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Exploring cystic fibrosis using bioinformatics tools: A module designed for the freshman biology course
Author(s) -
Zhang Xiaorong
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
biochemistry and molecular biology education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.34
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1539-3429
pISSN - 1470-8175
DOI - 10.1002/bmb.20460
Subject(s) - context (archaeology) , component (thermodynamics) , computational biology , biology , field (mathematics) , bioinformatics , computer science , mathematics education , psychology , mathematics , physics , paleontology , pure mathematics , thermodynamics
We incorporated a bioinformatics component into the freshman biology course that allows students to explore cystic fibrosis (CF), a common genetic disorder, using bioinformatics tools and skills. Students learn about CF through searching genetic databases, analyzing genetic sequences, and observing the three‐dimentional structures of proteins using a number of computational tools. We also use this opportunity to discuss the genetic, molecular, biochemical, and physiological aspects of CF, in an effort to help students appreciate the interrelationships among concepts and topics in biology within a real‐world context. This component provides the freshman students at Savannah State University an early exposure to bioinformatics and prepares them for the upper level courses in this area. It also facilitates meaningful and in‐depth learning by linking biological concepts and processes through a case study. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education Vol. 39, No. 1, pp. 17–20, 2011