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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

    • 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

    • U

      University of Amsterdam

      Big History - From the Big Bang until Today

      Skills you'll gain: World History, Ancient History, Cultural Diversity, Physical Science, Anthropology, Timelines, Social Sciences, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Environment, Environmental Science, Biology, Physics

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      249 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 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

    • U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Introduction to High-Performance and Parallel Computing

      Skills you'll gain: Bash (Scripting Language), Scalability, Distributed Computing, Big Data, Operating Systems, File Systems, Linux, Job Control Language (JCL), Command-Line Interface, Performance Tuning, Computer Architecture

      Build toward a degree

      3.6
      Rating, 3.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      138 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of London

      Mathematics for Computer Science

      Skills you'll gain: Arithmetic, Computer Science, Computer Graphics, Computational Thinking, General Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Algebra, Cryptography

      4.1
      Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
      ·
      238 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of Michigan

      Design Computing: 3D Modeling in Rhinoceros with Python/Rhinoscript

      Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, 3D Modeling, Computational Logic, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Design, Python Programming, Animations, Scripting, Computer Programming, Automation

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      100 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Colorado System

      Data Analysis and Representation, Selection and Iteration

      Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Data Analysis, C (Programming Language), Statistical Analysis, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Descriptive Statistics

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      93 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Computational Vision

      Skills you'll gain: Computer Vision, Image Analysis, Artificial Neural Networks, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Computer Graphics, Computational Thinking, Deep Learning, Psychology

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      65 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      D

      Dartmouth College

      Environmental Science

      Skills you'll gain: Environment, Environmental Issue, Environmental Science, Water Resources, Environmental Policy, Biology, Systems Thinking, Energy and Utilities, Physics, Chemistry

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      272 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • R

      Rice University

      Natural Attenuation of Groundwater Contaminants: New Paradigms, Technologies, and Applications

      Skills you'll gain: Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources, Geostatistics, Environmental Science, Mathematical Modeling, Laboratory Research, Microbiology, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Hydraulics

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      506 reviews

      Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      Universidad Austral

      Conceptos base para el estudio del medio ambiente

      Skills you'll gain: Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology, Environment, Data Analysis, Environmental Engineering, Physical Science, Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Statistical Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Physics

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      527 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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

    • Identifying Patient Populations: University of Colorado System
    • Remote Sensing Image Acquisition, Analysis and Applications: UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales)
    • Big History - From the Big Bang until Today: University of Amsterdam
    • Pointers, Arrays, and Recursion: Duke University
    • Introduction to High-Performance and Parallel Computing: University of Colorado Boulder
    • Mathematics for Computer Science: University of London
    • Design Computing: 3D Modeling in Rhinoceros with Python/Rhinoscript: University of Michigan
    • Data Analysis and Representation, Selection and Iteration: University of Colorado System
    • Computational Vision: University of Colorado Boulder
    • Environmental Science: Dartmouth College

    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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