The Biomedical and Health Informatics Ph.D. program prepares individuals to develop and apply informatics theories and tools to solve complex problems across the life sciences and health ecosystem.
The Biomedical and Health Informatics Ph.D. program is built on a core-track model, ensuring that all students develop a strong foundation in biomedical informatics and data science. Core courses provide essential training in analytics, research methods, and foundational informatics concepts. Students will also complete a dissertation research course as a key component of their doctoral training.
From this foundation, students choose one of three specialized tracks.
Translational bioinformatics
This track prepares students to apply computational tools to analyze biological data, connecting basic science with clinical insights. Coursework includes bioinformatics algorithms, data infrastructure, and applications in genomics and systems biology.
Clinical and health informatics
Students in this track focus on improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes through informatics. Topics include clinical decision support, healthcare systems engineering, and data-driven approaches to health services research.
Artificial Intelligence in medicine
This advanced track equips students to apply AI in medical contexts. Students explore topics such as machine learning in clinical settings, AI in medical imaging, and the development of intelligent systems for healthcare innovation.
Program goal
The goal of the program is to prepare individuals to develop and apply informatics theories and tools to solve complex problems across the life sciences and health ecosystem. As an inherently interdisciplinary field, biomedical and health informatics integrates principles from computer science, statistics, clinical informatics, and bioinformatics. The program emphasizes the analysis and interpretation of complex biological and clinical data, as well as the creation and dissemination of solutions, infrastructure, and algorithms aimed at addressing challenges in human health and disease. Ultimately, it seeks to distill, refine, and consolidate knowledge to advance discovery and innovation in health and life sciences.
Program objective
The program aims to train graduate students to bridge the gap between advanced computational techniques, biomedical sciences, and health system science by conducting interdisciplinary research that drives innovation and advances human health. Graduates will be equipped to design and implement novel, data- and science-driven solutions, develop real-world information infrastructure, and carry out rigorous research that deepens our understanding of complex biological systems and health-related challenges. Their work will contribute meaningfully to improving healthcare and patient outcomes. In addition, students will be prepared to navigate the ethical, legal, and social implications of informatics and artificial intelligence, ensuring the responsible and beneficial use of emerging technologies across the life sciences and health ecosystem.
Curriculum
Core courses
- Foundations in Informatics
- Statistical Methods I
- Foundations of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
- Research Methods and Design
- Privacy, Security, and Ethics
Bioinformatics track courses
- Introduction to Bioinformatics
- Biological Data Management
- Next-Gen Sequencing Data Analysis
- Algorithm in Bioinformatics
Clinical and Health Informatics track courses
- Clinical Operations and Decision Making
- Learning and Knowledge Health Systems
- Technology and Society
- Health Information Systems
Artificial Intelligence in Medicine courses
- AI in Medical Imaging
- AI for Biomedical Signals and Critical Systems
- Large Language Model Development for Medicine
- Integration of AI Systems in Healthcare
Academic requirement
- Four-year U.S. equivalent bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline
- Statistics, data science, informatics, computer science, or closely related fields
- Degree awarded within the past five years
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0
- No GRE requirement
Language requirement
Choose one:
- IELTS 6.5
- TOEFL iBT 80
This program is jointly led by:
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science
- Department of Health Services Administration
- Marnix E. Heersink Institute for Biomedical Innovation
Apply
Applications open Fall 2026 and will open on August 1, 2025.
UAB Graduate School Online Application