Computational Biology
Certificate Biological & Environmental Sciences · Antelope Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Computational Biology uses data analysis, mathematical modeling, and computational simulation techniques to understand complex biological systems. The Computational Biology certificate provides coursework designed to train students entering careers that require the interpretation and analysis of large amounts of biological data. The objective of the certificate is to acquire skills in computer science, biology and statistics that can be applied to bioinformatics. Students may also wish to obtain the Associate in Science in Biology degree (AS or AS-T), which can be used to transfer to a university for a BA/BS degree in Computational Biology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, or related field.
Program Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: Complete all of the following | 23 | |
| Prep Courses: Complete all of the following | 13 | |
| Prep Courses: Complete all of the following | 8 | |
| BIOL 110 | General Molecular Cell Biology | 5 |
| CS 110 | Introduction to Programming Concepts and Methodologies | 3 |
| Chemistry Prep Course - Choose one | 5 | |
| CHEM 110 | General Chemistry | 5 |
| CHEM 110H | General Chemistry Honors | 5 |
| Statistics Course - Choose one | 4 | |
| MATH 116 | Introduction to Statistics Using R | 4 |
| STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 |
| STAT C1000H | Introduction to Statistics - Honors | 4 |
| Skill Courses: Complete all of the following | 6 | |
| CS 122 | Programming and Algorithms in Python | 3 |
| BIOL 206 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 3 |
Recommended Pathway
Computational Biology Certificate
Term 1 (13 units)
- CS110 - Introduction to Programming Concepts and Methodologies (3)
- BIOL110 - General Molecular Cell Biology (5)
- CHEM110 - General Chemistry (5)
- CHEM110H - General Chemistry Honors (5)
Term 2 (4 units)
- MATH116 - Introduction to Statistics Using R (4)
- STATC1000 - Introduction to Statistics (4)
- STATC1000H - Introduction to Statistics - Honors (4)
Term 3 (6 units)
- CS122 - Programming and Algorithms in Python (3)
- BIOL206 - Introduction to Bioinformatics (3)