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Computational Life Sciences ,Certificate

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 in today's fast-changing research landscape by using new technologies to mine life-changing answers from science data.

Description

In the computational life sciences certificate program, students discover a burgeoning new field where huge leaps in processing technologies have thrown open the doors for new research techniques and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Students engage with a suite of tools and approaches that enable them to uncover correlations, glean new understanding and help solve scientific problems.

Using their mastery of these new techniques, students examine data generated from a range 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 explore the ethical implications of collecting, storing, analyzing and sharing the results of computational life science data.

At a glance
Program requirements

The certificate in computational life sciences requires a minimum of 15 credit hours, of which at least 12 credit hours must be upper division. The core consists of one computing course and one ethics course. A minimum of nine credit hours in elective courses complete the certificate. The computing course not used toward the core requirements may be used toward the elective credit hours. A grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher is required for all courses used toward the certificate.
Required Courses -- 6 credit hours
Electives -- 9 credit hours
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Enrollment requirements

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.

Attend online
ASU Online

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

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Able to 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.
Career opportunities

The computational life sciences certificate program provides students with data interpretation skills and experience using new computational approaches and programs. When combined with a major program of study, graduates will be in high demand for roles 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.

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

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.
What are concurrent programs?
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.
What are joint programs?
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.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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