计算已成为生物学研究的基础。基因组数据库，蛋白质数据库，人脑的MRI图像以及景观上的遥感数据包含前所未有的详细信息，这些信息正在改变几乎所有的生物学。计算生物学家必须具备数学，计算以及生物学方面的技能。培训的关键目标是发展将生物学过程与计算模型相关联的能力。该领域在计算生物学的多个子领域提供跨学科的培训和研究机会，涉及的领域包括DNA和蛋白质数据库，蛋白质结构和功能，计算神经科学，生物力学，种群遗传学以及自然和农业系统的管理。
Computation has become essential to biological research. Genomic databases, protein databanks, MRI images of the human brain, and remote sensing data on landscapes contain unprecedented amounts of detailed information that are transforming almost all of biology. The computational biologist must have skills in mathematics and computation as well as in biology. A key goal in training is to develop the ability to relate biological processes to computational models. The field provides interdisciplinary training and research opportunities in a range of subareas of computational biology involving topics such as DNA and protein databases, protein structure and function, computational neuroscience, biomechanics, population genetics, and management of natural and agricultural systems.