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  1. Las Positas College
  2. Catalog 2024 - 2025
  3. Biological Sciences
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Our Mission

Las Positas College is an inclusive, learning-centered, equity-focused environment that offers educational opportunities and support for completion of students' transfer, degree, and career-technical goals while promoting lifelong learning.

Computational Biology Certificate of Achievement (CA)

About the Program

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 of Arts in Computational Biology degree, which can be used to transfer to a university for a BA/BS degree in Computational Biology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, or related field.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for students with a Certificate of Achievement in Computational Biology may include employment with pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, academic research and scientific software companies.

Program Outcomes

  • Upon completion of the AA in Computational Biology, students are able to demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts in molecular biology, including DNA, genes, proteins and genomes.
  • Upon completion of the AA in Computational Biology, students are able to explain the use of computational techniques to solve biological problems.
  • Upon completion of the AA in Computational Biology, students are able to use online resources such as NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) and bioinformatics applications to research and analyze biological data.

Learning and Career Pathway Maps

View Program Pathway Map

Required Core: (21 Units)

Course Number Course Title Units
BIO 1C Cell and Molecular Biology 5
BIO 2A Bioinformatics 4
CHEM 1A General College Chemistry I 5
CS 7 Introduction to Computer Programming Concepts 3
MATH 40 Statistics and Probability 4

List A: Select One (5 Units)

Course Number Course Title Units
BIO 1A General Botany 5
BIO 1B General Zoology 5

Total Units: 26

Although BIO 30 can be taken as a pre-req for BIO 2A, BIO 1C is required for the Computational Biology degree or certificate.