Computational Life Sciences (Graduate Certificate)
Data, Modeling, Programming, Transcriptomics, algorithm, computation, database, genomics
Be part of the data-driven revolution in the life sciences. Today's breakthroughs rely on powerful computational methods that extend beyond the bench, enabling once impossible discoveries. In this program, you'll gain advanced skills in data analysis, modeling and informatics that complement experimental approaches, preparing you to tackle complex biological questions.
In the computational life sciences graduate certificate program, you develop expertise in the understanding, interpretation and analysis of diverse data types generated from a variety of life sciences disciplines, including ecology, botany, evolutionary biology, neuroscience, molecular and cellular biology, and animal behavior.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe or Online
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
Students can complete two graduate certificate programs and combine them into a Master of Advanced Study degree, giving ultimate flexibility to build their own master’s degree. Interested students can learn more about MAS requirements and the admission process.
16 credit hours including a portfolio
Required Core (1 credit hour) Electives (15 credit hours) Culminating Experience (0 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
BIO 511 Big Data in Context (1) or
BIO 610 Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in Life Sciences (1) or
BIO 611 Current Topics in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in Life Sciences (1)
portfolio (0)
Elective coursework is selected from a restricted list in consultation with the academic unit.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in life sciences or 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.
Applicants are required to submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- written 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 written statement should discuss the applicant's future career goals to better assist the student with selecting the most applicable set of courses in computational life sciences.
International students who need an F1 or J1 visa first need to apply to and be accepted into a graduate degree program before being considered for the certificate program. International students residing in the U.S. on other types of visas must adhere to all Graduate College policies and procedures regarding admission to be considered for admission to this certificate program.
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.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Summarize key computational concepts, such as algorithms and relational databases, and their applications in the life sciences, and apply statistical concepts used in computational life sciences.
- Write simple computer scripts to find, retrieve, and organize various types of biological data, using command-line bioinformatics tools.
- Interpret the ethical, legal, medical, and social implications of biological data.
Professionals with expertise in computational life sciences are in high demand in biotech and biomedical industries. Skills in data science are critical for the analysis and interpretation of life sciences data. These skills are valuable to businesses and institutions relying on data-driven life sciences research including hospitals, biotechnology companies, and for-profit and nonprofit research institutions.
Career examples include:
- bioinformatics scientist
- computational lab technician
- core facilities researcher
- ecologist
- educator
- microbiologist
- natural sciences manager
- software developer
School of Life Sciences
|
LSA 181
On Campus: sols.grad@asu.edu
ASU Online: solsonline.grad@asu.edu
480-965-7490
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
