Master of Commerce (Extension)
The University of New South Wales (UNSW), located in Sydney, Australia, offers a Master...
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Bioinformatics)
Kensington
INTAKE: Feb, May & Sep
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Bioinformatics) program at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is designed for students interested in the intersection of engineering and biological sciences. Bioinformatics combines computer science, mathematics, and biology to analyze and interpret biological data, making it applicable in fields such as genomics, proteomics, and biomedical research. This program equips students with the technical skills and interdisciplinary knowledge needed to develop computational tools, algorithms, and models for biological research and applications in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sciences.
Curriculum: The curriculum integrates foundational engineering courses with specialized training in bioinformatics and computational biology. Core subjects include mathematics, programming languages, data structures, algorithms, and database management systems. Specialized courses cover topics such as molecular biology, bioinformatics algorithms, genomic data analysis, systems biology, and machine learning in bioinformatics. The program emphasizes practical skills through hands-on projects, laboratory work, and industry-relevant case studies. Students also undertake a substantial honours project or thesis, applying their knowledge to address real-world challenges in bioinformatics.
Research Focus: UNSW is recognized for its research excellence in bioinformatics and computational biology. Faculty and students engage in cutting-edge research projects that advance knowledge in genomics, personalized medicine, drug discovery, and biological modeling. Research areas include bioinformatics algorithms development, protein structure prediction, evolutionary genomics, and biomedical informatics. The university's research facilities, including high-performance computing clusters and molecular biology laboratories, support innovative research initiatives and provide students with opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries.
Industry Engagement: The program fosters strong connections with industry partners in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and environmental sciences. Industry engagement initiatives include collaborative research projects, internships, and guest lectures by industry experts. Students gain practical experience through placements in biotech companies, research institutes, and government agencies, where they apply bioinformatics tools and techniques to real-world problems. These industry interactions enhance students' employability and provide insights into industry needs and trends in bioinformatics.
Global Perspective: As a global university, UNSW offers students a multicultural learning environment that prepares them for international careers in bioinformatics and biomedical research. The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Bioinformatics) program attracts a diverse cohort of students from around the world, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and global perspectives. International research collaborations, exchange programs, and study abroad opportunities allow students to gain exposure to international research initiatives, emerging technologies, and global health challenges. This global perspective enhances students' readiness to work on global bioinformatics projects and contribute to advancements in healthcare and life sciences worldwide.
Location
Kensington
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
AUD 54500
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: AUD $150
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 75% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 94 with a minimum of 23 in each section.
- PTE (Pearson Test of English): Overall score of 64 with a minimum of 54 in each section.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.
UNSW offers a variety of scholarships to attract and assist international students.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNSW offers merit-based scholarships to international students with exceptional academic achievements. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and provide financial support to cover tuition fees or living expenses.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships are tailored for students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships aim to promote diversity and cultural exchange among international students.
Faculty/Program Scholarships: Certain faculties or academic programs at UNSW offer scholarships to attract outstanding international students interested in specific fields of study. These scholarships may cover tuition fees or provide research opportunities.
Sports and Arts Scholarships: UNSW acknowledges the talents and achievements of international students in sports and the arts. Scholarships in these categories may be available to support students with exceptional abilities.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Bioinformatics) program at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) are equipped with a unique blend of engineering, computer science, and biological sciences skills, positioning them for diverse and impactful career opportunities in bioinformatics and related fields. This specialized program prepares students to analyze biological data, develop computational tools, and apply bioinformatics methods to advance research in healthcare, biotechnology, agriculture, and environmental sciences.
Bioinformatics Scientist: Bioinformatics scientists use computational techniques to analyze biological data, such as genomic sequences, protein structures, and gene expression patterns. They work in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and government agencies to interpret biological information, discover new drug targets, and understand disease mechanisms. Graduates with expertise in bioinformatics algorithms, data mining, and statistical analysis are well-suited for roles in genomic research, personalized medicine, and bioinformatics tool development.
Biomedical Data Analyst: Biomedical data analysts process and interpret large datasets from clinical trials, genetic studies, and patient records to extract meaningful insights. They collaborate with healthcare professionals and researchers to identify biomarkers, predict disease outcomes, and optimize treatment strategies. Graduates specializing in bioinformatics can work in hospitals, research laboratories, healthcare informatics companies, or public health organizations, contributing to evidence-based medicine and healthcare innovation.
Genomics Specialist: Genomics specialists focus on analyzing DNA sequences and genomic data to study genetic variations, evolutionary relationships, and disease susceptibility. They work in genomic research centers, genetic testing companies, and academic institutions to conduct genome-wide association studies, population genetics research, and personalized genomics projects. Graduates with expertise in bioinformatics tools, computational biology, and genomic analysis are essential for advancing precision medicine and agricultural biotechnology.
Computational Biologist: Computational biologists develop mathematical models, simulation algorithms, and computational frameworks to study biological systems and processes. They integrate data from genomics, proteomics, and systems biology to predict protein interactions, simulate biological networks, and understand biological complexity. Graduates with a background in bioinformatics and computational biology can pursue careers in biopharmaceutical companies, research institutes, and biotechnology startups, contributing to drug discovery, synthetic biology, and systems medicine.
Bioinformatics Software Engineer: Bioinformatics software engineers design and develop software applications, databases, and analytical tools used in biological research and clinical diagnostics. They collaborate with bioinformaticians, biologists, and software developers to create user-friendly interfaces, implement algorithms for sequence alignment, phylogenetic analysis, and structural prediction, and ensure data security and integrity. Graduates with programming skills, bioinformatics expertise, and knowledge of software engineering principles can work in software companies, bioinformatics service providers, or research laboratories.
Environmental Bioinformatics Specialist: Some graduates may specialize in environmental bioinformatics, applying computational methods to analyze ecological data, biodiversity patterns, and environmental DNA (eDNA) sequences. They work in environmental consulting firms, conservation organizations, and government agencies to assess ecosystem health, monitor biodiversity changes, and develop strategies for environmental management and conservation. Graduates with a background in bioinformatics and environmental sciences play a critical role in addressing global environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices.
