We are living in a very exciting time for biology: whole-genome sequencing has opened up the field of genome scale biology and with this a trend to larger-scale experiments, whether based on DNA sequencing or other technologies such as microscopy. However it is also a time of great opportunity for small-scale biology as there is a new wealth of data to build from: one can turn to a computer to ask questions that previously might have taken months to answer in the laboratory. One of the great challenges for the field is analysing the large amounts of complex data generated, and synthesising them into useful systems-wide models of biological processes. Whether operating on a large or small scale the use of mathematical and computational methods is becoming an integral part of biological research.
There remains a world-wide shortage of skilled computational biologists. An important part of C2D3 Computational Biology is to run an MPhil in Computational Biology based within the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at the Centre for Mathematical Sciences. The 10-month course introduces students to quantitative aspects of modern biology and medicine. It is intended especially for those whose first degree is in mathematics, physics or computer science and others wishing to learn about the subject in preparation for a PhD course or a career in industry.
Co-Directors of the MPhil in Computational Biology
Prof. Stephen Eglen https://sje30.github.io
Prof. Gos Micklem http://www.micklemlab.org
MPhil in Computational Biology enquiries
Samantha Noel (compbiomphil@maths.cam.ac.uk)
Administrative enquiries
C2D3 Programme Manager (coordinator@c2d3.cam.ac.uk)
Undergraduate
C2D3 Computational Biology members have helped set up, run and teach relevant undergraduate courses including Molecular Bioengineering I (Engineering 3G1) and the Part III in Systems Biology (Biochemistry, Genetics). Molecular Bioengineering II (Engineering 4G8) will run for the first time in Lent 2023. They have also co-organised the Cambridge team for the International Genetically Engineered Machines (iGEM) competition from 2005-2012 and 2014, winning many prizes including the Grand Prize in 2009.
MPhil degree in Computational Biology
https://www.maths.cam.ac.uk/postgrad/mphil/prospective/compbio
The MPhil in Computational Biology is an 10-month course aimed at introducing students to quantitative aspects of biological and medical sciences, including bioinformatics. It is intended for mathematicians, computer scientists and others with similar backgrounds wishing to learn about the subject in preparation for a PhD course or a career in industry. It is also suitable for students with a first degree in biosciences as long as they have strong quantitative skills (which should be documented in their application).
C2D3 Computational Biology came about by the merger of the Cambridge Computational Biology Institute (CCBI) into C2D3 in 2021. The CCBI was established in 2003 to promote computational biology, interpreted broadly, within the University and in the region. It established (2004) the MPhil in Computational Biology programme, founded (2011) the Wellcome Trust Mathematical Genomics and Medicine 4-year PhD programme, and, among other activities, started a popular computational biology annual symposium. The CCBI was involved in setting up and helping to run the Cambridge Big Data (CBD) Strategic Research Initiative out of which the C2D3 Interdisciplinary Research Centre was formed. Similarly the CCBI was part of the group that helped set up the Alan Turing Institute.
The CCBI received financial support equally from the four science schools of the University
- The School of the Biological Sciences
- The School of Clinical Medicine
- The School of the Physical Sciences (via DAMTP, Physics, Chemistry)
- The School of Technology (via Engineering, Computer Science)
Space was kindly provided by the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, within the Centre for Mathematical Sciences
MPhil in Computational Biology
The Cambridge-MIT Institute provided funds to establish the MPhil in Computational Biology and subsequently studentships have been provided by:
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
- Cancer Research UK
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
- Medical Research Council
- Microsoft Research
MGM PhD Programme (2011 - 2023)
The PhD programme in Mathematical Genomics and Medicine was funded by the Wellcome Trust.
Sponsorship
C2D3 is grateful to the following organisations for providing sponsorship of C2D3 Computational Biology (previously CCBI) events:
Applied Biosystems, ARM, AstraZeneca, Caliper, Cambridge Epigenetix, Cambridge-MIT Institute, Cambridge University Press, Eagle Genomics, Eurofins MWG Operon, GeneService, GeneStack, GlaxoSmithKline, IBM, Illumina, Intel, Isilon Systems, Life Technologies, Lion Bioscience, Microsoft Research, Oxford University Press, Roche, The Royal Society, SGI, Takeda.
Marilou Boddé (MGM PhD programme rep.)
James Day (Computational Biology MPhil rep.)
Rob Finn (EMBL-EBI)
Diana Fusco (Cavendish)
Stephen Eglen (C2D3 Computational Biology; DAMTP)
Hong Ge (Engineering)
Henrik Jonsson (Sainsbury Laboratory)
Alexandre Kabla (Engineering)
Kathryn Lilley (Biochemistry)
Pietro Lio' (Computer Science and Technology)
Florian Markowetz (CRUK Cambridge Institute)
Gos Micklem (C2D3 Computational Biology; DAMTP; Genetics) - Chair
Nikolina Nakic (GSK)
Kiran Patil (MRC Toxicology)
Alan Robinson (MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit)
Michele Vendruscolo (Chemistry)
Chris Wallace (Medicine; MRC Biostatistics Unit)
Symposium
We host a popular annual symposium, with speakers from across the University's Schools and an opportunity for ECRs to showcase their work.
2026 - coming soon
Seminar series
Everyone is welcome to attend the Computational Biology seminar series. All 4th year students specialising in systems biology are required to attend.