Integration Of Bioinformatics In Science Curriculum At Fort Valley State University

This paper provides an overview of design and development of recently started bioinformatics curriculum at Fort Valley State University (FVSU) and reviews the key challenges associated with its implementation at undergraduate level. A three-pronged approach has been prepared for curriculum implementation; a bioinformatics course that would provide students with both theory and practical aspects of subject, course-embedded modules containing bioinformatics topics that can be integrated into selected science and engineering courses, and training workshops for faculty and curriculum development. A multipurpose bioinformatics laboratory will be established to support the bioinformatics curriculum, research and outreach activities. An introduction to bioinformatics course has been developed and in-place for offering in Spring 2007 semester. The contents of the course-embedded modules will be focusing on principles and/or application of bioinformatics and its pedagogical structure include key concepts, hands-on approaches, and active learning. The goal is to seamlessly integrate biological and computer sciences to establish a bioinformatics curriculum that would appeal to both students and faculty of FVSU.