Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate Certificate

Program Overview

This graduate certificate in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology equips students with computational skills for bioinformatics, complementing their biological knowledge. It offers flexible online learning and allows for customization of the curriculum, making it suitable for those seeking career advancement or entry into biotechnology or bioinformatics fields. The program includes a concentration in Systems Biology and Biotechnology, providing a bridge for students considering wet lab careers or computational biology.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This graduate certificate program addresses the growing demand for trained computational biologists by combining a solid foundation in biotechnology with computational skills relevant to bioinformatics. It offers flexibility with online and onsite courses, allowing students to custom design their curriculum under an advisor's guidance. This makes the certificate particularly relevant for students working in the diverse Northern Virginia high-technology workplace.

Ideal candidates:

• Individuals with a background in biological and computer sciences.
• Those currently working in or planning to enter the fields of biotechnology or bioinformatics.
• Students seeking career advancement without committing to a full graduate degree program.

Program Structure:

• The certificate can be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis.
• All courses are offered online, allowing students to participate without traveling to campus.

Outline:

Total Credits:

15

Required Courses:

• BINF 630 Bioinformatics Methods (3 credits)
• BINF 631 Molecular Cell Biology for Bioinformatics (3 credits)

Concentration in Systems Biology and Biotechnology (SBBT):

• This concentration serves as a "bridge" option for students undecided between wet lab careers and computational biology.
• Graduates are well-prepared for the Biology, MS, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, MS, or careers in biotechnology.

SBBT Required Courses:

• BINF 701 Systems Biology (3 credits)
• BIOS 742 Biotechnology (3 credits)
• OR BIOS 743 Genomics, Proteomics, and Bioinformatics (3 credits)
• Choose one elective from the following (3 credits):
• BIOL 502 Adaptation in Biosystems
• BIOL 508 Selected Topics in Animal Biology
• BIOL 682 Advanced Eukaryotic Cell Biology
• BIOL 689 Interdisciplinary Tools in the Biosciences

Electives:

• For students not choosing the Systems Biology and Biotechnology Concentration, select three courses from the following, or other courses as approved by the coordinator (9 credits):
• BINF 633 Molecular Biotechnology
• BINF 634 Bioinformatics Programming
• BINF 636 Microarray Methodology and Analysis
• BINF 639 Introduction to Biometrics
• BINF 730 Biological Sequence and Genome Analysis
• BINF 731 Protein Structure Analysis
• BINF 732 Genomics
• BINF 733 Gene Expression Analysis
• BINF 734 Advanced Bioinformatics Programming
• BINF 739 Topics in Bioinformatics

Other:

• The certificate is a professional certification program with a premium tuition rate, with an additional $100 per credit added to the standard George Mason University graduate tuition rate.
• The differential tuition funds improvements in the College of Science's educational facilities supporting the certificate program.
• Students may not pursue this certificate concurrently with any other graduate degree program or certificate.
• Students may not apply previous credit hours into this certificate.