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Certificate Program in Bioinformatics
Below this overview, you will find a list of all the courses associated with this program. While not all courses are currently offered, you can view each course description to become more familiar with the complete curriculum of the certificate or award.
Certificate Contact
Applied and Natural Sciences Department, (408) 861-3860, or e-mail program@ucsc-extension.edu.
Program Overview
Biological data continue to accumulate at a phenomenal rate. Our Bioinformatics Certificate Program was created in consultation with industry leaders to meet the need for bioinformatics specialists who have a solid understanding of molecular biology and the computational skills to acquire, process, store, distribute, and analyze this deluge of biological information.
The Bioinformatics Certificate provides participants with the needed theoretical foundations as well as the practical skills to excel in bioinformatics. The required courses provide individuals from diverse backgrounds with the computational and scientific foundations. A range of electives allows individuals the flexibility to tailor their studies to their particular needs and interests. Life scientists learn how to effectively use the tools and methods of bioinformatics to enhance their work, while computer scientists gain a background in molecular biology and the focused computational skills needed to prepare them for developing new tools and methods.
Courses in the program are taught by experienced molecular biologists and seasoned bioinformatics professionals who bring real-world perspectives and cutting-edge technologies into their classrooms.
The Bioinformatics Certificate helps you acquire skills that will enable you to find and determine the quality of biological data, perform effective database searches and analyses, and implement bioinformatics algorithms. Through networking opportunities with expert instructors and participants in the industry, you will discover current industry trends, learn more about job opportunities locally and nationally, and be able to shape your course of study to meet industry needs.
Certificate Requirements
To satisfy the requirements for the Certificate in Bioinformatics, you must complete three required courses and 7 units of electives, for a minimum total of 16 units. In order to be eligible for the certificate, you must (1) complete all course work within three years of filing the application to establish candidacy, and (2) achieve an overall 3.0 grade point average (GPA) for all required and elective courses. In addition, all courses applying toward the certificate must have been successfully completed within five years of the date on which the certificate is issued. Please go to www.ucsc-extension.edu/gpa for our GPA calculator. Students who complete a certificate program with a GPA of 4.0 will now earn a Certificate with Honors.
Students pursuing both the Bioinformatics and Biotechnology certificates need a minimum of 30 units, including all required courses and elective units for both programs. Please note that in order to complete two certificate programs with the minimum number of units, students must select some electives that are common to both programs.
Please contact us at program@ucsc-extension.edu or (408) 861-3860 if you need more information or would like assistance creating a study plan.
Courses may be taken individually or as part of the certificate program.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with the principles of modern molecular biology is required. Completion of "Molecular Biology, Introduction" or an equivalent course taken within the last five years at another institution, or equivalent experience satisfies this requirement. An understanding of probability and statistics is required for "Data Analysis and Modeling for Bioinformatics." Students without this background should first complete "Probability and Statistics, Introduction" or equivalent prior to taking "Data Analysis and Modeling for Bioinformatics."
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 prerequisites). Courses can then be taken in any sequence unless otherwise specified in the individual course description.
Required Courses (Three)
- Bioinformatics Tools, Databases and Methods (3 units)
- Data Analysis and Modeling for Bioinformatics (3 units)
- Experimental Methods in Molecular Biology (3 units)
Elective Courses (7 units required)
* Suggested electives for computer scientists and IT professionals.
- Computational Intelligence (1.5 units)*
- DNA Microarrays: Principles, Applications and Data Analysis (3 units)
- Gene Expression and Pathways (2 units)
- Molecular Diagnostics (1.5 units)
- Perl for Bioinformatics (2 units)
- Sequence Analysis in Bioinformatics, Advanced (2 units)*
- Structure Analysis of Biological Molecules (2 units)
Certificate Application Information
We encourage you to establish candidacy in a certificate program early in your studies. 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. Certificate applications can be submitted through our online form or using our PDF form . If you use our PDF form, please submit your application along with the appropriate fee to the address or fax number listed on the application form.
Once the requirements of the certificate have been met, students must contact our office at program@ucsc-extension.edu to request their certificate.
Transferring Credit From Other Schools
Subject to departmental approval, students may substitute one equivalent course from another institution for one in the certificate program. The course must have been taken within the past five years with a grade of C or better, cover the same material as the required course, carry equivalent or more credit, and be from an accredited academic institution.
To be considered, obtain a "Substitution Request Form" from our Web site and send your request along with a course outline and description, and transcript to:
Applied and Natural Sciences
UCSC Extension in Silicon Valley
2505 Augustine Drive, Suite 100
Santa Clara, CA 95054
