This 15-week online class addresses increasing health information access and use by highlighting information about the National Library of Medicine’s NCBI Molecular Biology Databases.
The 15-week, 30 credit-hour, self-paced online class reviews basic biology concepts and takes a deep dive into NCBI Molecular Biology Databases. This class is designed both for librarians who offer, or intend to offer, bioinformatics services; and also for librarians who use gene and protein information on a periodic or irregular basis to serve their patrons. Successful participants are invited to join an Alumni Forum which includes discussion and bi-monthly learning opportunities. Expect to spend at least 30 hours working through this class.
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:
Pre-Work: Genetics Basics
- Gain a functional understanding of molecular biology concepts sufficient to use the NCBI bioinformatics databases
Part 1: Intro to Bioinformatics and the NCBI Nucleotide Database
- Define bioinformatics, describing some research questions that scientists are exploring now using bioinformatics tools and techniques
- Explore the roles and activities of other librarians working in bioinformatics
- Explain how species are organized in the Taxonomy database
- Describe what kinds of information are contained in the Nucleotide database
- Develop a search strategy for common patron questions in the Nucleotide database
Part 2: Gene, Structure, and Protein Databases
- Identify where genetic and protein data comes from
- Describe what kinds of information are contained in the Gene, Structure and Protein databases
- Answer common patron questions in the Gene, Structure and Protein databases
- Find genetic information that is translated to clinical application
Part 3: Challenges, Goals, and the Future of Bioinformatics
- Discuss public policy and ethical implications of bioinformatics data storage, access and use
- Explain one or two major challenges bioinformatics creates, and identify those challenges within your professional life
- List some of the goals of current genomic research and explain some of the latest newsworthy developments
- Direct others to experts and sources of assistance
15 weeks