Bioinformatics

Intensifying Need for Biological Data Analysis and Interpretation

Biological data continue to accumulate at a phenomenal rate. UCSC Extension in Silicon Valley’s Bioinformatics Certificate Program was created in consultation with industry leaders to meet the need for biologists and computer scientists with the ability to analyze and interpret this deluge of biological information.

Learn the Fundamentals and Applications of Bioinformatics

Courses in the Bioinformatics Certificate Program provide a rich combination of theoretical foundations and practical skills in bioinformatics. The required courses build the necessary computational and scientific foundations. Electives allow our students to tailor their studies to their individual needs and interests. Life scientists can learn how to effectively use the tools and methods of bioinformatics to enhance their work. Computer scientists can gain a background in molecular biology and important bioinformatics methods and tools.

Benefits of Studying Bioinformatics at UCSC Extension

  • Taught by experienced molecular biologists and bioinformatics professionals
  • Instructors bring real-world perspectives and cutting-edge technologies into their classrooms
  • A foundation in the biological concepts central to bioinformatics
  • An understanding of the origins of biological data, as well as how to manipulate them and determine their quality
  • Hands-on experience with the latest computational tools and methods used in bioinformatics
  • The ability to perform effective biological database searches and analyses
  • An appreciation of how computational methods are applied to the development of new drugs and diagnostic tools

 

Who Should Attend This Program

This program is designed for working life scientists and computer scientists, as well as other professionals who have a degree in biology, biochemistry, or computer science and want to enrich their careers by learning and applying the key principles and practices of bioinformatics.

Prerequisites

Familiarity with the principles of modern molecular biology is required. Completion of "Molecular Biology, Introduction" or an equivalent course within the last five years at another institution, or equivalent experience satisfies this requirement. An understanding of probability and statistics are required for "Statistical Analysis and Modeling for Bioinformatics and Biomedical Applications".

Students without this background should first complete “Probability and Statistics, Introduction,” “Statistical Design of Experiments: A Practical Approach,” or “General Statistics I” and “General Statistics II,” or the equivalent prior to taking “Statistical Analysis and Modeling for Bioinformatics and Biomedical Applications.”

Recommended Course Sequence

Those new to the field of bioinformatics should start with "Bioinformatics Tools, Databases" and "Methods and Experimental Methods in Molecular Biology" (after completing the prerequisite). Courses may then be taken in any sequence, unless otherwise specified in the individual course description.

Benefits of Declaring Candidacy

We encourage you to establish candidacy in a certificate program early in your studies. There are substantial benefits in doing so:

  • Curriculum changes subsequent to the date your application is received will not affect your course requirements
  • Candidates will be notified of updates or special opportunities related to the program
  • Priority enrollment in fully enrolled courses

Program Contact

Enroll online now or contact the Applied & Natural Sciences Department for more
information: (408) 861-3860 or e-mail program@ucsc-extension.edu.

Course Schedule
Declare Candidacy

Bioinformatics Certificate Requirements

Total: 16 units
Required: 3 courses
Elective: 7 units
GPA: 3.0
C or better in all courses.
Timeline: Complete minimum units/courses within 3 years.

Note: Courses completed more than five years prior to date of certificate issuance cannot be used to fulfill requirements

How to Apply

Certificate applications can be submitted online. Simply click on the "Declare Candidacy" button above. Then, select the "Enroll" button next to the certificate title and follow the instructions.

Transfer a Course
Forms & Information
FAQs

Course Materials

Refer to your enrollment receipt for specific details about materials for this course. Your course may require one or both of the following types of materials:

Course Readers: Students are responsible for ordering printed course readers through our on-demand course materials service. 

Electronic Course Materials: An electronic version may also be downloaded after logging in to your course website: https://online.ucsc-extension.edu/xsl-portal

For more details on both of these options, visit our course materials page.


For information about ordering textbooks, click here.