Incorporating Genomics and Bioinformatics across the Life Sciences Curriculum

Abstract

This article describes a new paradigm for faculty development and undergraduate education in Bioinformatics. IMG-ACT is a response to the need to update undergraduate curriculum with genomics and bioinformatics by combining genome analysis with instruction. This collaborative platform meets established goals in pedagogy of the scientific method while providing an authentic research experience. IMG-ACT provides affordable instructional resources and a plethora of future uses for educators/researchers in all academic arenas. The system is continually evolving in response to the needs of its registered users; they are able to make feature requests for the system that are implemented in frequent updates (averaging six releases per year). Involvement in, and interaction with, the IMG-ACT program has also produced unanticipated benefits for the faculty (see Text S1). Since its development in 2008, the IMG-ACT system has been used by nearly 100 faculty members and over 1,600 students nationwide.