Genomics and Bioinformatics Online Academy

In this program, we examine the intersection of biology, computer science, and statistics with special emphasis on the biological aspects. Advances in next-generation sequencing technologies have led to the production of large amounts of sequencing data and a growing need to develop researchers to analyze it. There are many bioinformatics tools available for students to learn, enabling them to participate in authentic research. This course introduces these tools through hands-on training. The course focuses on using analytical methods to understand the features, functions, and evolution of genomics. Additionally, we include a hands-on training module to learn Python coding and developing/applying the Python pipeline for high throughput data analysis. Learning Outcomes: -Able to diagram/explain the various types of genome sequencing technologies and explain their strengths and weaknesses -Gain facility with important general databases, focusing on those housed at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) -Gain facility with the prokaryotic database at the Joint Genomic Institute (JGI) -Able to use web tools such as BLAST, MUSCLE, and MEGA to examine DNA and protein sequences and to explain in general terms how they work -Able to annotate genes in terms of both structure and function -Able to compare gene/protein sequences and draw inferences about evolutionary history -Gain familiarity with Python coding and applications -Gain facility in reading and interpreting primary literature