Bioinformatics Graduate Certificate

• Understand the latest bioinformatics tools and topics, such as information DNA sequencing and assembly; BLAST output; probability and statistics; sequence alignment; ORF prediction; functional genomics; phylogenetics; sequence, gene, and protein databases; and social and ethical considerations.
• Enhance skills in computer science and programming through use of algorithms, data structures, string manipulation, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development.
• Develop competency with programming languages such as Java, Python, R, C++, and SQL.
• Acquire knowledge in a focused topic area, such as bioinformatic algorithms, genomics, medical informatics, and proteomics.

You’ll take four courses for the Bioinformatics Graduate Certificate, choosing one course from each of the following topic areas.

Bioinformatics (1 Course)

Course options include:

• BIOT 104 Introductory Bioinformatics
• BIOT 105 Bioinformatics: Fundamentals of Sequence Analysis

Molecular Biology (1 Course)*

Taken as your first course, you can choose from a variety of course options, including:

• BIOS 14 Principles of Genetics
• BIOS 50 Neurobiology

Programming (1 Course)*

• CSCI 7 Introduction to Computer Science with Python
• CSCI 50 Intensive Introduction to Computer Science

Elective (1 Course)

• BIOS 40 Introduction to Proteomics
• STAT 102 Fundamentals of Biostatistics

You can search for available courses by course group and term — fall, spring, or summer — in the certificate course search within DCE Course Search & Registration platform.

*Petitioning for Course Exemptions

• Molecular biology course: If you earned a bachelor’s or advanced degree in biology, you may petition to be exempted from this course. We will not grant exemptions for a minor in biology. If granted an exemption, you will take a second elective to complete the certificate.
• Programming course: If you have taken a course in Java, Python, or another programming language, you may petition to be exempted from this course. If granted an exemption, you will take a second elective to complete the certificate.
• To petition for an exemption, email Graduate_Certificates@Extension.Harvard.edu. The petition should include:
  • A short explanation about the exemption being requested and why.
  • Evidence of degree or course, such as a scanned copy of a transcript (unofficial is acceptable).
  • Indication of which additional elective you plan to take in place of the exempted requirement.

Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.