15-Jan-2003
Press Release

TIGR Offers Genomics Course

Jan. 15, 2003

Teachers who want to learn more about the rapidly evolving field of genomics are encouraged to apply for the comprehensive Genomics Course for Educators offered by The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR), one of the world's leading research centers for genomics.

The genomics course, for which there is no fee, will take place on Thursday evenings from February 6 to April 10, 2003. Taught by TIGR's education staff, the course aims to give high school and college biology faculty a thorough understanding of genomics — the study of the entire genetic material of organisms.

The course offers high school biology teachers the most up-to-date information presented by TIGR, which has conducted groundbreaking research in this important field. As part of the genomics program, participating teachers will develop a lesson plan based on what they learned in the course.

Topics covered in the genomics course include:

  • The biological process by which cells read and follow genetic instructions.
  • Techniques in molecular biology for manipulating DNA so that it can be studied.
  • An overview of "whole genome shotgun sequencing" and the processes involved in sequencing the human genome.
  • Discussion of ethical issues related to such topics as genetically altered crops, genetic therapy, genes and disease, personalized medicine, the Human Genome Project, and privacy of individual genetic information.

TIGR's genomics course for educators will be offered on Thursdays beginning February 6 and ending April 10, 2003. The classes will take place at TIGR's campus in Rockville, MD, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

In addition, TIGR will offer two all-day summer courses: July 28 to August 1 and August 11 to 15, 2003  (both from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) The autumn course will take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.) from October 7 to November 6, 2003.

Enrollment is open to all high school and community college science teachers. Maryland's state Department of Education has approved the TIGR genomics course for two continuing professional education credits. If teachers request credits from their departments, the class may also meet teacher recertification requirements in Virginia and the District of Columbia.

This course is ideal for educators who want to learn from a direct source of research rather than existing traditional education workshops and seminars," said Claire M. Fraser, PhD, president of TIGR. "We hope to give teachers a better understanding of genomics and its impact, and to help these educators inspire young people to choose careers in science and technology."