Bio-ITEST Introductory Workshop
An Introduction to Bioinformatics
Bio-ITEST Professional Development Workshop – February 2012
Dates & Locations
• Friday, February 3. 4:00-8:00 PM. Novo Nordisk, Seattle, WA.
• Saturday, February 4. 9:00AM-4:30 PM. Shoreline Community College, Shoreline, WA.
Program Description
The Northwest Association for Biomedical Research (NWABR) is excited to share our bioinformatics program, Bio-ITEST: New Frontiers in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology funded by the National Science Foundation. Our curriculum, which was developed in collaboration with scientists, ethicists, and teachers, is comprised of two different units or “Strands.” The Introductory Strand, highlighted in this workshop, utilizes bioinformatics resources to teach basic concepts in molecular biology. The Advanced Strand incorporates additional informatics resources and includes an authentic inquiry-based investigation specifically for advanced students.
Using the breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 as a model, students are introduced to a collection of bioinformatics tools and explore the ethical issues surrounding genetic testing. As biomedical researchers discover an increasing number of genes associated with susceptibility to disease, the era of “personalized medicine” is becoming a reality. Students will need to understand disease risks and genetic penetrance, how genetic information is acquired, stored, and used, who has access to their information, and how genetic testing can influence personal and health decisions for themselves and their families. Empowering students to understand the science behind genetic testing also reinforces lessons in evolution, transcription and translation, and the relationship between protein structure and function.
As part of this workshop highlighting the Introductory Strand, teachers will receive:
• Basic background in bioethics
• An introduction to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
• Exposure to software for performing multiple sequence alignments
• Instruction on viewing macromolecules using Cn3D
*Prior bioinformatics experience is not required.*
Stipend, Clock Hours, Meals
Teachers will receive a $150 stipend for their participation in the 1.5-day professional development workshop. Ten clock hours will be provided free of charge. Dinner will be provided on Friday, February 3. Breakfast and lunch will be provided at the Saturday session. Teachers will also receive access to various bioinformatics resources.
NWABR and Collaborators
NWABR is a non-profit dedicated to promoting public understanding of the implications and applications of the process of biomedical research. Members include industry, academia, health care, and voluntary health organizations. The organization meets a fundamental need for materials that engage students in the scientific and ethical dimensions of topics such as embryonic stem cell research and human clinical trials. NWABR's lesson materials promote discourse and decision-making based on thoughtful analysis and critical reasoning, and stress the importance of understanding the science behind bioethical issues.
Major collaborators include Digital World Biology, the EdLab Group (formerly the Puget Sound Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology), and Shoreline Community College. The program also draws on NWABR’s strong relationships with school districts, community groups, bioethicists and NWABR member research institutions.
The Bio-ITEST program is made possible by an Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers grant award from the National Science Foundation, DRL-0833779.
A $20 refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. To pay off-line (check or credit card), print this registration form and FAX to 206-282-2214 or mail to NWABR, 100 W. Harrison, North Tower, #430, Seattle, WA 98119 with payment.
Contact Jeanne Chowning, Director of Education, with questions or to request additional information. 206-957-3337 x303
Workshop Materials
1. Syllabus
2. Shoreline Community College Campus Map
3. Pre-Workshop Teacher Survey
4. Homework readings
(1) Bioinformatics chapter
(2) BRCA1 and BRCA2 Background
(3) BRCA1: Is it dominant or recessive?
(4) Lesson 6 Socratic Seminar Reading, Categorizing Genetic Tests
(5) David Ewing Duncan’s Fish article
5. Homework handout
6. Directions to workshop venues
(1) Novo Nordisk - 530 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
(2) Shoreline Community College - 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133