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Computational Life Sciences, Certificate

Solve complex biological problems using data science, programming and quantitative modeling. You'll build in-demand technical skills in coding, data analysis and modeling that strengthen any STEM degree and open doors to careers in bioinformatics, biotechnology, biomedical research and data science.

Two female students in the School of Life Sciences work together in a science lab, building hands-on research skills in the certificate in Computational Life Sciences.

Additional facts

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Certificate description

Computational Life Sciences undergraduate certificate description

In the computational life sciences certificate program, you discover a burgeoning new field where huge improvements in processing technologies have opened the door to exciting new research techniques and interdisciplinary collaborations.

You engage with a suite of tools and approaches that enable you to uncover correlations, gain new understanding and help solve scientific problems.

Using your mastery of these new techniques, you examine data generated from a variety of fields, including ecology, botany, evolutionary biology, neuroscience, molecular and cellular biology, and animal behavior. You investigate topics such as DNA, RNA, protein, imaging, conservation and historical data; and you explore the ethical implications of collecting, storing, analyzing and sharing the results of computational life science data.

Why earn a computational life sciences undergraduate certificate at ASU?

ASU integrates biology, data science and computation within a major interdisciplinary research university. You'll work with real biological data and computational tools where you'll analyze large-scale datasets from genomics, ecology, health and systems biology, while benefiting from strong cross-college collaboration that connects the school with computer science, mathematics, engineering and health science programs. Because the certificate is available fully online and on campus, you can complete coursework in a way that fits your schedule, preparing you for high-demand careers in bioinformatics, biotechnology and data-driven life sciences with marketable technical skills that employers value across research and industry settings.

Additional details

The School of Life Sciences offers a vibrant student community where you can connect with peers who share your interests. You'll find clubs, events and resources that support your academic goals and help you build relationships with faculty and fellow students.

Courses

Course checksheet and curriculum archive

The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.

Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.

If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.

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What you'll learn

The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.

  • 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.

Admission requirements

Here are the admission and application details

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)

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.


Explore expanded study opportunities

When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Career opportunities

Careers this computational life sciences undergraduate certificate prepares you for

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.

Contact information

Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.

School of Life Sciences | LSC 104
SOLS.advising@asu.edu
480-727-6277

Frequently asked questions about degree programs

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.

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