An Introduction to Bioinformatics Teacher Workshop
This workshop will be presented on February 3 starting at 4pm and February 4 starting at 9am, 2012.
Program Description
The Northwest Association for Biomedical Research (NWABR) is excited to share our new 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, currently in field testing, 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 increasingly 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 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
Teachers will receive a $150 stipend for their participation in the 1.5 day professional development workshop. Nine clock hours will be provided free of charge. Dinner will be provided on Friday, February 4. Breakfast and lunch will be provided at the Saturday session. Teachers will also receive access to various bioinformatics resources.
Contact Jeanne Chowning, NWABR Director of Education, with questions or to request additional information. 206-957-3337, jchowning@nwabr.org