Teaching bioinformatics through the analysis of SARS-CoV-2: project-based training for computer science students

Area of Science:

• Bioinformatics
• Genomics Education

Background:

• Effective learning emphasizes experience and reflection over passive information reception.
• Bioinformatics provides a rich environment for project-based learning using abundant open-access molecular data.
• Reanalyzing biological data allows for the rediscovery of key concepts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate five hands-on bioinformatics assignments for master's computer science students.
• To train students in genomics bioinformatics using real-world data, specifically focusing on SARS-CoV-2.
• To foster learning about genomes, genes, viral relationships, and host responses through data analysis.

Main Methods:

• Development of five project-based assignments for an introductory bioinformatics course.
• Assignments require programming skills but no prior molecular biology knowledge.
• Focus on analyzing genomics data related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Main Results:

• Assignments successfully train students in bioinformatics for genomics.
• Students gain understanding of genomes, genes, viral evolution, and immune responses.
• Student evaluations indicate high usefulness, appropriate difficulty, and engaging content.

Conclusions:

• Project-based bioinformatics assignments are effective for science education.
• The developed course materials provide a valuable resource for teaching genomics and bioinformatics.
• Freely available GitHub repository facilitates implementation and wider adoption.