Master of Science in Bioinformatics of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Genomics

In order to register for the programme, one of the following qualifications is required:
• A BScHons degree (NQF level 8) in Bioinformatics, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a related field; or
• A professional 480 credit bachelor’s degree (NQF level 8) In Bioinformatics, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a related field; or
o Any other academic degree qualification and appropriate experience (assessed using the regular Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedures) approved by the Faculty Board of the AgriSciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, or Science Faculty.

A minimum of 65% in the preceding qualifications is required to be considered for this MSc degree programme. Candidates are selected on academic merit and only a limited number of candidates will be admitted to the programme. Applications are considered by the Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.

Confirmation of prospective supervisor
Applicants must make contact with a prospective academic supervisor who is active in their field of research interest. Please provide details of a prospective supervisor and evidence, in a form of an email, of contact with this supervisor. Upload the email evidence (in a .msg format or as a pdf) as part of your formal application to the University.

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Confirmation of prospective supervisor

Statement of research interest / Outline
This is a brief summary of the master's research proposal (1-3 pages in length) which outlines your area of research, aims of the research project and the research methodology you plan to use.

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Research project / Outline / Proposal

Approximately the first 9 months of the degree programme is dedicated to lectures and training and the remaining 15 months to a research project agreed to by an assigned supervisor.

The programme is composed of a taught (90 credit) and a research (90 credit) component. The following modules are offered:

Compulsory Modules
(credits = 155)
Subject number | Module code | Credits | Module Name | Semester

12555 811 35 Bioinformatics 1
71024 812 10 Algorithms and Machine Learning in Bioinformatics 1
71025 813 10 Python for Bioinformatics 1
71026 814 10 R language for Bioinformatics 1
71042 871 90 Bioinformatics Research project in Natural Sciences 1,2,3,4

Plus Elective Modules
Choose one of the modules below.
Please note: An elective module will only be offered if a minimum of five students has enrolled for the

Credits Module Name Semester
71030 845 25 Infectious Diseases 2
71031 846 25 Pathogen Genomics 2

Assessment and Examination
• All the modules (except for the research project) will be assessed by means of flexible assessment, which may include a combination of assignments and summative assessments.
• All summative assessments will be moderated internally and externally. The taught part of the degree programme contributes 50% to the final mark. The contribution of the individual modules is weighted by credit value. You must pass each module with at least 50% to obtain the degree.
• You must complete a 90-credit research project and submit a thesis for examination. The thesis will be examined by one internal and one external examiner, according to University guidelines. The average mark of the two examiners contributes 50% to the final mark. You must pass the research project with at least 50% to obtain the degree.
• Note that taught modules may be repeated, but that the research project module cannot be repeated if it is not passed.
• The final mark for the degree is calculated from the average of the taught modules (50%) and the research project (50%).
• After the thesis has been examined, you must present a seminar detailing your research results to the satisfaction of the examination committee.