Washington University biology students perform several experiments in the introductory lab courses in which a critical component is generating and analyzing DNA sequence data. The Introducing Students to DNA Sequencing and Genomic Analysis section contains the links to the lab exercises used in the lab course.

Note: members of the Genomics Education Partnership can have students samples sequenced at the Biology Department Sequencing Facility at "in house" rates. Details

This laboratory exploration, Biology 3055, challenges students with an inquiry-based research project using web-based bioinformatics tools. This 10-hour, computer lab curriculum was developed to accompany a large lecture course in introductory biochemistry, but could be easily adapted to any course size. The students work on their own web-based investigations and present their results to each other in small groups on the last day of lab. A stand-alone exploration of the K-Ras gene has been developed to introduce students to bioinformatics tools, and can be found here.

The GEP Glossary contains the definitions for common genomics and bioinformatics terms that are used throughout the GEP materials. The GEP Glossary is available both as a PDF and a MS Excel spreadsheet.

The Genome Center Video Tour is aimed at increasing the scientific literacy of biology students in the technology of genomic sequencing and can be used at either the advanced high school or undergraduate level.

The video contains a guided tour of the Washington University Genome Center, providing an up-close look at the equipment used in high-throughput sequencing and includes animated explanations of the processes used to sequence genomic DNA. Other video segments include exploration of current genomic research in pathogenic bacteria through an interview with a molecular microbiologist; information about careers available at the Center presented through interviews with actual employees; and an animated explanation of the chemistry of cycle sequencing.

Additional features on the website include scripts of the video pieces, links to additional resources, and a glossary of terms. The complete tour videos and supplemental information are available on the Genome Center Tour Materials page. The tour videos and associated materials below are copyright © 2004, Washington University in St. Louis. Teachers may copy materials as needed for classroom use.

Prior Knowledge

The video was created for advanced high school or undergraduate students and assumes that students already have a basic understanding of gel electrophoresis. The processes of bacterial transformation, PCR, and DNA sequencing are described in the video with animations, but previous or accompanying laboratory experience with these processes will be helpful for deeper understanding.

Suggested Labs Available for Download

The labs available on the Genome Center Tour Materials page will help provide the needed context and background for the Genome Center Tour video in both high school and college classrooms.

A video tour was finished in 2010 to explain the science and applications of current DNA sequencing technology, called Next Generation Sequencing. The Next Generation Sequencing Video Tour was designed as a set of interviews with three directors of the Genome Center at Washington University with video footage and graphics to explain the new sequencing technologies. The videos can be used at the advanced high school, undergraduate, or beginning graduate level.

In addition to the videos, tour materials include a complete script, glossary, and links to additional resources. Powerpoint files containing graphics are available for download. The video and associated materials are copyright © 2010, Washington University in St. Louis. Teachers may copy the materials for classroom use.

Prior Knowledge

This video tour was created for advanced high school or undergraduate students and assumes that students have already viewed the original Genome Sequencing Video Tour.