Bioinformatics Education

(9/1/2005-8/31/2007)

Sequence and Consequence: A Hands-On Approach to Bioinformatics Research for Undergraduates (USDA CSREES #2005-03297)

Collaborating Institutions and Key Faculty:
University of Missouri-Columbia (MU)
Dr. Shari Freyermuth (lead PI)
Dr. Gerald Hazelbauer
University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
Dr. Cheryl Kerfeld
University of South Florida (USF)
Dr. Kathleen Scott

Genomics, databases and software-driven inquiry have become as fundamental to biology as molecular techniques. The pace at which these in silico tools and techniques are advancing has outstripped the ability of educators to keep the undergraduate curricula up-to-date. This project is the third phase of our overall plan to broaden access to and update biotechnology education in the century of the genome

Our project is a response to fundamental needs of contemporary undergraduate life science majors: 1) the need to have access to inquiry-based laboratories that are engaging, 2) the need to introduce students to the creation and use of databases and software-driven experimentation, and 3) the need to be involved in real research, so that students better understand the scientific content, the nature of science, and the value of collaboration within the scientific community. Thus, our project will prepare life science majors to be practitioners of genomic- and biotechnology-driven science. Our specific objectives are to:

  1. Expand the genomics-based modules produced with previous USDA funding to include high throughput sequencing and the addition of new partner institutions;
  2. Familiarize students with the tools of bioinformatics through the exploration of databases, analysis of sequences, prediction of gene functions, and inference of phylogenetic relationships;
  3. Provide students with an understanding of the process by which new knowledge is derived from sequence data by engaging students in the process of annotation and assembly of genomes; and
  4. Encourage the development of critical thinking skills by providing students with open-ended questions that they must address with plausible hypotheses; these hypotheses will be based on the genomics data they acquire and analyze with informed use of algorithms and databases.

Our proposed collaboration is unique for its emphasis on collaboration, teamwork and a dedicated goal of contributing to bioinformatics research. Its central focus is not "canned" exercises with preordained outcomes. Instead, in the "Sequence and Consequence Program" students experience the excitement of real research while developing a sense of pride and accomplishment as they build toward a research goal, the sequencing and interpretation of microbial genomes.