Microbes, Metagenomes and Marine Mammals: Enabling the Next Generation of Scientists to Enter the Genomic Era

为了迎接基因组时代的挑战，本科生需要学习如何操作新的测序技术并分析结果数据。该项目正在开发一系列生态系统基因组学的多学科课程，向本科生教授下一代DNA测序技术，使他们能够分析结果数据并解释基因组变化对生态系统健康和功能的影响。这些课程包括基因组理论、下一代测序技术的实践经验、基因组统计分析和生物信息学。学生们从事真正的研究项目，其中的生物测序对科学来说是新的，他们的工作成为注释生命之树的一部分。测序数据通过标准渠道向公众开放，因为课程每年都会选择新的标本进行测序。课程材料和在线协议可在两年制和四年制院校进行调整和实施。评价性活动考察学生的跨学科学习成果和他们对科学研究的热情。

To meet the challenges of the genomic era, undergraduate students need to learn how to operate the new sequencing technologies and analyze the resultant data. This project is developing a series of multi-disciplinary courses in ecosystem genomics that teach next generation DNA sequencing technology to undergraduate students, enabling them to analyze the resultant data and interpret the effects of genomic changes on ecosystem health and function. These courses include genomic theory, hands on experience in next generation sequencing technology, statistical analysis of genomes, and bioinformatics. Students work on real research projects where the organisms sequenced are new to science, and their work becomes part of annotating the tree of life. The sequencing data becomes available to the public through standard channels as new specimens are selected for sequencing each year of the course. The curricular materials and online protocols are available for adaptation and implementation at both two- and four-year institutions. Evaluative activities examine the interdisciplinary learning gains for students and their perceived enthusiasm for science and research.