Xi’an Jiaotong – Liverpool University (XJTLU) is a new international university jointly founded by Xi’an Jiaotong University China and the University of Liverpool UK as a joint venture. As an independent Sino-Foreign cooperative university, it captures the essence of both prestigious parent universities and is the first and only one of its kind approved by the Ministry of Education in China.

The University offers undergraduate degree programmes in the fields of science, engineering and management, and awards both its own Chinese degree and a degree from the University of Liverpool.

• IMPORTANT NOTE: Students with Chinese nationality can not apply to XJTLU as foreign students, even if they were born outside China. Students with Chinese nationality need to pass the National College Entrance Examination (NCEE), also known as Gaokao, in order to get into a university in China.

Overview

• Bioinformatics combines computer science with molecular biology to give you fundamental insights into life processes. The need for bioinformatics has been triggered by huge scientific advances in collecting biological data.

• As the key to extracting meaningful information from this data, bioinformatics is essential for an in-depth understanding of human diseases as well as for the identification of new molecular targets and therapeutic molecules for drug discovery.

• You will graduate with the knowledge and skills to tackle real-world life science problems from an informatics and computational perspective.

• The programme offers three study pathways, allowing you to tailor programme to your strengths and interests. After Year Two, you have two options:

1. Continue to study bioinformatics at XJTLU (with computational content emphasised)
2. Study traditional molecular bioscience modules at the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom (with lab-based courses and biological content emphasised).

Why should I study Bioinformatics at XJTLU?

• • Gain thorough understanding of bioinformatics and a comprehensive introduction to genetics, cell biology, applied mathematics, biostatistics and key aspects of computer science such as machine learning, artificial intelligence and big data analytics
• • Benefit from XJTLU’s strategic location near many biotechnology companies in BioBay, a national biotechnology hub with more than 400 companies with the opportunity for internships and work experience
• • Learn in a highly international, research-active environment from academic staff trained in globally respected universities and institutes from around the world
• • Enjoy prestigious scientific symposia, conferences and summer schools at the nearby Cold Spring Harbor Asia, which provides you with the ochance to interact with world-famous researchers
• • Earn two degrees: an XJTLU degree from the Chinese Ministry of Education and a globally recognised degree from the University of Liverpool, a member of the Russell Group of leading UK universities.

Knowledge and skills

By the time you graduate from the BSc Bioinformatics programme, you will have:

• • an understanding of key cell and life processes, as well as major issues and challenges in biomedical sciences
• • the ability to implement cutting-edge computational techniques with modern computing devices
• • an solid foundation in the the emerging field of bioinformatics, which has strong market needs and excellent employment prospects in China and international
• • the knowledge to apply various experimental and computational approaches to tackle real-world biomedical problems.

Careers

• Graduates from this programme are well prepared for positions such as bioinformatician, biostatistician, computational biologist, genetic counsellor and clinical bioinformatician, as well as other types of biological and biomedical scientist roles. Graduates can also go on to further study in related fields, such as clinical informatics, computational biology, biostatistics, molecular sciences and drug design.

Year One:
Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University offers a wide range of courses in the first year, including English for academic purposes (EAP), mathematics and physics, and humanities and social sciences. Click to learn more

Year Two:
Core Modules
Cellular And Molecular Biology
Chemical Principles Of Life
Introduction To Biochemistry
Introduction to Evolution and Genetics
Physics for Life Sciences
Introduction to Programming in Java
Algorithmic Foundations and Problem Solving

Optional Modules
Experimental Design And Analysis
Introductory to Organic Chemistry for Non-Chemists
Introduction to Databases
Introduction In Ecology

Year Three:
Core Modules
Advanced Genetics
Cell Biology Techniques
Bioinformatics I
Bioinformatics II
Bioinformatics Project
Introductory Statistics for Environmental Scientists
Advanced Statistics for Environmental Scientists
Artificial Intelligence for Life Science

Year Four:
Core Modules
Final Year Project
Modeling for Computational Biology
Protein Structure and Function
High-Throughput Approaches and Systems Biology
Big Data Analytics

Optional Modules
Gene Expression and Genome Analysis
Molecular Immunology
Bio-Computation
Machine Learning

For the latest information regarding programmes, please refer to the official XJTLU website.

Why Choose XJTLU?

• Two Degrees: 1 from the University of Liverpool & 1 from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (Bachelor's students)
• The University of Liverpool degree (Master's and PhD students)
• All degree courses are taught 100% in English.
• No knowledge of the Chinese language is required to apply to XJTLU.
• Learn free of charge Chinese alongside your course.
• A friendly international community.
• International Opportunities: "2+2" study route to the University of Liverpool, UK for undergraduate students (more than 3,500 XJTLU students are now studying at the University of Liverpool, UK through "2+2")
• International Opportunities: Wide range of study abroad opportunities in partner institutions in Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, the UK, the USA, South Korea, Russia, etc.
• International Opportunities: Partnerships with multinational companies in the likes of HSBC, Standard Chartered, Siemens, KPMG, Alstom, Schneider, ICBC, etc.

About Suzhou

You have the opportunity to live in one of the most culturally rich areas of China, with Suzhou’s UNESCO World Heritage gardens and canals famous around the world.

Suzhou combines its rich 2,500-year-old history with a drive to become one of the most modern cities in China. It has a population of more than six million and a GDP of a trillion RMB – far larger than those of many entire countries!

Alongside its beautiful tourist spots, Suzhou has many excellent learning resources and sports facilities, a great choice of shopping malls, cinemas and restaurants, and a variety of bars and nightclubs.

Today, the city’s canals, stone bridges, pagodas, and meticulously designed gardens have contributed to its status as one of the top tourist attractions in China. The classical gardens in Suzhou were added to the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1997 and 2000.

Suzhou is located in the southeast of Jiangsu Province in eastern China. Within Suzhou is Suzhou Industrial Park, one of the most competitive development zones in China. This area also contains the Suzhou Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District (home to XJTLU), which sits beside Dushu Lake, one of two lakes in SIP.

Central Shanghai can be reached from Suzhou in just 30 minutes by high-speed train.

Library

XJTLU students have access to a wide range of library resources, from books and journals to electronic databases and articles. The library plays a key role as a research support and learning centre for the University, developing its collection by focusing on subject development and research requirements.

The library currently holds over 500,000 books, which are added to and updated throughout the year in response to requests from academic departments. It provides 22,000 square metres of space, housing 300 PCs and 2,500 seats for studying, discussion and computer and studio work.

Campuses

North Campus

Full of striking, architecturally impressive buildings, our North Campus provides state-of-the art teaching, laboratory, research and support facilities. This includes the award-winning and iconic Central Building, which houses our library.

The campus also has sports facilities, world class-fully equipped science and engineering laboratories, International Business School Suzhou, and design studios, as well as a variety of catering facilities, including Subway, Pacific Coffee Company, and many canteen-style fast-food options.

Landscaped gardens complement pieces of modern art to create a campus environment that has become one of the striking features of Suzhou Industrial Park.

South Campus

The first phase of our South Campus was opened to the public on 26 July 2016, as a major part of the University’s 10th anniversary celebrations.

Architecturally it contrasts our North Campus and features modern designs that complement the surrounding area. Eventually, the South Campus will satisfy the learning and teaching needs of approximately 6,000 XJTLU students as well as the University’s academic exchanges and research development plans. It will consist of eight buildings and be developed over two further phases:

Phase II: International Business School Suzhou at XJTLU

This phase will see the completion of a new building for International Business School Suzhou, set to open by the end of 2017.

PHASE III: XJTLU-GF School of Film and Television Arts and XJTLU Gym

Phase III consists of two buildings – the construction of the XJTLU-GF School of Film and Television Arts and a gym. Both buildings are expected to open by the end of 2018. The development of the School, in collaboration with financial services provider Gold Finance Group, is a significant part of XJTLU’s academic development strategy. It will mix digital media arts and film and television production and technology with performance and acting. The gym will provide improved and diversified sports facilities for students and staff on campus.

Living in University

When you come to XJTLU, you will have the opportunity to try a whole range of different sports and activities as well as developing any existing skills you already have.

Student clubs and societies

Student clubs and societies play an important part of student life. XJTLU has many organisations with themes such as art, sports, music, entrepreneurship, dance to name but a few. Some of the more established groups include a Model United Nations and the Student Union.

Another society, Intercom, provides a platform for all international students to arrange activities and events, and share ideas and experiences with the wider student body.

Catering

3 canteens, 3 coffee shops, Bar, Restaurants

Sports 

Currently, 21 sports are offered through PE classes at XJTLU, including badminton, basketball, belly dancing, billiards, boxing, bridge, Chinese martial arts, football, free combat, body building, golf, popping, roller-skating, sport dancing, table tennis, taekwondo, tai chi, tai chi sword, tennis, Ultimate Frisbee and yoga.

We have outside sport facilities that include basketball and tennis courts as well as indoor facilities, such as a golf training venue, gym, dance room, and table tennis room. There is also a football field located next to the new South Campus.