Bioinformatics
Qualifications
Overview
Bioinformatics combines computer science with genomics to collect and analyse large, complex sets of biological data.
This field of data science uses DNA computer modelling for use in gene editing, disease diagnosis, cellular evolution and mutation, medicine development, and many other applications in modern science.
The Bioinformatics major at UC will give you practical experience using data for real industry research outcomes, and exploring the ethical and cultural ownership, management, and application of big data.
- Practical learning in this major will see you using state-of-the-art computer and molecular genetics labs, which includes the Canterbury Sequencing Facility and Ancient DNA Laboratory.
- Many of our experts are carrying out breakthrough research in areas such as breast cancer detection and stroke risk, and UC hosts research centres that specialise in bioinformatics for medical and biotechnology projects, for example Te Pokapū Rangahau Koiora Pāngarau | Biomathematics Research Centre.
- UC is ranked first in Aotearoa for research in Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour (Te Amorangi Mātauranga Matua | Tertiary Education Commission 2018 PBRF assessment).
UC offers a major in Bioinformatics as part of the Bachelor of Data Science.
Bioinformatics major
The following courses are required throughout the degree:
100-level
200-level
- BIOL 215 Origins and Classification of Life
- BIOL 231 Foundations in Molecular Biology
- BIOL 271 Evolution
300-level
- BIOL 333 Molecular Genetics
- BIOL 334 Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics
- BIOL 337 Bioinformatics
- BIOL 338 Bioinformatics Project
You will also need to complete at least another 15 points at any level from any other courses at UC.
A Bioinformatics degree gives you an understanding of genomics and molecular biology, combined with professional, interdisciplinary skills in statistics, computer programming, and applying data to research outcomes.
You will be prepared to work with current computational tools being used in the industry, and may go on to work with or even develop new emerging technologies in the field.
Our graduates will find their degree suited for drug and medicine development, agriculture, clinical health testing, forensics, conservation and breeding programmes, disease detection technologies, gene ethics and research, software development, and any role that involves large amounts of raw data processing.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree in Data Science.
Contact us
For study planning help, please contact Professor Peyman Zawar-Reza:
Email peyman.zawar-reza@canterbury.ac.nz
Postal address
Te Rāngai Pūtaiao | College of Science
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
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