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    • Computational Biology

    Computational Biology Courses Online

    Explore computational biology for analyzing biological data. Learn to apply algorithms and models to study genomes, proteins, and biological systems.

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    Explore the Computational Biology Course Catalog

    • L

      Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU)

      Circadian clocks: how rhythms structure life

      Skills you'll gain: Biology, Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Medical Science and Research, Health Care, Pharmacology, Chronic Diseases, Psychology, Behavioral Health, Environment, Pathology

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      225 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • J

      Johns Hopkins University

      Computing for Cancer Informatics

      Skills you'll gain: Computer Systems, Data Processing, Computing Platforms, Health Informatics, Bioinformatics, Data Storage, Computer Architecture, Big Data, Capacity Management, Data Infrastructure, Cloud Computing, Oncology

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      15 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University at Buffalo

      Advanced Manufacturing Process Analysis

      Skills you'll gain: Anomaly Detection, Process Analysis, Manufacturing Processes, Data Collection, Data Storage, Manufacturing Operations, Data Processing, Systems Engineering, Data Analysis, Data Cleansing, Digital Transformation, Big Data, Computing Platforms, Cloud Computing

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.2K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Dynamic Programming, Greedy Algorithms

      Skills you'll gain: Theoretical Computer Science, Algorithms, Computational Thinking, Data Structures, Design Strategies, Programming Principles, Computer Science, Advanced Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Analysis

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      221 reviews

      Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      R

      Rice University

      Introduction to Biology: Ecology

      Skills you'll gain: Environment, Environmental Science, Life Sciences, Environmental Issue, Environment and Resource Management, Biology, Demography, Natural Resource Management, Estimation, Taxonomy, Experimentation, Data Collection, Research Methodologies

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      128 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of California San Diego

      Advanced Algorithms and Complexity

      Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Network Routing, Network Model, Graph Theory, Operations Research, Theoretical Computer Science, Network Analysis, Data Structures, Computational Thinking, Linear Algebra, Computer Science, Big Data, Probability & Statistics

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      694 reviews

      Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Pennsylvania

      Calculus: Single Variable Part 1 - Functions

      Skills you'll gain: Calculus, Engineering Calculations, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Algebra, Advanced Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Derivatives

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.3K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of California, Irvine

      Basics of Extracellular Vesicles

      Skills you'll gain: Blood Collection, Laboratory Testing, Laboratory Research, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Laboratory Equipment, Biology, Medical Science and Research, Medical Imaging

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      351 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Toronto

      Data Visualization for Genome Biology

      Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization Software, Statistical Visualization, Interactive Data Visualization, Bioinformatics, Ggplot2, Dimensionality Reduction, Scatter Plots, R Programming, Network Analysis, Heat Maps, Molecular Biology, Design Thinking

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      23 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Colorado System

      Identifying Patient Populations

      Skills you'll gain: Data Manipulation, Bioinformatics, Data Processing, Data Science, Health Informatics, Clinical Data Management, Clinical Research, Big Data, Analytics, Machine Learning Algorithms, Statistical Methods, Medical Records

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      40 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales)

      Remote Sensing Image Acquisition, Analysis and Applications

      Skills you'll gain: Image Analysis, Unsupervised Learning, Geospatial Information and Technology, Geospatial Mapping, Computer Vision, Feature Engineering, Spatial Analysis, Machine Learning, Dimensionality Reduction, Deep Learning, Supervised Learning, Probability & Statistics, Artificial Neural Networks

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      167 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      D

      Duke University

      Pointers, Arrays, and Recursion

      Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), Data Structures, Program Development, Algorithms, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming, Debugging

      4.3
      Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
      ·
      345 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular computational biology courses

    • Circadian clocks: how rhythms structure life: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU)
    • Computing for Cancer Informatics: Johns Hopkins University
    • Advanced Manufacturing Process Analysis: University at Buffalo
    • Dynamic Programming, Greedy Algorithms: University of Colorado Boulder
    • Introduction to Biology: Ecology: Rice University
    • Advanced Algorithms and Complexity: University of California San Diego
    • Calculus: Single Variable Part 1 - Functions: University of Pennsylvania
    • Basics of Extracellular Vesicles: University of California, Irvine
    • Data Visualization for Genome Biology: University of Toronto
    • Identifying Patient Populations: University of Colorado System

    Skills you can learn in Algorithms

    Graphs (22)
    Mathematical Optimization (21)
    Computer Program (20)
    Data Structure (19)
    Problem Solving (19)
    Algebra (12)
    Computer Vision (10)
    Discrete Mathematics (10)
    Graph Theory (10)
    Image Processing (10)
    Linear Algebra (10)
    Reinforcement Learning (10)

    Frequently Asked Questions about Computational Biology

    Computational Biology is a multidisciplinary approach to applying data-scientific methods, processes, or theories to the study of biological systems. The field includes foundations in Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry, Genetics, Genomics, Computer Science, Evolution, and related disciplines.

    An example of Computational Biology is performing experiments that produce data—building sequences of molecules, for instance—and then using methods such as machine learning to analyze the data.

    When mastered, Computational Biology enables successful learners to bring drug discovery and disease prevention expertise to Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, and other essential fields.‎

    As Data Science roles pertaining to Biology become increasingly in-demand, learners exploring Computational Biology can find opportunities in commercial, academic, and government domains. The positions learners can look forward to include Computer and Information Research Scientist, Computational Biology Professor, Software and Instrumentation Test Engineer, Bioinformatics Scientist, and related roles.

    Some industries in which Computational Biology learners will find exciting opportunities include Medical Device and Equipment, Research and Testing, Agricultural Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, National Institutes of Health, and more.‎

    Courses in Computational Biology offered through Coursera explore various methods for extracting data from biological experiments. Learners discover how algorithms, data structures, and other computational methods can help them analyze DNA sequencing data. The basics in biological systems are covered so learners have a foundational understanding of DNA, genomics, and DNA sequencing. Hands-on learning of data science tools is available in many courses as well, where learners use Python, R Programming, and more to analyze real genomes and DNA sequencing datasets.‎

    Computational biology sits at the intersection of machine learning and life science, so if you possess skills in computer science and any of the various disciplines of biology, you’re ready to start learning computational biology. Having a working understanding of biology, pharmacology, and genetics can help you gain a foothold in learning computational biology, and the deeper your knowledge of those fields, the better off you’ll be in your studies. You can also benefit from a background in coding and computer programming, especially if you have experience using discrete mathematics for research and data analysis. An understanding of statistics can also give you an advantage in studying computational biology because you can apply the principles of statistics and data analysis to problem-solving within scientific disciplines.‎

    Since computational biology—also known as bioinformatics—is a scientific discipline that relies on the analysis of large amounts of data, people with analytical natures or backgrounds in statistics are well-suited for careers in this area. Individuals who are passionate about life science and want to apply technology to studying its various fields will enjoy jobs in computational biology. Computer programmers who have an interest in biology or genetics can combine their skills in building data structures with their passion for bioinformatics. Whether you want to work in academic research or for a medical corporation, you can put your scientific and computational knowledge to work in a career in computational biology.‎

    Computational biology might be the right field for you if you’re interested in biology and genetics beyond family trees and the insights from DNA test kits ordered online. If you have the desire to help develop the next revolutionary prescription or a passion to use data to help solve scientific issues, learning computational biology could be a good fit for you. You can take the skills in data analysis and computer programming that you learn studying computational biology to conduct research that helps lead to scientific breakthroughs. From pharmaceutical studies to academic research, learning computational biology offers rewarding opportunities for those who want to combine computer skills with scientific exploration.‎

    Online Computational Biology courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Computational Biology skills. Choose from a wide range of Computational Biology courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.‎

    When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Computational Biology, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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