A Bioinformatics Module for Use in an Introductory Biology Laboratory

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Bioinformatics
• Biology Education

Background:

• Biomedical science is increasingly data-intensive, necessitating computational and quantitative skills.
• Introductory biology labs often lack exposure to biomedical databases and computational analysis.
• Scientific literacy can be promoted in non-science students through database applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an accessible bioinformatics module for introductory biology courses.
• To integrate computational skills and database analysis into a 90-minute session.
• To benefit both science majors and non-majors.

Main Methods:

• Developed a computational, inquiry-based bioinformatics module.
• Integrated the module into a 90-minute biology course session.
• Utilized GenBank for biological database access and BLAST for data mining.

Main Results:

• Students observed the value of computer-assisted analysis.
• Students gained practical skills in reading biological database files.
• Students learned to effectively use BLAST to mine data.

Conclusions:

• The bioinformatics module is easily implementable in existing biology courses.
• The module effectively introduces students to essential bioinformatics tools and concepts.
• This approach enhances students' understanding of data analysis in biomedical science.