Welcome to the Systems Biology Home Area in the Bioinformatics Interdepartmental Program at UCLA!
It is an exciting time at the intersection of biology and computation, as systems biology continues to revolutionize how we study complex biological systems. As computational biologists, we are living in a new era where traditional experimental approaches are being enhanced and expanded by powerful computational tools and mechanistic models, opening up new possibilities for discovery.
Systems biology embraces a holistic view of living organisms, recognizing that the complex interactions between genes, proteins, cells, and entire systems cannot be fully understood through isolated experiments. This approach requires an integration of experimental data with computational models to capture the underlying mechanisms governing these systems. In doing so, we move beyond observation to prediction and hypothesis generation, allowing us to explore questions that were previously unreachable.
In our Systems Biology Home Area, students will learn how to merge experimental data with computational analysis to create a comprehensive, multi-scale understanding of biological systems. This integration—combining data from laboratory experiments with mathematical models and simulations—will allow you to derive novel insights into everything from cellular behavior to disease mechanisms.
Our program is designed for those who are passionate about leveraging both computational and experimental approaches to push the boundaries of biological knowledge. Here, you will have the opportunity to work with world-class faculty and collaborate across disciplines, learning from experts bridging across UCLA’s diverse faculty.
We are thrilled to have you join this dynamic and rapidly advancing field, and we look forward to seeing the innovative contributions you will make as part of the Systems Biology Home Area.
Warm regards,
Roy Wollman
Interim Director, Systems Biology Home Area
UCLA Bioinformatics PhD Program