Bioinformatics for Biotechnology/Biology Instructors

Biotility at the University of Florida is offering an opportunity for secondary and postsecondary instructors to learn and apply bioinformatics and molecular modeling techniques that can be implemented in the classroom.  Bioinformatics is the acquisition, storage, analysis, modeling, and distribution of information defined in DNA and protein sequence data.  As such, it serves as the perfect vehicle for connecting complex topics in the biosciences, such as DNA analysis and cloning, protein structure, expression, and function, as well as mutations, disease, and drug discovery.

Course Description
Molecules, Mysteries, and Medicines

Why do certain mutations cause cancer, or make a virus resistant to a drug?  Or, create the distinctive markings in Siamese cats?  In this hands-on workshop, we will use molecular modeling and sequence analysis tools to explore molecule models of small chemicals, proteins, and DNA, and learn how we can use these models to identify cancer-causing mutations, solve mysteries, and understand the function of selected anti-viral drugs.  We will also use bioinformatics and molecular modeling to search for new drugs that could be used to treat Zika virus, and evaluate how well they might work.

The course is located at the University of Florida, Main Campus