In an era of DNA sequencing and new molecular biology techniques, scientists have become inundated with biological data. The interdisciplinary field of bioinformatics combines biology, computer science, mathematics, and statistics to overcome this challenge by creating methods of analyzing the wealth of biological data publicly available in databases, such as UniProt and NCBI.
In this lab, students will receive a hands-on introduction to this cutting-edge field, learning the importance of using novel technologies to diagnose and treat diseases with a genetic basis. Using a brief list of symptoms and their newfound knowledge regarding bioinformatics, students will diagnose two patients, Patient X and Patient Y, while compiling information about the proteins involved in their respective diseases.
Students will:
- Engage in the engineering design and iterative process
- Analyze complex real-world problems through a biological lens
- Follow specific criteria in order to problem solve by making informed and specific search queries
- Discover and understand the importance of bioinformatics and sequencing to diagnose and treat diseases
Classroom Tools & Resources
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Lab Intro Videos
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Teacher Guide
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Student Workbook
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Engineer’s Presentation
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ViewMeet the lab intro host
Sarah Syed
Engineering Student
Sarah is a fourth-year undergraduate at MIT majoring in Biological Engineering and Business Management. At MIT, she has studied the mechanisms responsible for antibiotic resistance and developed nanoscale contrast agents for early cancer detection. Now, at the Center for Gynepathology Research, she is investigating novel treatment strategies for endometriosis, a morbid gynecological disease affecting 10% of reproductive-aged women worldwide. Leveraging her diverse experiences as an engineer, investor, and advocate, Sarah aims to start a biotechnology company developing accessible interventions for historically overlooked diseases affecting women’s health.
Sarah is a fourth-year undergraduate at MIT majoring in Biological Engineering and Business Management. At MIT, she has studied the mechanisms responsible for antibiotic resistance and developed nanoscale contrast agents for early cancer detection. Now, at the Center for Gynepathology Research, she is investigating novel treatment strategies for endometriosis, a morbid gynecological disease affecting 10% of reproductive-aged women worldwide. Leveraging her diverse experiences as an engineer, investor, and advocate, Sarah aims to start a biotechnology company developing accessible interventions for historically overlooked diseases affecting women’s health.
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