Plant and Animal Genome XXI Conference

January 11 - 16, 2013

DNA Subway: Genomics, DNA Barcoding, and RNA-Seq - Bringing Cutting-Edge Biology into the Classroom

This workshop will introduce DNA Subway (dnasubway.iplantcollaborative.org), an education- oriented bioinformatics platform developed by the iPlant Collaborative. Genomic data increasingly drive biological research, requiring educators design curricula that can accommodate data and bioinformatics tools originally designed for high-level users. DNA Subway bundles research-grade bioinformatics tools and databases into intuitive workflows - presenting them in an appealing interface modeled on the metaphor of a subway map. “Riding” on any of four different DNA Subway lines, users can predict and annotate genes in up to 150 kb of DNA (Red Line), identify homologs in sequenced genomes (Yellow Line), analyze DNA barcodes and construct phylogenetic trees (Blue Line), and analyze RNA-Seq data (Green Line). With support for plant and animal genomes, DNA Subway engages students in their own learning by bringing to life elements of gene structure, genetics, and genomics traditionally approached by educators as abstractions. An integrated DNA Barcoding wet-lab rounds out the connection between bioinformatics and bench work. Our student-centered approach lowers the barriers to entry for educators who want to provide every level of student access to the large-scale datasets and informatics tools that drive modern biology. Examples and speakers during the workshop will feature ways DNA Subway has been used to accomplish research and learning objectives at the undergraduate level. Participants will also learn to use DNA Subway through the use of guided exercises.