Bringing Authentic Genomics Research into the Classroom: Analysis of Maize Stress Response

Application of genomics approaches to biology research has expanded greatly in recent years.  However, most undergraduate students have few opportunities to participate in authentic genomics research projects and to develop their skills in analysis, graphical presentation, and analysis of large datasets.  iPlant and DNA Subway resources developed recently allow students enter the field of large dataset analysis without extensive preliminary training.  To introduce “big data” into standard biology curriculum, we developed, implemented, and assessed a series of laboratory exercises on RNA-seq data analysis that provides students with authentic research experiences.  The laboratory focuses on analysis of plant response to abiotic stress, a topic that many students find interesting in face of climate change discussions in public media.  Maize is highly sensitive to low and high temperature, as well as drought and soil salinity at all stages of development.  We created a large RNA-seq dataset that includes several maize inbreds subjected to various environmental stresses that can be interrogated to answer a variety of questions.  Investigating maize global genome expression in response to abiotic stress provides students with opportunities to ask interesting, novel, and relevant questions, while developing their skills in big data analysis.  Follow up implementations and extensions of this project will be discussed as well as the data on assessment of student learning and their evaluation of research experiences provided by this project.