Progress 09/01/04 to 08/31/08
Outputs
i) Development of course Advances in Genome Analysis at WVSU: In an effort to increase student engagement, we developed a dual level course entitled "Advances in Genome Analysis" (BIOL 399/ BT599), in which traditional lectures were minimized and the students were more involved in the presentations of more recent papers published in the field of genomics. Students required completing reading assignments from recent most journal papers related to aspects that encompass genome analysis before each class meeting, and those readings were supported with a set of experiments that involve hands-on experiences in molecular technologies. Group discussions at the end of the classes were held to discuss the results the students obtained while applying a specific molecular technique and solving a case study related to biotechnology. This course has been taught for the last five consecutive semesters starting from spring 2005. We also conducted a series of laboratory exercises that involve arabidopsis mapping for undergraduates as part of their Genetics curriculum. Students carried out experimentation related to map based cloning, basic DNA technologies like pipetting, DNA isolation, PCR, electrophoresis, data scoring, map concept, chromosome walking and primer design. They also used genomic databases such as TAIR at www.arabidopsis.org. ii) Inculcating modern technologies in lab classes, we developed several lab classes that actually resemble real research scenarios instead of teaching from an outdated laboratory manual. The genomic core facility that is currently equipped with high throughput equipment generated profound interest in students. Techniques taught: Nucleic acid isolations, Concept of map based cloning, PCR, DNA marker development and use, mapping concept, QTLs and utilization of sequence data and retrieving information from databases such as TAIR and NCBI. Bioinformatics: Software included in the teaching were Sequencher, JOINMAP, QTL Cartographer, Multiple sequence alignment, primer design, SNP identification using CAP Finder and concepts of association mapping using TASSEL. iii) Workshops: We conducted three workshops at the Department of Biology in Hamblin Hall, WVSU, for teaching DNA technologies, sequencing, and gene cloning strategies to high school teachers and their students from Kanawha and Putnam counties, undergraduates, and faculty from other 1890 land-grant universities. Participants learnt basic DNA recovering techniques, polymerase chain reaction technology, to evaluate the genetic markers and concept of DNA fingerprinting. Under this project, a team of teachers, researchers, and students were exposed to new developments in molecular genetic technologies and data mining through the web resources of bioinformatics/genomics. To help augment inter-institutional associations in DNA technology, the program provided travel, room, and board reimbursement for 10 participants from other HBCUs for on-site participation in each workshop each year. PRODUCTS: Developed several lab classes that actually resemble real research scenarios instead of teaching from an outdated laboratory manual. Development of a course Advances in Genome Analysis at WVSU. OUTCOMES: Conducted three workshops at the Department of Biology in Hamblin Hall, WVSU, for teaching DNA technologies, sequencing and gene cloning strategies to high school teachers and their students from Kanawha and Putnam counties, undergraduates, and faculty from other 1890 land-grant universities. Developed a dual-level course entitled "Advances in Genome Analysis" (BIOL 399/ BT599), in which traditional lectures were minimized and the students were more involved in the presentations of more recent papers published in the field of genomics. Developed several lab classes that actually resemble real research scenarios instead of teaching from an outdated laboratory manual. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: To help augment inter-institutional associations in DNA technology, the program provided travel, room and board reimbursement for 10 participants from other HBCUs for on-site participation in each workshop each year. FUTURE INITIATIVES: The genomic core facility at WVSU, which is currently equipped with high throughput equipments generated profound interest in students and will be available to future students and other educators.
Impacts
Techniques taught: Nucleic acid isolations, Concept of map based cloning, PCR, DNA marker development and use, mapping concept, QTLs and utilization of sequence data and retrieving information from databases such as TAIR and NCBI. Students carried out experimentation related to map based cloning, basic DNA technologies like pipetting, DNA isolation, PCR, electrophoresis, data scoring, map concept, chromosome walking and primer design. They also used genomic databases such as TAIR at www.arabidopsis.org.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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