Bioinformatics Program
The Bioinformatics Specialization is a multi-level program offered to Saudi universities students and fresh graduates. The program consists of 4 main stages, with assessments in between each stage to get qualified to the following one. The program covers the field from the essentials in Bioinformatics, to advanced levels of Bioinformatics technology with projects showcasing the acquired knowledge.
Requirements
- You must be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree or graduated recently from a Saudi university in relevant fields such as Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Bioscience, Life Sciences, Medical Science, Clinical or Medical Technicians. Saudi residency applicants must have valid iqama at least until Sep 2025.
- Completion of the prerequisite courses on Coursera.
- Passing the assessments at each stage. Top Qualified students will be invited to the next stage.
Application Announcement
- The registration will open soon.
- Eligible candidates will be invited to the placement test.
- To be eligible for the qualification exam, the candidate must be enrolled in the KAUST Academy/Coursera program within 5 days of Coursera invitation and then complete the required pre-requisite courses.
Prerequisite Course
To qualify for the Bioinformatics Specialization Program, you’ll need to sign up for Coursera within 5 days of receiving the invitation link at your registered email address, and then successfully complete the following courses to be eligible to take part in the placement test:
Fundamental Skills in Bioinformatics
Students with top scores in the placement test will receive invitation for (Introduction to Bioinformatics) to join a one week in person training during university breaks. At the end of the course, students with top performance will be invited to another one week in person training (Advanced Bioinformatics) and take an exam at the end of the course as well.
The top qualified students will receive invitation to participate in a variety of KAUST Academy Summer Programs at elite partners institutions in KSA and/or abroad including Summer School, Internships, and Research Programs.
Students who will not be selected after passing the placement test in October, will still have access to 200 courses, specializations, guided projects and more on Coursera until 31 July 2025. They will be eligible to receive a free certificate for each achievement on Coursera during that period.
Covered topics
in this course
- Basics of R
- How to analyze bulk RNAseq Count Data
- Basics of Python
- How to analyze single cell RNAseq count data
Skills you’ll gain
- R Basics
- Bulk RNAseq Analysis
- Linear Algebra
- Python Fundamentals
- Data Visualization
- Statistical Analysis
- RNAseq Techniques
- Python Coding
Student Journey
Stage 1: Prerequisite Course
Important Note: Signing up for the prerequisite courses on Coursera (Stage 1) does not guarantee participation in subsequent stages. Students must demonstrate their knowledge and skills by excelling in the assessments to progress through the program. Certificates of Completion will be awarded at each stage to acknowledge participants’ achievements. Qualified students will be invited to the next stage.
Duration: 2 Weeks Completion Date: To Be Determined Method: Self-Paced, Online Courses
Description: The students are required to complete 1 auto-enrolled course on Coursera, supplying them with the knowledge for Bioinformatics essentials and building blocks.
Stage 2: Introduction to Bioinformatics
Duration: 5 Days Start Date: (TBD) during university breaks Method: Instructor-Paced, In-Person Lectures
Description: Top qualified students will delve deeper into the world of Bioinformatics, and learn the skills and tools to apply this newfound knowledge in their fields.
Stage 3: Advanced Bioinformatics Course
Duration: 4 Days Start Date: (TBD) during university breaks Method: Instructor-Paced, In-Person Lectures
Description: The qualified students will delve even deeper into the world of Bioinformatics, learning about advanced theories and applications of Bioinformatics technologies.
Stage 4: Bioinformatics Summer Program
Duration: 8 Weeks Start Date: 29 June 2025 Method: Instructor-Paced, In-Person Lectures
Description: Qualified students will be invited to the prestigious KAUST Academy Summer Program in one of KAUST Academy top partner institutions in KSA or abroad. Students will be provided with on-campus accommodation and privileges.
Recommended Agenda
Below you can find the recommended agenda, with a goal to complete the specified courses to attend the placement test and advance in the program.
Professor’s Take
on the Course
“Bioinformatics is not only about using existing tools to process and analyze biological data, but rather about developing novel methods and tailored approach for targeted knowledge discovery. The field of biology has gradually changed into a data-driven field, in which AI is playing more and more important roles for hypothesis generation and scientific discovery.” – Professor Xin Gao, Interim Director of Computational Bioscience Research Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Yes, you will be equipped to apply Bioinformatics concepts in real-world scenarios after completing this course.
This course is catered to University Students with backgrounds related to Science and Technology.
(1st Stage) Prerequisite online course is self-paced, suggested completion time is 2 weeks.
(2nd to 4th Stages Introduction, Advanced, and Summer Program) are in person, instructor paced.
Yes, participants who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of completion to showcase their newfound Bioinformatics knowledge and skills at each stage.
No, to qualify for the placement test, you are required to complete only the course(s) which are auto enrolled to your access upon joining Coursera.
However, do not forget that you have free access to 200 courses, specialization, guided projects, and more through the KAUST Academy/Coursera license. We strongly recommend you complete and earn free certificates for as many courses as you like, during the entire period of the program.
The program is currently offered with a full scholarship for talented students at all Saudi universities.
Contact us for more information AR