About this course
Become an expert in research on our MRes Big Data Biology degree. Develop your quantitative and computational biology skills, and grow your knowledge of bioinformatics, biological science and computer science. With these skills you'll be able to shape the approach to data science and artificial intelligence (AI) in the biomedical and biological fields.
This master's degree is for you if you studied biological science, or a quantitative or computational subject at undergraduate level.
You'll develop quantitative and computational biology skills and learn how to apply them in the area of large-scale biology.
Advances in life science rely on scientists from different areas working together. You’ll learn from experienced academics across different areas of life science including:
- experimental biologists
- computer scientists
- mathematicians
- engineers
An MRes course differs from an MSc in the balance of teaching to research. You'll focus on an independent research project on a subject of your choice, closely supervised by an academic.
On this big data in biology degree, you’ll study 4 taught modules: 2 on programming, statistics and machine learning, and 2 optional modules on subjects that complement your research interest in biological or biomedical science.
You'll also gain subject-specific and employability skills that shape your next steps into teaching, industry, research, further study or a non-science based career.
Course lead
The course leader is Dr Rob Ewing. Dr Ewing is Associate Professor in Proteomics and Systems Biology within Biological Sciences at the University of Southampton. Visit Dr Ewing's staff profile to find out more about their research.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a relevant subject such as:
- biomedical science
- data science
- biological science
- computer science
- statistics
EU and international applicants will need to have a minimum of 4 years in higher education.
We might consider your application if you have a 2:2 degree.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.5
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 6.5
- listening
- 6.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.
In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course. As part of this, you’ll study 2 skills-based modules and choose additional optional modules.
Each semester has 12 weeks of study and a 2-week period of exams.
You'll work on your research project for the whole year
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following module in year 1:
MRes Advanced Biological Sciences Research Project
This module provides two-thirds of the content for the MRes in Advanced Biological Sciences programme. Each student undertakes an extensive research project which is laboratory and/or fieldwork based, depending on the specialisation chosen: • Biodiversit...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
Large-scale approaches at the molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological level are revolutionizing biology by enabling systems-level questions to be addressed. In many cases, these approaches are driven by technologies that allow the components of bio...
Cancer Chromosome Biology
This module will deliver a comprehensive analysis of selected topics associated with the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive cancer development and lead to tumour progression. This will involve exploring the genetic drivers of disease, the mechan...
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
This module provides an understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of brain function. We will use examples of specific molecules and cell-cell interactions to provide explicit details of such function to highlight core principles of neuronal develo...
Foundations of Machine Learning (MSc)
Machine Learning is about extracting useful information from large and complex datasets. The subject is a rich mixture of concepts from function analysis, statistical modelling and computational techniques. The module will cover the fundamental principles...
Genomic Technologies and Basic Informatics
This module explores the state-of-the-art genomics techniques used for DNA sequencing (e.g. targeted approaches, whole exome and whole genome sequencing) and RNA sequencing, together with current technologies routinely used to investigate genomic variatio...
Machine Learning
The purpose of the module will be to introduce students to the fundamentals of machine learning, i.e. computational methods for statistical learning, prediction and decision-making using data. The basic principles of predictive modelling will be outlined,...
Molecular Cell Biology
The organisation of the eukaryotic cell has always fascinated researchers. This module illustrates the upkeep of cellular structure and function.
Molecular Recognition
Most biological processes involve interactions between macromolecules. The module discusses selected examples and explains techniques used to study molecular interactions.
Plant Cell Biology
This module explores current topics in plant cell biology. It provides an understanding of the unique features of plant cells and of the cellular mechanisms that allow plants to interact with their environment. Responses at the cellular level to important...
Quantitative Cell Biology
It is important that we provide bioinformatic cell analysis training to students in order to significantly improve research possibilities in their future careers in Biomedical Sciences. The quantitative module in cell biology will focus on the practical u...
Structure and Dynamics of Networks
Networks are ubiquitous in the modern world: from the biological networks that regulate cell behaviour, to technological networks such as the Internet and social networks such as Facebook. Typically real-world networks are large, complex, and exhibit both...
Systems Neuroscience
This module seeks to expose students to research level studies in a number of areas related to the function of the nervous system, necessary to understand the pathophysiology of neurological conditions. The course will describe CNS development, and the s...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following module in year 2:
MRes Advanced Biological Sciences Research Project
This module provides two-thirds of the content for the MRes in Advanced Biological Sciences programme. Each student undertakes an extensive research project which is laboratory and/or fieldwork based, depending on the specialisation chosen: • Biodiversit...
Learning and assessment
Learning
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- tutorials
- coursework
- research project (you’ll have regular supervisory meetings)
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
- exams
- coursework in the form of:
- data analysis projects
- written critiques of scientific papers
- summaries of seminars
- discussions of methodology
- your research project
Dissertation
You'll undertake an extensive research project in a specialist area of your choice. You'll have regular meetings with your supervisor. This will be a tutor will research expertise in your chosen specialism.
Academic Support
Your supervisor will help you select the best module options for your career and research goals.
Careers
This master’s research degree prepares you for careers in:
- bioinformatics or the data science-related industry
- biotechnology, biomedical or pharmaceutical industries
- scientific officer in research or computational environment
- research science
- data analysis
- artificial intelligence research
- postgraduate research training
- teaching
- law
- business management
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £26,352.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
To register interest or to be sent more information please contact:
Postgraduate Admissions Office:
+44(0)23 8059 4348
fels-pgr-apply@southampton.ac.uk
When you submit your application, you’ll need to include the area of research you want to work in. You’ll need to provide a background in this subject to prepare you for master’s level research.
Application deadlines
UK students
Make sure we receive your application at least 4 weeks before the start of the course. This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available.
International students
Make sure we receive your application at least 6 weeks before the start of the course.
This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available. It will also give you time to apply for a visa if we offer you a place.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We will aim to send you a decision 6-8 weeks after you have submitted your application.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
