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Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory proposes a two-part program to introduce high school students and teachers to the use of modern networked computing in genomic biology. The object is to augment "wet-lab" experimentation on DNA with online computational and database resources. A local program, 'New York City Genes,' works intensively with students from public high schools representing each of the five boroughs of New York City. A national program, the 'Vector Bioinformatics Workshop,' provides training for teachers who have demonstrated interest and leadership in modern genetics instruction.
The 'VectorNet Laboratory,' a stand-alone, portable computer laboratory will demonstrate state-of-the-art satellite and local-area networking, and will support both program components. The Internet laboratory will be used by 'NYC Genes' students during the academic year and by teacher workshop participants during the summer. Both components will draw from a core syllabus and make extensive use of Internet content, data analysis tools, and online communication facilities developed by the DNA Learning Center - as well as educational and research resources available on the World Wide Web.
Instruction in the curriculum begins with a teacher's or student's own DNA polymorphisms - which then serves as an entree to computation. Using these personal genetic data as a starting point, six units will cover the major concepts and techniques of genomic biology and bioinformatics: Techniques; Population Genetics; DNA Sequence Analysis; DNA Epidemiology & Forensic Analysis; Mining Genes; and Ethical, Legal, & Social Issues.
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