Teaching Genomics to Undergraduate Computer Science and Biology Majors: A model involving infusion and strategic linking

Wheaton College, Norton MA

Investigators

Abstract

The emerging field of genomics (analysis of DNA sequences) requires interdisciplinary collaborations between computer scientists and biologists. Whereas most colleges and universities do not have full programs in bioinformatics/genomics, new models of teaching and course materials are needed if we are to provide undergraduate science majors with experiences in the art of cooperation necessary to solve tomorrow's problems in genomics. A crucial element is the design and implementation of original software by interdisciplinary teams of students -- a focus of this teaching model. This proof-of-concept project is infusing new content into computer science and biology courses and highlighting the natural fit between core areas in the computer science curriculum and challenges in genomics. Furthermore, this is a linked teaching model by which pre-existing courses in computer science are flexibly paired with biology courses to facilitate real-life interdisciplinary collaborations in genomics. Course materials include specifications for guest lectures, shared labs, cooperative programming assignments, and administrative help for final project teams. Expected outcomes include: (1) teaching materials transferable to academic departments (computer science, math, biology, chemistry) of almost any size with little or no changes in staffing or funding, (2) a model for interdisciplinary research, (3) an evaluation of students' knowledge of genomics, appreciation for challenges of undergraduate interdisciplinary research, and the extent of different majors reached, and (4) a range of faculty from other institutions who are exposed to and experiment with the infusion of genomics in their curricula using some or all of our model.