Master of Science in Bioinformatics

The master programme in Bioinformatics is a joint programme launched by School of Medicine and School of Data Science. This programme serves as a solid foundation in cross-disciplinary learning, creative thinking, practical problem-solving skills, and a keen sense of bioinformatics for the emerging biotechnologies and their future developments. With the well-designed study scheme of this program, students are expected to be well-educated to achieve the forefront of leadership in the fields of bioinformatics and biomedical sciences.

Bioinformatics is a cross-disciplinary discipline, including life sciences, physics, chemistry, statistics, computer science, and data science. Bioinformatics and computational biology have become the cornerstone of modern biology. It can explore the life processes of biological systems, mine novel biological mechanisms from biological big data, and ultimately develop disease diagnosis and treatment options. Recent advancements in this area are reshaping every aspect of biological sciences, agricultural sciences, medical research, health care systems, and biological industries. The biological industries, especially drug development sectors, are also fast-growing in China, especially in the Pearl River Delta. There is thus a rapidly growing demand for talented professionals with specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities in bioinformatics and computational biology.

Curriculum

Total 36 units in study period, including 15 units for required courses and 21 units for elective courses. In addition, all graduate students (applicable to all students with Chinese nationality) admitted in CUHK, Shenzhen in 2021-22 and thereafter are required to complete the Civic Education (CE) courses.

Required courses

• Machine Learning for Biomedical Research
• Theories and Algorithms in Bioinformatics
• Computational Molecular Modeling and Design
• Genome Informatics
• Statistical Methods for Biomedical Research
• Civic Education Courses

Elective courses

• Topics in Computer-Aided Drug Design
• Selected Topics in Bioinformatics Algorithms
• Computational Structural Biology
• Computational Proteomics and Functional Prediction
• Biological Databases Design and Data Visualization
• Deep Learning
• Molecular Pharmacology and Modern Drug Design
• Research Project
• Selected Topics in Deep Learning
• Physical Basis of Molecular Biology

Duration of Studies

Fees

RMB 175,000 for the whole programme, paid annually based on mode of study.

Application Requirements

1.The applicant should either:

1）Graduated from a recognized university and obtained a Bachelor's degree, normally with honours not lower than Second Class; or

2）Graduated from an honours programme of a recognized university with a Bachelor's degree, normally achieving an average grade of not lower than "B" ; or

3）Completed a course of study in a tertiary educational institution and obtained professional or similar qualifications equivalent to an honours degree.

2. Fulfilled the 'English Language Proficiency Requirement':

The applicant should either:

1) have a degree from university in Hong Kong (a), or recognized university with English as teaching language;

2) submit one of the following original score reports/certificates for assessment by the Programme concerned (b):

- TOEFL (Not lower than 550 paper-based; 213 computer-based; and 79 internet-based);

- IELTS (Academic, not lower than Band 6.5).

- GMAT (Verbal, not lower than 21);

3) possess a pass grade in English in one of the following examinations:

- Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (AS Level);

- Hong Kong Higher Level Examination;

- CUHK Matriculation Examination;

- General Certificate of Education Examination (GCE) Advanced Level (A-Level)/Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS-Level);

4) achieve Level 4 or above in the English Language subject of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination;

5) obtain a recognized professional qualification and prove that the professional qualification exam is conducted in English.

* Note:

a. Based on the condition that Hong Kong degree programs are all taught in English. Please note that the Graduate School of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen may still require applicants to provide other relevant supporting documents to prove that their English proficiency meets the requirements;

b. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years from the date of the test; GMAT scores are valid for 5 years from the date of the test.

Application Information

Online application: https://pgapply.cuhk.edu.cn/

Application Materials

• A copy of Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree Certificate or Student Status Certificate
• A copy of transcript (Chinese or English stamped with the official seal of the undergraduate institution)
• A copy of TOEFL/IELTS/GMAT score sheet
• Curriculum Vitae (English)
• Personal Statement (English)
• A copy of ID card (Front & Back)
• Contact details of two referees
• Other supporting documents

Application Time

Applications for 2024 Fall have been opened: September 22, 2023 - June 01, 2024

Contact Information

Email: mscbim@cuhk.edu.cn

Tel: 0755-23519034

Office Hours: 8:30-12:00, 13:00-17:30 (Monday-Friday)