Studying online (if an online offering is shown below)
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit introduces students to the role of big data in advancing human health, focusing on the generation, analysis, and application of large-scale datasets in genomics, transcriptomics, microbiomics, and public health. Students will explore computational tools, statistical techniques, and artificial intelligence to analyse and interpret complex biological data. Practical sessions will give students hands-on experience with current bioinformatics tools and techniques. Ethical considerations and real-world applications are integrated throughout to ensure students understand the broader implications of big data in healthcare.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode First year of offer Not available in 2026 -
The timetable for this teaching period is not currently available. Please see the Important Dates page for the timetable release date and other key date information.
- Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 3 core unit in the Human Genomics major sequence
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) explain the principles and applications of big data in health, including the role of high performance computing (HPC); (2) develop and apply skills in bash scripting, data analysis and visualisation using R, performing statistical tests and leveraging techniques for big data analysis; (3) process and analyse datasets relevant to big data in human health to address complex biological and clinical research questions; (4) apply artificial intelligence (AI) methods for predictive analytics in the context of healthcare research; (5) discuss the role of big data in the analysis of human pathogens; and (6) evaluate the ethical considerations and societal implications of big data usage.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) exam and (2) workshop/practical assessments. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Nina McCarthy
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- Enrolment inand Successful completion of and IMED2204 Research Methods in Human Health
- Contact hours
- Lectures: up to two per week, Workshop/practical sessions: 10 x 3 hours
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.