Master of Science in Bioinformatics

Taught Postgraduate Programme

The Master of Science 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, computer science, and data science, physics, chemistry, statistics. 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 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. There is thus a rapidly growing demand for talented professionals with specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities in bioinformatics and computational biology.

Degree

Master of Science

Mode of Study

Full-time and Part-time

Study Period

Full-time:

Normative period 1.5 years

Maximum period 3 years

Part-time:

Normative period 3 years

Maximum period 4.5 years

Credit Unit Requirements for Graduation

Total 36 units of major courses in 1.5 years, including 15 units for major required courses and 21 units for major elective courses. In addition, all graduate students (applicable to all students with Chinese nationality) admitted in The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen in 2021-22 and thereafter are required to complete the Civic Education (CE) courses (3 units).

Tuition Fee

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

Required courses

(total 6 courses/18 units)

Elective courses

(select 7 courses/21 units)

Machine Learning for Biomedical Research

Topics in Computer-Aided Drug Design

Theories and Algorithms in Bioinformatics 

Selected Topics in Bioinformatics Algorithms

Computational Molecular Modeling and Design

Computational Structural Biology

Genome Informatics

Computational Proteomics and Functional Prediction

Statistical Methods for Biomedical Research

Biological Databases Design and Data Visualization

Civic Education courses

Deep Learning

 

Molecular Pharmacology and Modern Drug Development

 

Research Project

 

Selected Topics in Deep Learning

 

Physical Basis of Molecular Biology

 

1. 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. To fulfill the University’s minimum English language requirements for admission to postgraduate programmes, applicants should have:

    1). obtained a degree from a university in Hong Konga or taken a degree programme of which the medium of instruction was English; or

    2). achieved scores in the following English Language testsb as indicated:

         i. TOEFL: 550 (Paper-based)/79 (Internet-based/Home Edition);

         ii. IELTS (Academic): 6.5(Test Centre based/Online);

         iii. GMAT: Band 21 (Verbal)c; 

         iv. GMAT Focus Edition: Band 78 (Verbal); or

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

         i. Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (AS Level);

         ii.  Hong Kong Higher Level Examination;

         iii. CUHK Matriculation Examination;

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

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

 

 Notes:

a.  This is based on the understanding that English is the medium of instruction of degree programmes offered by universities in Hong Kong. Moreover, graduates from universities in Hong Kong should have fulfilled the English language requirements of the institution concerned when they were admitted to the degree programmes. The CUHKSZ Graduate School may request applicants to provide additional supporting documents to prove their English proficiency.

b.  TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for two years from the test date. GMAT scores are considered valid for five years from the test date.

c. GMAT (Verbal) scores at or above the threshold value of 21 will be kept until the score validity phases out.  

 

The application deadline for Fall Admission is usually the end of May of the current year. Normally Fall Admission/Registration date is in August.  

Online application: 
Please go to https://pgapply.cuhk.edu.cn/ 

Please note that all original documents will be checked at the time of programme application and enrollment. Any misrepresentation in the documents and information provided will result in disqualification of their applications and subsequent enrollments in the University.

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