Bioinformatics and Biology Essentials For Librarians: Databases, Tools and Clinical Applications (January - April 2024)
Class Experience Level
Beginner

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This 14-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 14-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. 

Objectives:

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

Class Details

Date(s): January 16, 2024 - April 22, 2024
Platform: Moodle
CE Credits: 30.00
Class Experience Level: Beginner
This is a National NNLM class.
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This class is full

Class Contacts

Host/Instructor: Katherine Majewski
Technical Assistance: Molly Knapp