Certificate in Integrative Biomedical Informatics

Unlike similar programs in the region, this certificate covers a wide scope of informatics subfields including biomedical, clinical, and research informatics.

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of informatics, including its origins, current applications, and evolving role in biomedicine. The courses included in this certificate also form the foundation of the Master of Science in Integrative Biomedical Informatics (MSIBI) program, allowing for interdisciplinary interaction among students.

Students may apply to the MSIBI program after completing the certificate and may transfer earned credits upon admission. Contact the program administrator, Clara M. Llewellyn, for more information on the credit transfer process.

The curriculum aims to:

• Introduce biomedical researchers and clinicians to informatics concepts
• Encourage collaboration between informatics specialists and domain professionals
• Offer a gateway to deeper exploration of the field

All courses include experiential learning elements such as:

• Critical literature discussions
• Basic programming assignments
• Hands-on database projects
• Practice with proposal writing and presentation skills

Required Courses:

Introduction to Biomedical and Health Informatics (IBMI 501)
Fall semester; Thursdays, 4–7 PM. Instructor: Dr. Samuel P. Rhys.

This course provides an overview of informatics in clinical and research settings, including topics like databases, machine learning, decision support, and medical imaging systems.

Biomedical Data Systems and Applications (IBMI 502)
Spring semester; Tuesdays, 4–7 PM. Instructor: Dr. Samuel P. Rhys.

Focuses on practical aspects of biomedical data management, including data modeling, SQL, database design, and security. MySQL is used as the teaching platform.

Data Science in Biomedical Informatics (IBMI 503)
Fall semester; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30–3 PM. Instructor: Dr. Delia N. Horvath.

Teaches biomedical data science using R and other open-source tools, including skills in data preparation, modeling, visualization, and reproducibility via GitHub.

Special Topics in Biomedical Informatics (IBMI 504)
Spring semester; Mondays, 5–8 PM. Instructor: Dr. Aiden M. Vos.

Explores rotating topics critical to biomedical informatics, such as:

• Deep learning for health data
• Advanced data visualization
• Public health informatics techniques
• Distributed research network frameworks
• Human-centered design and patient safety
• Bio-inspired computing in medicine
• Network modeling in healthcare
• Clinical decision informatics

Additional Program Requirements

• Completion of Responsible Conduct of Research training
• Human Subject Protection training
• Participation in UPIBI Informatics Forum

Program Director: Dr. Samuel P. Rhys

Administrative Contact: Clara M. Llewellyn

Program Committee:

• Dr. Elaine J. Harper
• Dr. Julian K. Sanders
• Dr. Delia N. Horvath
• Dr. Aiden M. Vos
• Dr. Tomas Everett, MD

Tuition is charged at $4,286 per course unit with general fees of $348 per course unit.

• Note: The certificate consists of 4 course units in total.

This program does not qualify for federal financial aid. However, UPIBI-affiliated staff and faculty may be eligible for institutional tuition benefits. Internal aid may also be available for eligible trainees.

Currently, the program is open to UPIBI-affiliated faculty, staff, research fellows, and students.

Application Deadline: March 31 for Fall enrollment.

1. Submit your application through the UPIBI Application Portal:
   • Create an account and start a new application under “UPIBI Academic Programs.”
   • Select “Certificate in Integrative Biomedical Informatics.”
   • Fill in your personal and academic details and upload required documents.
   • You may save your application and return to complete it at any time before submission.
2. Required application materials:
   • Curriculum Vitae
   • Personal Statement (1 page): career goals and how the program aligns with them
   • Unofficial academic transcripts (official transcripts required upon acceptance)
   • $75 non-refundable application fee

What is Integrative Biomedical Informatics?

Integrative Biomedical Informatics (IBI) is an interdisciplinary field focused on the effective use of biomedical data, information, and knowledge to support health research, discovery, and care delivery. It combines computational, data science, and social science principles to create systems that advance medical practice and research.

• Develops and applies methods for storing, analyzing, and sharing biomedical data
• Combines computing, communication, and information systems for healthcare innovation
• Enables modeling, experimentation, and decision-making from molecular to population scales
• Integrates social and behavioral sciences into system design and evaluation

Is this the same as bioinformatics?
No. While IBI may touch on genomic or molecular data, bioinformatics focuses specifically on the computational analysis of biological sequence data, algorithms, and databases. Only one course in this program—Data Science for Biomedical Informatics—includes limited bioinformatics training.

Are there prerequisites?

No formal prerequisites, though applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree and have at least one year of biomedical or clinical research experience.

How long does the program take?

The certificate is typically completed in 1 to 2 years. All requirements must be fulfilled within 3 years of enrollment.

Is financial aid available?

Title IV federal aid is not applicable, but institutional benefits and limited internal funding may be available. Contact the program office for details.