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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 California San Diego

      Hacking COVID-19: Metabolic Pathway Analysis Yields SARS-CoV-2 Drug Targets

      Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Network Analysis, Medical Science and Research, Molecular Biology, Data Mining, Biochemistry, Scientific Visualization, Data Analysis Software, Pharmacology, Microbiology

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Glasgow

      Computational Thinking with Javascript 1: Draw & Animate

      Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Javascript, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Computer Graphics, Animations, Debugging, Scripting Languages

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Glasgow

      Computational Thinking with JavaScript

      Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, JSON, Application Deployment, Data Structures, Javascript, Application Development, HTML and CSS, Web Design and Development, Data Analysis, Code Review, Software Development, Data Visualization Software, Scripting Languages, Web Development, Web Applications, Scripting, Prototyping, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Computer Graphics

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • T

      The University of Edinburgh

      Philosophy, Science and Religion: Religion and Science

      Skills you'll gain: Discussion Facilitation, Research, Cultural Diversity, Science and Research, Systems Thinking, Anthropology, Physics, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Biology

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      199 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Primate Conservation

      Skills you'll gain: Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Environment, Risk Analysis, Biology, Community Outreach, Taxonomy, Anthropology

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      41 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Michigan

      Addressing Racial Health Inequity in Healthcare

      Skills you'll gain: Health Disparities, Health Equity, Social Justice, Community Health, Public Health, Health Systems, Health Policy, Health Care, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Social Sciences, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Sociology, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Diversity Awareness, Healthcare Ethics, Cultural Diversity, Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), Socioeconomics, Cultural Responsiveness, Biology

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      22 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      MathWorks

      Data Processing and Feature Engineering with MATLAB

      Skills you'll gain: Feature Engineering, Dimensionality Reduction, Data Integration, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Matlab, Data Processing, Descriptive Statistics, Data Cleansing, Data Manipulation, Histogram, Data Transformation, Text Mining, Predictive Modeling, Unstructured Data, Image Analysis, Natural Language Processing

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      347 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • T

      Technion - Israel Institute of Technology

      Nanotechnology and Nanosensors, Part 2

      Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Innovation, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Emerging Technologies, Laboratory Testing, Electrical Engineering, Precision Medicine, Electronic Systems, Electronic Components, Laboratory Research, Manufacturing Processes

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      234 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Pennsylvania

      Network Dynamics of Social Behavior

      Skills you'll gain: Network Analysis, Social Sciences, Sociology, Agentic systems, Systems Thinking, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Simulations, Culture, Complex Problem Solving, Innovation

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      394 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      F

      Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

      Researcher's guide to omic fundamentals

      Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Data Processing, Data Analysis, Data Literacy, Exploratory Data Analysis, Metadata Management, R Programming, Scientific Methods, Data Quality, Data Validation

      3.8
      Rating, 3.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      11 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      C

      Coursera Project Network

      CFD Simulation Through a Centrifugal Pump

      Skills you'll gain: Simulation and Simulation Software, Simulations, Engineering Analysis, Hydraulics, Cloud Computing, Verification And Validation, Data Validation, Mathematical Modeling

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      270 reviews

      Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of California San Diego

      Hacking COVID-19 — Course 5: Tracing SARS-CoV-2's Evolution

      Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Infectious Diseases, Life Sciences, Computational Thinking, Medical Science and Research, Molecular Biology, Biology, Science and Research

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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

    • Hacking COVID-19: Metabolic Pathway Analysis Yields SARS-CoV-2 Drug Targets: University of California San Diego
    • Computational Thinking with Javascript 1: Draw & Animate: University of Glasgow
    • Computational Thinking with JavaScript: University of Glasgow
    • Philosophy, Science and Religion: Religion and Science: The University of Edinburgh
    • Primate Conservation: University of Colorado Boulder
    • Addressing Racial Health Inequity in Healthcare: University of Michigan
    • Data Processing and Feature Engineering with MATLAB: MathWorks
    • Nanotechnology and Nanosensors, Part 2: Technion - Israel Institute of Technology
    • Network Dynamics of Social Behavior: University of Pennsylvania
    • Researcher's guide to omic fundamentals: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

    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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