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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 Toronto

      Plant Bioinformatic Methods

      Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Network Analysis, Research Reports, Molecular Biology, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Biology, Analysis, Data Analysis, Data Synthesis, Big Data, Statistical Methods, Data Visualization Software, Data Analysis Software, Data Mining, Experimentation, Scientific Visualization, Life Sciences, Statistical Analysis, Databases, Structural Analysis

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.1K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • S

      Stanford University

      Introduction to Logic

      Skills you'll gain: Logical Reasoning, Computational Logic, Deductive Reasoning, Computational Thinking, Business Logic, Functional Design, Programming Principles

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      647 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      D

      Duke University

      Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking

      Skills you'll gain: Deductive Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Computational Logic, Probability, Sampling (Statistics), Persuasive Communication, Research, Writing, Statistics, Scientific Methods, Oral Expression, Correlation Analysis, Interpersonal Communications, Interactive Learning, Learning Strategies, Instructional Strategies

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.5K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      R

      Rice University

      Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity

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

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      208 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of California, Santa Cruz

      C for Everyone: Programming Fundamentals

      Skills you'll gain: Debugging, C (Programming Language), Code Review, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Program Development, Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Integrated Development Environments, Software Technical Review, Algorithms

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.6K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Pennsylvania

      Introduction to Programming with Python and Java

      Skills you'll gain: Matplotlib, Object Oriented Design, Java, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Analysis, Unit Testing, Pandas (Python Package), Eclipse (Software), Data Structures, Data Cleansing, Debugging, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data Visualization Software, Software Testing, Integrated Development Environments, Program Development, Programming Principles, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Computational Thinking

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.8K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of California, Davis

      Computational Social Science

      Skills you'll gain: Network Analysis, Data Wrangling, Natural Language Processing, Web Scraping, Social Sciences, Data Ethics, Databases, Artificial Intelligence, Research, Simulations, Big Data, Systems Thinking, Data Science, Research Methodologies, Machine Learning, Data Collection, Computational Thinking, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Graph Theory, Agentic systems

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.1K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      R

      Rice University

      Fundamentals of Computing

      Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Event-Driven Programming, Algorithms, Combinatorics, Graph Theory, Programming Principles, Application Development, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Structures, Probability, Computer Programming, Bioinformatics, Interactive Design, Program Development, Big Data, Python Programming, Mathematical Software, Data Analysis, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Science

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.1K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      D

      Duke University

      Introductory C Programming

      Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Maintainability, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Software Testing, Program Development, C (Programming Language), Pseudocode, Computational Thinking, Software Engineering, Simulations, System Programming, Data Structures, Software Development, Computer Programming, Command-Line Interface, Operating Systems, Development Environment, User Interface (UI), Data Import/Export

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      7.3K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      N

      Northwestern University

      Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control

      Skills you'll gain: Machine Controls, Control Systems, Mathematical Modeling, Simulation and Simulation Software, Automation Engineering, Engineering Calculations, Engineering, Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Torque (Physics), Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics, Engineering Analysis, Automation, Computational Logic, Virtual Environment, Robotic Process Automation, Graph Theory, Matlab, Numerical Analysis

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.2K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      R

      Rice University

      Human Anatomy & Physiology I

      Skills you'll gain: Anatomy, Orthopedics, Kinesiology, Neurology, Medical Terminology, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Physical Therapy, Pathology, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Pharmacology, Radiography, Life Sciences

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      119 reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      I
      U
      I

      Multiple educators

      Data Science Foundations

      Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Pseudocode, Jupyter, Algorithms, Data Literacy, Data Mining, Pandas (Python Package), Correlation Analysis, Web Scraping, NumPy, Probability & Statistics, Predictive Modeling, Big Data, Automation, Data Visualization Software, Data Collection, Data Science, GitHub, Machine Learning Algorithms, Unsupervised Learning

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      113K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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

    • Plant Bioinformatic Methods: University of Toronto
    • Introduction to Logic: Stanford University
    • Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking: Duke University
    • Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity: Rice University
    • C for Everyone: Programming Fundamentals: University of California, Santa Cruz
    • Introduction to Programming with Python and Java: University of Pennsylvania
    • Computational Social Science: University of California, Davis
    • Fundamentals of Computing: Rice University
    • Introductory C Programming: Duke University
    • Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control: Northwestern University

    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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