Computational Life Sciences ,Certificate
Big Data, Computational Biology, Data Science, Interdisciplinary, Mathematical modeling, Systems Biology, genomics
Do you have a curious mind and a passion for solving problems in new ways? You can make a powerful impact on today's fast-changing research landscape by using new technologies to mine life-changing answers from science data.
In the computational life sciences certificate program, students discover a burgeoning new field where huge improvements in processing technologies have opened the door to exciting new research techniques and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Students engage with a suite of tools and approaches that enable them to uncover correlations, gain new understanding and help solve scientific problems.
Using their mastery of these new techniques, students examine data generated from a variety of fields, including ecology, botany, evolutionary biology, neuroscience, molecular and cellular biology, and animal behavior. Students investigate topics such as DNA, RNA, protein, imaging, conservation and historical data; and they explore the ethical implications of collecting, storing, analyzing and sharing the results of computational life science data.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe or Online
2026-2027 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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The certificate in computational life sciences requires 15 upper division credit hours. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be taken from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. When selecting courses, the college offering the course can be identified by viewing the course details in Class Search. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a scale of 4.00) or better can be used to satisfy certificate requirements. |
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3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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The computing course not used toward the core requirements in this section may be used toward the elective credit hours below.
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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9 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 9 |
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Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
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A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
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.
- Use bioinformatics tools and command line bioinformatics tools, and write simple computer scripts to find, retrieve and organize various types of biological data.
- Interpret the ethical, legal, medical and social implications of biological data.
Graduates of the computational life sciences certificate program have gained data interpretation skills and experience using new computational approaches and programs. Graduates who have combined this program with their major program of study are in high demand for roles that involve identifying and interpreting data in a variety of fields, including ecology, medicine, botany, evolutionary biology and animal behavior.
Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.
School of Life Sciences
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LSC 104
SOLS.advising@asu.edu
480-727-6277
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.
