Biological Data Science (Graduate Certificate)
Big Data, Biology, Bioscience, Computer, Data analysis and mining, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Python, Science, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), statistics, systems
Are you a life scientist who needs a better grasp of large data sets, or a data scientist who needs additional insight into the life sciences? Learn from faculty who are passionate about bridging the gap between biology and data science.
This biological data science graduate certificate program sits at the intersection of biology, computing, mathematics and statistics, providing students in any of these disciplines with the valuable opportunity to develop an integrative toolkit that is in high demand for the analysis of data in the context of biological applications. The program provides students with hands-on training at the interface of the natural and mathematical sciences.
Students learn to manipulate big data, including the generation and analysis of data using statistical and computational tool sets. Students can use their analytical skills in ecological, environmental, toxicological and other biological applications, and they are prepared to work in emerging areas of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research.
- College/school:
New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
- Location: West Valley or Online
15 credit hours
Required Core (3 credit hours) Other Requirements (3 credit hours) Restricted Electives (9 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
LSC 540 Statistics for Biological Data Science I (3)
ACO 501 Database Systems and Problem Solving in Python (3) or
ACO 580 Practicum (3)
ACO 501 Database Systems and Problem Solving in Python (3)
ACO 580 Topic: Intro to Python Programming for Problem Solving (3)
FOR 540 Advanced Topics in Human Forensic DNA Typing (3)
LSC 541 Statistics for Biological Data Science II (3)
LSC 555 Integrative Biology I (3)
LSC 556 Integrative Biology II (3)
LSC 562 Applied Mathematics Techniques in Biology (3)
STC 510 Data Wrangling (3)
Other requirement and restricted elective coursework may be substituted with approval of the academic unit.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- personal statement
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
The statement of purpose should address the following requests in 250 words or less:
- Applicants should describe their career goals and how a graduate certificate in biological data science will help them achieve those goals.
- Biological data science is a discipline that spans a broad range of biological topics, from molecular biology to ecology, and it uses a variety of computational methods. Applicants are asked to briefly describe two aspects of biological data science that most interest them, and explain why.
- Optional: Applicants are asked to explain any extenuating circumstances that affected their undergraduate performance or that affect them now. This is not necessary if the applicant feels their application meets all the program's admission requirements.
A professional resume may be included in the application materials, but this is optional.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
With the multiple levels of experiential learning in the program, graduates who hold the biological data science certificate are ready to enter one of the fastest-growing job markets. They have the foundation they need for a wide variety of careers that require skills in analytical reasoning, computer programming and database design in such areas as consulting firms, government agencies and nongovernmental organizations. Career fields relevant to the certificate program include:
- bioinformatics
- data management and databases
- data processing, hosting and related services
- environmental consulting
- marketing or advertising for companies with large consumer data sets
- research data analysis
- work in health care industries that involves dealing with patient data
Graduates are also prepared for pursuing advanced professional or graduate degrees.
School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences
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FAB N101
ncgradadmissions@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Admission deadlines
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
