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Doctorado en Biología Computacional

The Program places special emphasis on transdisciplinarity and from this approach seeks to study and provide solutions to problems in the life sciences, social sciences and exact sciences. This program is offered in partnership between Universidad San Sebastián and Fundación Ciencia y Vida.

 

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Information

Degree

PhD/Doctor in Computational Biology

Application Period

Coming soon

Duration

8 semesters

Start Date

March 2024

Modality

Presential

Dr. Tomás Pérez-Acle A.
Program Director
Dr. Sebastián Gutiérrez M.
Academic Secretary

Program Description

Computational biology can be defined as a transdisciplinary research field that uses fundamentals from mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology to produce computational models that allow the study of diverse biological phenomena and, like all scientific disciplines based on big data, its advances are strongly linked to the development of computer science, particularly in the area of high performance computing (HPC).

Today, computational biology incorporates a variety of fields including, among others, genomics and bioinformatics, molecular modeling and simulation, network theory, machine learning and artificial intelligence, and population dynamics.

The Program places special emphasis on transdisciplinarity and from this approach seeks to study and provide solutions to problems in the life sciences, social sciences and exact sciences. In addition to the laboratories of the Fundación Ciencia & Vida, it offers the possibility of interacting and carrying out their theses in the research laboratories of some of the biotechnology companies located on our Campus. During their time in the Program, students will acquire skills that will allow them to identify important questions in the most basic aspects of the disciplines as well as in their medical and environmental applications, formulate and develop research projects, critically read scientific literature, effectively communicate their own findings and ideas, and insert themselves in academia, as well as in the private and public sectors.

Program Objectives

The PhD Program in Computational Biology aims to train independent researchers of the highest level with a deep knowledge of the foundations of computational biology as it relates to bioinformatics, molecular modeling, network theory, machine learning and population dynamics. Thus, it provides students with the ability to perform cutting-edge and innovative research in an autonomous, responsible and ethical manner for the generation of new knowledge.

Lines of Research

The PhD program in Computational Biology is framed within the following lines of research:
  • Computational Neuroscience, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
  • Computational biophysics of macromolecular systems.
  • Genomic Biology, Bioinformatics and Biological Networks.
Lines of research are subdivided into several research topics:
  • Complex Systems.
  • Neuromorphic Computation.
  • Computational Biophysics of Macromolecules.
  • Evolution of Artificial Societies.
  • Structure and Dynamics of Complex Networks.
  • Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

Profile of Graduates

The graduate of the PhD in Computational Biology at Universidad San Sebastian, is a researcher who:

  • Generates new knowledge through experimental research with a solid background in fundamental biological technologies and their implications in Computational Biology.
  • Develops interdisciplinary research projects, leading research teams, with the highest levels of excellence, rigor and ethics, applying methodologies relevant to Computational Biology and Bioinformatics.
  • Formulates scientific questions for the advancement of knowledge in any of the research lines related to computational biology.
  • Performs innovative teaching in higher education according to the student-centered teaching-learning process.
  • Communicates knowledge and research results through publications in specialized journals.
  • Links scientific knowledge with the concerns and needs of society and transmits it in an understandable way to the general public and other specific groups.

Curriculum

Academic Faculty

Carlos Aguirre Núñez
Carlos Aguirre Núñez Doctor en Gestión y Valoración Urbana, Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña, España
Carlos Aguirre Núñez
Raúl Araya Secchi
Raúl Araya Secchi Doctor en Biotecnología, Universidad Andrés Bello, Chile.
Raúl Araya Secchi
Pablo Coelho Caro
Pablo Coelho Caro Doctor en Ingeniería Eléctrica, Universidad de Concepción, Chile.
Pablo Coelho Caro
José Antonio Gárate Chateau
José Antonio Gárate Chateau Doctor en Ingeniería Química y Bioprocesos, University College of Dublin, Irlanda.
José Antonio Gárate Chateau
Carlos Hernández Ulloa
Carlos Hernández Ulloa Doctor en Ciencias de la Computación, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, España
Carlos Hernández Ulloa
Alberto Martin
Alberto Martin Doctor en Ciencias de la Computación, University College of Dublin, Irlanda.
Alberto Martin
Juan Cristóbal Opazo Carvallo
Juan Cristóbal Opazo Carvallo Doctor en Ciencias Biológicas, mención Ecología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
Juan Cristóbal Opazo Carvallo
Mónica Otero Ferreiro
Mónica Otero Ferreiro Doctora en Ingeniería Eléctrica, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Chile.
Mónica Otero Ferreiro
Patricio Oyarzún Cayo
Patricio Oyarzún Cayo Doctor en Biotecnología, Universidad de Queensland, Australia.
Patricio Oyarzún Cayo
Tomás Pérez-Acle
Tomás Pérez-Acle Doctor en Biotecnología, Universidad Andrés Bello, Chile.
Tomás Pérez-Acle
Simón Poblete
Simón Poblete Doctor rerum naturalium, Johannes Gutenberg Universitaet, Alemania
Simón Poblete
Pavel Prado Gutiérrez
Pavel Prado Gutiérrez Ph.D. Health Sciences, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas, Havana, Cuba 
Pavel Prado Gutiérrez
Raquel Quatrini Nyqvist
Raquel Quatrini Nyqvist Doctora en Microbiología, Universidad de Chile, Chile.
Raquel Quatrini Nyqvist

Admission Process

Application

Applicants must submit their academic background through the digital platform of the Doctoral Program in Computational Biology of Universidad San Sebastian.

Requirements

Applicants must send their academic background through the digital platform of the Doctoral Program in Computational Biology of Universidad San Sebastian. The documentation must certify the following requirements:

  • Academic degree of Bachelor, Master or Professional Degree in Basic Sciences, Biomedical Sciences or any area of knowledge with the ability to contribute to the development of research in the area of Computational Biology. In case of having academic degrees of foreign origin, these must be equivalent to those mentioned, according to the International Classification of Education (ISCED-UNESCO), in force at the date of application.
  • Certification of grades of undergraduate and other studies, including those of advanced and postgraduate studies. The evaluation scales used and the minimum passing grade must be clearly specified.
  • Certificate of placement ranking of the graduates of the graduating cohort in their undergraduate and graduate studies. If the university does not issue this certificate, a letter from the institution will be required.
  • Curriculum vitae that accredits previous studies, presentations at congresses, research publications, among other activities.
  • Two letters of recommendation from academic professionals, sent confidentially via e-mail to the Doctoral Program address.
  • Statement of purpose that includes the formulation of a relevant topic of interest for study and research during the program, as well as the committed dedication.
  • The applicant must specify his/her interests and research objectives in the short and long term, through a letter, whose length should not exceed 800 words.
  • Photocopy of both sides of identity card or passport, valid at the time of application.

The process for the selection of applicants consists of the evaluation of the applicant’s background, a personal interview and a knowledge test. In the case of applicants who reside outside the country or cannot travel to Santiago, the interview, examination and presentation will be conducted by videoconference.

Annual cost

Referential values 2023

  • Tuition: $351.600
  • Fee: $3.500.000

Benefits

Ask about applying for tuition scholarships, fees and maintenance benefits.