Courses We Offer

Description: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to bioinformatics and the fundamentals of genetic engineering. Using the BRCA1/2 gene as a main example, you will learn topics such as genomics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, bioethics, and more, all while discussing the history, ethics, and applications of this knowledge with a group of peers.

Additionally, this course will have a variety of learning experiences, from interactive lectures and assigned homework to hands-on activities and dry labs; students will use genome sequencing technology to study real BRCA data from studies of breast cancer patients and healthy patients. They’ll then learn how to convert this data into meaningful gene variant information and gain insights into genomics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and bioethics.

At the end of the course, the information and skills you’ve learned will culminate in a research report presentation. This final report is a way to apply and showcase your knowledge in a self-driven short-term project and obtain feedback both on your overall presentation skills and the information you’ve learned and presented. 

Whether you’re looking for a solid foundation in bioinformatics, to learn something new out of your comfort zone, building up your research skills, or to just have fun in the process of intellectual discovery with peers, this course is for you!

It is highly recommended that you have taken a biology course in school before to take this course.

Location: Cupertino Library

Schedule:

• Day 1: Background/Basics
  • Lecture On:
    • Concept of Genetics and Genomics
    • DNA Extraction, PCR, and Library Construction Process
    • Genome to Cell to Phenotype
    • Story of Breast Cancer Gene BRCA
• Day 2: Bioinformatics Data Analysis
  • Lecture On:
    • Introduction to Bioinformatics
    • Bioinformatics Analysis Tools
  • Hands On Practice:
    • BRCA Survey NGS Dataset Analysis
    • Gene and Variant Annotation
• Day 3: Further Understanding
  • Lecture On:
    • Introduction to RNA-Seq
    • More Genomics Applications
    • Ethics of Biology
  • Hands On Practice:
    • Data Visualization --- Heatmap, Clustering
    • End of Minicourse Report/Presentation Demo

Prerequisites: High schooler who has taken at least one biology course before