Computational Biology
The Computational Life Sciences PhD track in the Biomedical Life Sciences Program unites expertise from basic science and medicine to train students in developing and applying cutting-edge computational methods to complex biological and biomedical challenges. Combining rigorous foundations in computer science, mathematics, and quantitative modeling with hands-on training in genomics, systems biology, structural biology, and clinical informatics, the track prepares students to advance discovery at the interface of biology and computation.
Course Work
Common Program Course Work
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Program Course 1 |
Molecules to Life I (4 credits) or Molecules to Life II (4 Credits) |
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Program Course 2 |
Bytes to Biology I (4 credits)
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Program Course 3 |
Bytes to Biology II (4 credits) |
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RCR |
Track Specific Coursework
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Track Course 1 |
Computational Genomics (CMBF4761) or Functional Genomics (COMS4762) |
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Track Course 2 |
Options: Adv. ML (STAT5242); Prob. Models & ML (STCS6701); Statistical Inference (STAT4204), Bayesian Stats(STAT4224); Natural Language Proc (COMS4705); Microbiome Data Analysis; Probability Theory (STAT4203); Computer Vision (COMS4731), Biological Sequence Analysis (BINF4013), Microbiome Data Analysis (BINF4018) |
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Track Course 3 |
Any full-term graduate course at Columbia approved by the DGS |
Works in Progress
SysBio WIP (Year 3 start) Program Lead: Sara Zaccara
Skills & Competencies
VIBRE programs require PhD candidates to demonstrate proficiency in the following key scientific skills: Coding, Statistics, Science Writing, Presentation Skills, and Literature Review & Critical Appraisal. The following will allow competencies to be met:
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Coding |
Orientation-based session + Bytes to Biology I |
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Statistics |
Orientation-based session + Bytes to Biology I |
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Science Writing |
NIH/NSF grantwriting course or other DGS approved course |
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Presentation Skills |
CMBS Seminars I and II (Year 1) |
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Literature Review & Critical Appraisal |
Bytes to Biology I, Bytes to Biology II, and Molecules to Life II or SysBio Journal Club |
Other Curricular Requirements
- Orientation & Boot Camp – These programs offer students a comprehensive introduction to the Columbia University community and the VIBRE PhD Pathway.
- Advising – Students regularly meet with faculty mentors and program advisors to guide their academic and research decisions, address core research skills, and discuss expectations and needs.
- Research Rotations – During their first year, students complete at least three research rotations, each lasting about three months, in the labs of training faculty. Students select rotations based on their interests. These experiences help them explore potential dissertation mentors while expanding both their practical skills and theoretical understanding in different areas of research.
- First-Year Affiliation and Track Specialization – Students are affiliated with a track of interest during their first year, with formal selection of a program track occurring at the end of the year.
Director of Graduate Studies
Tal Korem, PhD
- Assistant Professor of System Biology and Reproductive Sciences (in Obstetrics and Gynecology)
