Krilowicz Beverly, Johnston Wendie, Sharp Sandra B, Warter-Perez Nancy, Momand Jamil
Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA.
CBE Life Sci Educ. 2007 Spring;6(1):74-83. doi: 10.1187/cbe.06-03-0150.
A summer program was created for undergraduates and graduate students that teaches bioinformatics concepts, offers skills in professional development, and provides research opportunities in academic and industrial institutions. We estimate that 34 of 38 graduates (89%) are in a career trajectory that will use bioinformatics. Evidence from open-ended research mentor and student survey responses, student exit interview responses, and research mentor exit interview/survey responses identified skills and knowledge from the fields of computer science, biology, and mathematics that are critical for students considering bioinformatics research. Programming knowledge and general computer skills were essential to success on bioinformatics research projects. General mathematics skills obtained through current undergraduate natural sciences programs were adequate for the research projects, although knowledge of probability and statistics should be strengthened. Biology knowledge obtained through the didactic phase of the program and prior undergraduate education was adequate, but advanced or specific knowledge could help students progress on research projects. The curriculum and assessment instruments developed for this program are available for adoption by other bioinformatics programs at http://www.calstatela.edu/SoCalBSI.
为本科生和研究生设立了一个暑期项目，该项目教授生物信息学概念，提供职业发展技能，并在学术机构和工业机构提供研究机会。我们估计，38名毕业生中有34名（89%）正处于将使用生物信息学的职业发展轨道。来自开放式研究导师和学生调查回复、学生离职访谈回复以及研究导师离职访谈/调查回复的证据，确定了计算机科学、生物学和数学领域中对考虑从事生物信息学研究的学生至关重要的技能和知识。编程知识和一般计算机技能对于生物信息学研究项目的成功至关重要。通过当前本科自然科学课程获得的一般数学技能对于研究项目来说是足够的，不过概率和统计学知识应得到加强。通过该项目的教学阶段和之前的本科教育获得的生物学知识是足够的，但进阶或特定知识可以帮助学生在研究项目上取得进展。为该项目开发的课程和评估工具可通过http://www.calstatela.edu/SoCalBSI供其他生物信息学项目采用。
