Enhancing Biology Teaching Using Biological Databases

Techniques such as high-throughput sequencing and other data-rich research methods are contributing to a huge amount of biological data being produced by researchers. In order to make sense of this data, computer-based analysis methods are required and this has generated the field of bioinformatics. EMBL-EBI is a centre of expertise on how to process, store, analyse and make biological data available to researchers around the world through the provision of data resources. The number and range of biological data resources can be bewildering but once familiar with the resources and the data they hold, the use of biological databases gives teachers and students the opportunity to use real scientific data and analysis tools to visualise and learn about biological concepts. Use of web-based user interfaces also helps support the development of effective ICT skills.

This LearningLAB will provide an interactive introduction to the field of bioinformatics, a central part of modern biology that can be used effectively in the classroom to teach biological concepts. During the 2.5 day course, a combination of seminars, discussions and hands-on activities will:

• Introduce teachers to the different types of biological information that are stored in public databases, and how to find this information
• Explore the concept of genetic variation and how it can be used to trace evolutionary relationships between organisms
• Look at human variation and its link with disease
• Illustrate a range of classroom activities and equip teachers to use the freely available bioinformatics resources to support their teaching of biology.

Topics

Sessions on:

• Different types of biological data and how to access them using the web
• Evolution, the origin of species and using biological sequence to make comparisons
• Understanding human variation and the impact of genetic variation on our susceptibility to disease.

Educational games:

• An introduction to bioinformatics

Hands-on, computer-based activities for direct use in the classroom:

• Exploring genomes – a treasure hunt on the Internet. A step-by-step guide to using different bioinformatics databases and tools to identify a mystery DNA sequence
• DNA to Darwin activities developed by the UK National Centre for Biotechnology Education (http://www.ncbe.reading.ac.uk/)
• Introduction to structure and function of haemoglobin
• Small changes = big effects. Discover the amount of variation in the human genome by comparing the genome sequences from two individuals
• Genetic variation and disease