This is an archived copy of the 2019-20 guide. To access the most recent version of the guide, please visit http://guide.berkeley.edu.
Overview
Computational biology is an academic growth area that binds together multiple areas of biological research with the mathematical and computational sciences. It takes center stage in the new data-oriented biology by facilitating scientific discoveries based on high-throughput methods. The genomic revolution has fundamentally changed the biological sciences, and computational biology provides the means for translation of genomic discoveries into a new understanding of complex biological systems and eventually into improvements of the human condition through the development of solutions to environmental problems, new drug discoveries, and personalized medicine.
The Center for Computational Biology is Berkeley’s hub for research and training in computational biology and bioinformatics. Through courses, seminars, scientific meetings, and innovative training programs for PhD students administered by the Graduate Group in Computational Biology, the center catalyzes biological discoveries at the interface of biology, computation, and mathematics/statistics. As a campus strategic initiative, the center fosters an interactive, innovative, and collegiate environment for faculty, students, and postdoctorates drawn from five colleges and over a dozen academic departments. Faculty research interests are likewise diverse, ranging from computational and statistical genomics to population, comparative, and functional genomics; from bioinformatics and proteomics to evolutionary biology, phylogenomics, and statistical and computational methods development for modeling biological systems.
Graduate Programs
Computational Biology: Designated Emphasis (DE), PhD
Courses
Computational Biology
Terms offered: Fall 2020, Fall 2019, Fall 2018
Berkeley Connect is a mentoring program, offered through various academic departments, that helps students build intellectual community. Over the course of a semester, enrolled students participate in regular small-group discussions facilitated by a graduate student mentor (following a faculty-directed curriculum), meet with their graduate student mentor for one-on-one academic advising, attend lectures and panel discussions featuring department faculty and alumni, and go on field trips to campus resources. Students are not required to be declared majors in order to participate. Course may be repeated.
Berkeley Connect in Computational Biology: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit with advisor consent.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Computational Biology/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Offered for pass/not pass grade only. Final exam not required.
Instructor: Nielsen
Terms offered: Fall 2020, Fall 2019
This class teaches basic bioinformatics and computational biology, with an emphasis on alignment, phylogeny, and ontologies. Supporting foundational topics are also reviewed with an emphasis on bioinformatics topics, including basic molecular biology, probability theory, and information theory.
Introduction to Computational Molecular and Cell Biology: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: BioE 11 or Bio 1A (may be taken concurrently), plus a programming course (ENGIN 7 or CS 61A)
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for BIO ENG C131 after completing BIO ENG 131, BIO ENG C131, or BIO ENG C131. A deficient grade in BIO ENG C131 may be removed by taking BIO ENG C131, or BIO ENG C131.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Computational Biology/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Holmes
Also listed as: BIO ENG C131
Introduction to Computational Molecular and Cell Biology: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2020, Spring 2019
This introductory course will cover basic principles of human/population genetics and molecular biology relevant to molecular and genetic epidemiology. The latest methods for genome-wide association studies and other approaches to identify genetic variants and environmental risk factors important to disease and health will be presented. The application of biomarkers to define exposures and outcomes will be explored. Recent developments in genomics, epigenomics and other ‘omics’ will be included. Computer and wet laboratory work will provide hands-on experience.
Human Genome, Environment and Public Health: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Introductory level biology/genetics course, or consent of instructor. Introductory biostatistics and epidemiology courses strongly recommended
Credit Restrictions: Students who complete PBHLTH 256 or CMPBIO 156 receive no credit for completing PBHLTH C256.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Computational Biology/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructors: Barcellos, Holland
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Computational biology is an interdisciplinary field that develops and/or applies computational methods including bioinformatics to analyze large collections of biological data such as genomic data with a goal of making new predictions or discoveries. Precision medicine is an emerging approach for human disease treatment and prevention that takes into account individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle for each person. Computational biology and bioinformatics tools are critical for advancing precision medicine. This survey course introduces computational tools for the analysis of genomic data and approaches to understanding and advancing precision medicine.
Introduction to Computational Biology and Precision Medicine: Read More [+]
Hours & Format
Summer: 6 weeks - 12 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Computational Biology/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Introduction to Computational Biology and Precision Medicine: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2020, Fall 2019, Fall 2018
Berkeley Connect is a mentoring program, offered through various academic departments, that helps students build intellectual community. Over the course of a semester, enrolled students participate in regular small-group discussions facilitated by a graduate student mentor (following a faculty-directed curriculum), meet with their graduate student mentor for one-on-one academic advising, attend lectures and panel discussions featuring department faculty and alumni, and go on field trips to campus resources. Students are not required to be declared majors in order to participate. Course may be repeated.
Berkeley Connect in Computational Biology: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit with advisor consent.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Computational Biology/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Offered for pass/not pass grade only. Final exam not required.
Instructor: Nielsen
Terms offered: Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2013
Research project and approaches in computational biology. An introducton to the diverse ways biological problems are investigated computationally through critical evaluation of the classics and recent peer-reviewed literature. This is the core course required of all Computational Biology graduate students.
Classics in Computational Biology: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Computational Biology Phd program; consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of lecture and 2 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Computational Biology/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Fall 2020, Fall 2019
This class teaches basic bioinformatics and computational biology, with an emphasis on alignment, phylogeny, and ontologies. Supporting foundational topics are also reviewed with an emphasis on bioinformatics topics, including basic molecular biology, probability theory, and information theory.
Introduction to Computational Molecular and Cell Biology: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: BioE 11 or Bio 1A (may be taken concurrently), plus a programming course (ENGIN 7 or CS 61A)
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for BIO ENG C231 after completing BIO ENG 231. A deficient grade in BIO ENG C231 may be removed by taking BIO ENG 231, or BIO ENG 231.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Computational Biology/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Holmes
Also listed as: BIO ENG C231
Introduction to Computational Molecular and Cell Biology: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018
This introductory course will cover basic principles of human/population genetics and molecular biology relevant to molecular and genetic epidemiology. The latest methods for genome-wide association studies and other approaches to identify genetic variants and environmental risk factors important to disease and health will be presented. The application of biomarkers to define exposures and outcomes will be explored. Recent developments in genomics, epigenomics and other ‘omics’ will be included. Computer and wet laboratory work will provide hands-on experience.
Human Genome, Environment and Public Health: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Introductory level biology/genetics course, or consent of instructor. Introductory biostatistics and epidemiology courses strongly recommended
Credit Restrictions: Students who complete PB HLTH 256 receive no credit for completing PH C256.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Computational Biology/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Barcellos, Holland
Also listed as: PB HLTH C256
Terms offered: Spring 2017
This introductory course will cover basic principles of human/population genetics and molecular biology
relevant to understanding how data from the human genome are being used to study disease and other
health outcomes. The latest designs and methods for genome-wide association studies and other
approaches to identify genetic variants, environmental risk factors and the combined effects of gene and
environment important to disease and health will be presented. The application of biomarkers to define
exposures and outcomes will be explored. The course will cover recent developments in genomics,
epigenomics and other ‘omics’, including applications of the latest sequencing technology and
characterization of the human microbiome.,Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This introductory course will cover basic principles of human/population genetics and molecular biology
relevant to understanding how data from the human genome are being used to study disease and other
health outcomes. The latest designs and methods for genome-wide association studies and other
approaches to identify genetic variants, environmental risk factors and the combined effects of gene and
environment important to disease and health will be presented. The application of biomarkers to define
exposures and outcomes will be explored. The course will cover recent developments in genomics,
epigenomics and other ‘omics’, including applications of the latest sequencing technology and
characterization of the human microbiome.
Human Genome, Environment and Human Health: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Introductory level biology course. Completion of introductory biostatistics and epidemiology courses strongly recommended and may be taken concurrently
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Computational Biology/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Barcellos, Holland
Also listed as: PB HLTH C256A
Terms offered: Spring 2017
This introductory course will cover basic principles of human/population genetics and molecular biology
relevant to understanding how data from the human genome are being used to study disease and other
health outcomes. The latest designs and methods for genome-wide association studies and other
approaches to identify genetic variants, environmental risk factors and the combined effects of gene and
environment important to disease and health will be presented. The application of biomarkers to define
exposures and outcomes will be explored. The course will cover recent developments in genomics,
epigenomics and other ‘omics’, including applications of the latest sequencing technology and
characterization of the human microbiome.,Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This introductory course will cover basic principles of human/population genetics and molecular biology
relevant to understanding how data from the human genome are being used to study disease and other
health outcomes. The latest designs and methods for genome-wide association studies and other
approaches to identify genetic variants, environmental risk factors and the combined effects of gene and
environment important to disease and health will be presented. The application of biomarkers to define
exposures and outcomes will be explored. The course will cover recent developments in genomics,
epigenomics and other ‘omics’, including applications of the latest sequencing technology and
characterization of the human microbiome.
Human Genome, Environment and Human Health: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Introductory level biology course. Completion of introductory biostatistics and epidemiology courses strongly recommended and may be taken concurrently
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Computational Biology/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Barcellos, Holland
Also listed as: PB HLTH C256A
Terms offered: Spring 2017
This introductory course will cover basic principles of human/population genetics and molecular biology
relevant to understanding how data from the human genome are being used to study disease and other
health outcomes. The latest designs and methods for genome-wide association studies and other
approaches to identify genetic variants, environmental risk factors and the combined effects of gene and
environment important to disease and health will be presented. The application of biomarkers to define
exposures and outcomes will be explored. The course will cover recent developments in genomics,
epigenomics and other ‘omics’, including applications of the latest sequencing technology and
characterization of the human microbiome.,Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This introductory course will cover basic principles of human/population genetics and molecular biology
relevant to understanding how data from the human genome are being used to study disease and other
health outcomes. The latest designs and methods for genome-wide association studies and other
approaches to identify genetic variants, environmental risk factors and the combined effects of gene and
environment important to disease and health will be presented. The application of biomarkers to define
exposures and outcomes will be explored. The course will cover recent developments in genomics,
epigenomics and other ‘omics’, including applications of the latest sequencing technology and
characterization of the human microbiome.
Human Genome, Environment and Human Health: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Introductory level biology course. Completion of introductory biostatistics and epidemiology courses strongly recommended and may be taken concurrently
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Computational Biology/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Barcellos, Holland
Also listed as: PB HLTH C256A
Terms offered: Spring 2017
This introductory course will cover basic principles of human/population genetics and molecular biology
relevant to understanding how data from the human genome are being used to study disease and other
health outcomes. The latest designs and methods for genome-wide association studies and other
approaches to identify genetic variants, environmental risk factors and the combined effects of gene and
environment important to disease and health will be presented. The application of biomarkers to define
exposures and outcomes will be explored. The course will cover recent developments in genomics,
epigenomics and other ‘omics’, including applications of the latest sequencing technology and
characterization of the human microbiome.,Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This introductory course will cover basic principles of human/population genetics and molecular biology
relevant to understanding how data from the human genome are being used to study disease and other
health outcomes. The latest designs and methods for genome-wide association studies and other
approaches to identify genetic variants, environmental risk factors and the combined effects of gene and
environment important to disease and health will be presented. The application of biomarkers to define
exposures and outcomes will be explored. The course will cover recent developments in genomics,
epigenomics and other ‘omics’, including applications of the latest sequencing technology and
characterization of the human microbiome.
Human Genome, Environment and Human Health: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Introductory level biology course. Completion of introductory biostatistics and epidemiology courses strongly recommended and may be taken concurrently
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Computational Biology/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Barcellos, Holland
Also listed as: PB HLTH C256A
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This introductory course will provide hands-on experience with modern wet laboratory techniques and computer analysis tools for studies in molecular and genetic epidemiology and other areas of genomics in human health. Students will also participate in critical review of journal articles. Students are expected to understand basic principles of human/population genetics and molecular biology, latest designs and methods for genome-wide association studies and other approaches to identify genetic variants, environmental risk factors and the combined effects of gene and environment important to human health. Students will learn how to perform DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction and methods for genotyping, sequencing, and cytogenetics.
Genetic Analysis Method: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Introductory level biology course. Completion of introductory biostatistics and epidemiology courses strongly recommended and may be taken concurrently with permission. PH256A is a requirement for PH256B; they can be taken concurrently
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2-2 hours of lecture and 1-3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Computational Biology/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Barcellos, Holland
Also listed as: PB HLTH C256B
Terms offered: Fall 2020
This seminar course will cover a wide range of topics in the field of computational biology. The main goals of the course are to expose students to cutting edge research in the field and to prepare students for engaging in academic discourse with seminar speakers - who are often leaders in their fields. A selected number of class meetings will be devoted to the review of scientific papers published by upcoming seminar speakers and the other class meetings will be devoted to discussing other related articles in the field. The seminar will expose students to both the breadth and highest standards of current computational biology research.
Computational Biology Seminar/Journal Club: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Computational Biology/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
A graduate seminar class in which students closely examine recent computational methods in molecular and systems biology, for example for modeling mechanisms related to the regulation of gene expression and/or high-throughput sequencing data. The course will focus on computational methodology but will also cover relevant and interesting biological applications.
Special Topics - Computational Biology: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in EECS, MCB, Computational Biology or related fields; or consent of the instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit with instructor consent.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Computational Biology/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Yosef
Terms offered: Fall 2020, Spring 2020, Spring 2019
This one-year interactive seminar builds skills, knowledge and community in computational biology for first year PhD and second year Designated Emphasis students. Topics covered include concepts in human genetics/genomics, laboratory methodologies and data sources for computational biology, workshops/instruction on use of various bioinformatics tools, critical review of current research studies and computational methods, preparation for success in the PhD program and career development. Faculty members of the graduate program in computational biology and scientists from other institutions will participate. Topics will vary each semester.
Doctoral Seminar in Computational Biology: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Computational Biology/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Fall 2019, Fall 2018
This one-year interactive seminar builds skills, knowledge and community in computational biology for first year PhD and second year Designated Emphasis students. Topics covered include concepts in human genetics/genomics, laboratory methodologies and data sources for computational biology, workshops/instruction on use of various bioinformatics tools, critical review of current research studies and computational methods, preparation for success in the PhD program and career development. Faculty members of the graduate program in computational biology and scientists from other institutions will participate. Topics will vary each semester.
Doctoral Seminar in Computational Biology: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Computational Biology/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Moorjani, Rokhsar
Also listed as: MCELLBI C296
Terms offered: Fall 2020, Fall 2019, Fall 2018
Closely supervised experimental or computational work under the direction of an individual faculty member; an introduction to methods and research approaches in particular areas of computational biology.
Introduction to Research in Computational Biology: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Standing as a Computational Biology graduate student
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2-20 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Computational Biology/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Introduction to Research in Computational Biology: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018
Closely supervised experimental or computational work under the direction of an individual faculty member; an introduction to methods and research approaches in particular areas of computational biology.
Introduction to Research in Computational Biology: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Standing as a Computational Biology graduate student
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2-20 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Computational Biology/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Introduction to Research in Computational Biology: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Summer 2020 10 Week Session, Summer 2019 10 Week Session, Summer 2018 10 Week Session
Laboratory research, conferences. Individual research under the supervision of a faculty member.
Individual Research for Doctoral Students: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Computational Biology PhD program; consent of instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-20 hours of laboratory per week
Summer: 10 weeks - 1.5-30 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Computational Biology/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
The goals of this course are to introduce students to Python, a simple and powerful programming language that is used for many applications, and to expose them to the practical bioinformatic utility of Python and programming in general. The course will allow students to apply programming to the problems that they face in the lab and to leave this course with a sufficiently generalized knowledge of programming (and the confidence to read the manuals) that they will be able to apply their skills to whatever projects they happen to be working on.
Introduction to Programming for Bioinformatics Bootcamp: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: This is a graduate course and upper level undergraduate students can only enroll with the consent of the instructor
Hours & Format
Summer: 3 weeks - 40-40 hours of workshop per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Computational Biology/Other professional
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Introduction to Programming for Bioinformatics Bootcamp: Read Less [-]
Contact Information
Computational Biology Graduate Group
108 Stanley Hall
Phone: 510-666-3342
Fax: 510-666-3399
Graduate Program Coordinator
Kate Chase
574 Stanley Hall, MC #3220
Phone: 510-642-0379
Director, Center for Computational Biology
Lisa F. Barcellos PhD, MPH
324 Stanley Hall
Phone: 510-642-7814
Fax: 510-643-5163