This unit of study covers the nature and processing of images and the extraction of quantitative data from them. Participants will develop a sound working knowledge of both traditional stereology techniques and modern digital image processing and analysis. Emphasis is placed on an understanding of both the strengths and the limitations that are inherent in image data, and the technology applied to it. Topics in this module include: a general review of image acquisition, filters and transforms, segmentation methods, calibration of hardware for analysis, extraction of simple features from images, advanced feature extraction from images, limitations of measurement and a general overview of stereology, including geometric probability, density estimation and sampling.

MOBT5201 Applied Molecular Biotech A (Theory)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Neville Firth Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour tutorial per week. Prohibitions: BCHM3098, BCHM5001, MOBT5101 Assessment: One 2 hour theory exam (70%) and in semester assessments (30%).

This unit of study comprises the lecture component of MOBT5101.

STAT5001 Applied Statistics for Bioinformatics

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: one three hour seminar per week Assessment: computer exam and lab reports

This is an introduction to statistics and data analysis used in Bioinformatics and many other areas of Biology. It aims to give an understanding of the concepts and the use of a major scientific statistical package, R. In addition to an introduction to ideas of analysis of data and statistical tests the unit will introduce ideas of simulation in resampling and the methods of clustering and classification of particular importance in Bioinformatics.

Resolutions

Master of Applied Science (Bioinformatics)
Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Bioinformatics)
Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Bioinformatics)

0.1

Course rules

Admission

1.1

The Dean of the Faculty of Science may admit to candidature for:

1.1.1

the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science:

1.1.1.1

graduates of the University of Sydney holding the degree of Bachelor of Science or any other equivalent award of the University of Sydney;

1.1.1.2

graduates of other universities or other appropriate institutions who have qualifications equivalent to those specified in subsection 1.1.1.1; or

1.1.1.3

persons who have experience which is considered to demonstrate the knowledge and aptitude required to undertake the units of study;

1.1.2

the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science:

1.1.2.1

graduates of the University of Sydney holding the degree of Bachelor of Science or any other equivalent award of the University of Sydney;

1.1.2.2

graduates of other universities or other appropriate institutions who have qualifications equivalent to those specified in subsection 1.1.2.1; or

1.1.2.3

persons who have completed requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science, or equivalent;

1.1.3

the Master of Applied Science:

1.1.3.1

graduates of the University of Sydney holding the degree of Bachelor of Science or any other equivalent award of the University of Sydney;

1.1.3.2

graduates of other universities or other appropriate institutions who have qualifications equivalent to those specified in subsection 1.1.3.1; or

1.1.3.3

persons who have completed requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science, or equivalent.

Units of study

2.1

The units of study for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Bioinformatics), Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Bioinformatics), and Master of Applied Science (Bioinformatics), are listed in the table for Bioinformatics Postgraduate coursework degrees in this chapter of the Faculty of Science Handbook.

2.2

Credit point value, assumed knowledge, corequisites, prerequisites and any special conditions are included under units of study description.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) (GradCertApplSc(Bioinf)); Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) (GradDipApplSc(Bioinf)); Master of Applied Science (Bioinformatics) (MApplSc(Bioinf))

3.1

Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) Stream A are required to complete satisfactorily four core units of study (BIOL5001, BIOL5002, MOBT5201, STAT5001).

3.2

Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) Stream B are required to complete satisfactorily four core units of study (BIOL5002, MOBT5201, STAT5001, COMP5213).

3.3

Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) Stream A are required to complete satisfactorily four core units of study (BIOL5001, BIOL5002, MOBT5201, STAT5001) and 12 credit points from optional units of study.

3.4

Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) Stream B are required to complete satisfactorily five core units of study (BIOL5002, MOBT5201, STAT5001, COMP5213, COMP5214) and 6 credit points from optional units of study.

3.5

Candidates for the Master of Applied Science (Bioinformatics) Stream A are required to complete satisfactorily four core units of study (BIOL5001, BIOL5002, MOBT5201, STAT5001) and 24 credit points from optional units of study.

3.6

Candidates for the Master of Applied Science (Bioinformatics) Stream B are required to complete satisfactorily five core units of study (BIOL5002, MOBT5201, STAT5001, COMP5213, COMP5214) and 18 credit points from optional units of study.

0.1

Faculty rules

Details of units of study

4.1

The units of study for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Bioinformatics), Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Bioinformatics), and Master of Applied Science (Bioinformatics), are listed in the table of units of study in this chapter of the Faculty of Science Handbook.

4.2

A candidate for the course shall proceed by completing units of study as prescribed by the Faculty.

4.3

A unit of study shall consist of such lectures, seminars, tutorial instruction, essays, exercises, practical work, or project work as may be prescribed.

4.4

In these resolutions, 'to complete a unit of study' or any derivative expression means:

4.4.1

to attend the lectures and the meetings, if any, for seminars or tutorial instruction;

4.4.2

to complete satisfactorily the essays, exercises, practical and project work if any; and

4.4.3

to pass any other examination of the unit of study that may apply.

4.5

All units of study for a particular subject area may not be available every semester.

4.6

The Dean may allow substitution of any unit of study by another unit of study, including units of study from other postgraduate coursework programs in the Faculty or elsewhere in the University.

Enrolment in more/less than minimum load

5.1

A candidate may proceed on either a full-time or a part-time basis.

Cross-institutional study

6.1

Cross institutional study shall not be available to students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science, Graduate Diploma in Applied Science and Master of Applied Science courses, except where the University of Sydney has a formal Cooperation Agreement with another University.

Restrictions on enrolment

7.1

Admission to candidature may be limited by a quota.

7.2

In determining the quota, the University will take into account:

7.2.1

availability of resources including space, laboratory and computing facilities; and

7.2.2

availability of adequate and appropriate supervision.

7.3

In considering an application for admission to candidature the Dean shall take account of the quota and will select, in preference, applicants who are most meritorious in terms of sub-section 1 above.

Discontinuation of enrolment

8.1

A student who does not enrol in any semester without first obtaining written permission from the Dean to suspend candidature will be deemed to have discontinued enrolment in the course.

8.2

Students who have discontinued from the course will be required to apply for admission to the course and be subject to admission requirements pertaining at that time.

Suspension of candidature

9.1

A student may seek written permission from the Dean to suspend candidature in the course.

9.2

Suspension may be granted for a maximum of one year.

10.

Re-enrolment after an absence

10.1

A student who plans to re-enrol after a period of suspension must advise the Faculty of Science Office in writing of their intention by no later than the end of October for First Semester of the following year or the end of May for Second Semester of the same year.

11.

Satisfactory progress

11.1

Candidates for the Master of Applied Science (Bioinformatics), the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Bioinformatics), and the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Bioinformatics), shall be governed by the rules as follows:

11.1.1

A student who has failed a cumulative total of 12 credit points at any stage of enrolment in the Master of Applied Science (Bioinformatics) will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student's enrolment will be transferred to the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Bioinformatics);

11.1.2

A student who has failed a cumulative total of 18 credit points at any stage of enrolment in the Master of Applied Science (Bioinformatics) and/or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student's enrolment will be transferred to the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Bioinformatics);

11.1.3

A student who has failed a cumulative total of 12 credit points at any stage of enrolment in the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student will not be permitted to re-enrol.

11.2

A student who has failed a cumulative total of more than 18 credit points in the Master of Applied Science (Bioinformatics) and/or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) and/or the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student will not be permitted to re-enrol.

11.3.1

A student who has failed a core unit at the second attempt in the Master of Applied Science (Bioinformatics) and/or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) and/or the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) will be deemed to have failed to complete course requirements and will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol.

11.3.2

If good cause has not been established, the student will not be permitted to re-enrol.

12.

Time limit

12.1

A candidate for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) shall complete the requirements for the award in a minimum enrolment of one semester and a maximum enrolment of four semesters.

12.2

A candidate for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) shall complete the requirements for the award in a minimum enrolment of two semesters and a maximum enrolment of six semesters.

12.3

A candidate for the Master of Applied Science (Bioinformatics) shall complete the requirements for the award in a minimum of two semesters and a maximum of eight semesters.

13.

Assessment policy

13.1

On completion of the requirements for the course, the Faculty shall determine the results of the candidature.

14.

Credit transfer policy

14.1

Credit is not available in the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Bioinformatics), Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) and Master of Applied Science (Bioinformatics) for postgraduate study which has not been undertaken in these award courses within the previous three years.

14.2

A candidate who has qualified for the award of the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) may transfer, within three years, to the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) and receive credit for up to 24 credit points from the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Bioinformatics).

14.3

A candidate who has qualified for the award of the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) may transfer, within three years, to the Master of Applied Science (Bioinformatics) and receive credit for up to 36 credit points from the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science.

14.4

A candidate who has completed units of study in the Applied Science program within the previous three years, but has not qualified for an award, may transfer to another award course within the same Applied Science program and receive credit for the units of study completed.

The University of Sydney - Handbooks

19. Bioinformatics coursework degrees

Master of Applied Science (Bioinformatics) (MApplSc(Bioinf))

Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) (GradDipApplSc(Bioinf))

Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Bioinformatics) (GradCertApplSc(Bioinf))

Course overview

Course outcomes

Bioinformatics postgraduate coursework degree table

Stream A (Information Technology Background)

All Degrees: Compulsory Units

Diploma: Recommended Optional Units

Masters (Non-Research Stream): Recommended Optional Units

Masters Research Stream: Additional Core Units

Masters Research Stream: Recommended Optional Units

Stream B (Life Science Background)

All Degrees: Compulsory Units

Diploma and Masters: Additional Compulsory Unit

Diploma and Masters: Recommended Optional Units

Master (Non-Research Stream): Recommended Optional Units

Master Research Stream: Recommended Optional Units

Bioinformatics unit of study descriptions 2010

Resolutions

Resolutions

Master of Applied Science (Bioinformatics)Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Bioinformatics)Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Bioinformatics)

Master of Applied Science (Bioinformatics)
Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Bioinformatics)
Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Bioinformatics)