Download STANYSintro2005

Teaching Biology Through
Bioinformatics
Real world genomics research
in your classroom
Kim B. Foglia
Stuart M. Brown, PhD
Division Ave. High School
AP Biology
Levittown
Director of Research Computing
2004-2005
NYU School of Medicine
Bioinformatics
 Use of computers to analyze genomic
data for molecular biology research
basic biological research
 medical research
 clinical medicine application
 taxonomy

Bioinformatics
2005-2006
Bioinformatics is a great way
to learn biology
 Using computers to study primary
biological data (genomes, proteins,
other databases)
students learn biology as a dynamic
process of interpreting complex data
 students can reproduce current scientific
work & ask new questions

 science is no longer just a collection of facts
in a textbook, it’s a process of inquiry
Bioinformatics
2005-2006
Teaching Biology with Bioinformatics
 Bioinformatics tools lead directly to
insights about genes, proteins, evolution
“Hey! Most human genes have more
bases of introns than they do exons.”
 “Hemoglobin sequences show that seals
are closer to weasels than they are to
whales.”
 “Protein shapes determine their function,
so small changes can make a big
difference.”

Bioinformatics
2005-2006
All you need…
 Students can work on
bioinformatics questions at low cost
only need Internet connected computers
 most database tools are free on Internet

 unlimited data
 GenBank, protein structures, mutations,
microarrays, etc.
teacher knowledge & “comfort”
 questions to answer

Bioinformatics
2005-2006
What we offer…
 Teaching modules

inquiry labs
 student & teacher lab handouts

supporting teaching resources
 PowerPoint presentations
 Supplemental skills modules
 Download from Web site

http://bio.kimunity.com
Bioinformatics
2005-2006
Modules in development
 Testing for Sickle Cell Anemia

develop a genetic diagnostic test to
screen for disease
 Endosymbiosis

evolutionary history mitochondria &
chloroplasts
 Hemophilia Gene Therapy

build a vector and insert correct gene
 Are Seals and Whales Related?

studying evolutionary relationships
Bioinformatics
2005-2006