Computational biology is a relatively new
discipline. It emerged as a degree topic in response to a growing need
for professionals capable of analyzing the large volumes of data
generated by DNA sequencing. Online programs in computational biology
are available at the master's degree level.
Online Master's Degree in Computational Biology
An online master's degree program in computational biology draws from
the fields of biology, mathematics, statistics and computer science to
model the behavior of DNA and cells at the molecular level. Working with
equations and algorithms rather than performing lab experiments,
students learn to apply current models and refine or create new ones.
Enrollment requires a bachelor's degree in biology, engineering or
computer science. Online computational biology master's degree programs
are available, but they're rather rare.
Students have the option to complete a computational biology degree
fully online, in traditional classrooms or through hybrid online and
on-campus programs. Course lectures, readings, assignments and other
materials are accessible 24 hours a day through the school's website.
Group projects and student interaction with instructors are handled via
message boards, online chat, video conferencing, e-mail and phone. A
master's degree is typically earned in two years.
A personal computer, Internet access, presentation software and basic
productivity software are required to take part in an online program.
Schools may use educational content management systems, such as Sakai or
WebCT.
List of Common Computational Biology Courses
Master's degree programs are generally organized into core and
elective courses. Core courses in a computational biology program
emphasize data analysis.
The theory and practice of searching and analyzing biological
databases make up the focus areas of this course. Course content gives
particular emphasis to searching accessible integrated data sources.
Biostatistics Course
Students learn to apply statistical concepts and methods of
statistical analysis to the biological sciences in this course.
Experimental design, hypothesis testing, statistical inference and
regression models are among the topics covered.
Gene Organization Course
This course examines functional genomics, chromosome organization and gene expression using analysis techniques developed for
molecular biology. Other relevant concepts covered include genomic imprinting, DNA methylation, enhancers and silencers.
Microarrays Course
Students in this course engage in the process of visualizing and
analyzing data from microarrays using statistical scripting software.
Topics covered in the course include common pattern recognition
techniques, data variability, expressed genes and false positives.
An online master's degree in computational biology prepares graduates
for careers as biological research scientists, primarily in research
support positions. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects
employment of biological scientists will increase 21% from 2008-2018.
Growth will be driven by the need for scientists qualified to analyze
massive and constantly expanding volumes of experimental research data.
Payscale.com reports that as of June 2010, the median salary of research scientists with 1-4 years of experience was $47,931-$82,802.
Graduates of master's degree programs who want to explore the subject
more intensively or lead research teams may want to consider earning a
doctorate in computational biology. A number of schools offer doctoral
programs, but not online.
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