Biological Sciences (61) The objective of this proposal is to increase the information technology literacy of students in undergraduate biology classes through integration of bioinformatic technology in lecture, laboratories and assignments. This infusion of bioinformatics across the biological disciplines is adapting a model from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The expected outcome is a long-term commitment to information technology within biology curricula and a generation of students prepared to accept the challenges of pursuing careers in research, education, health or industry. The intellectual merit of the proposal is in providing access to computational methods and bioinformatics at the undergraduate level. The broad impact of this project results from bringing together information resources with biologists to solve research problems and educate students. The expectation is that students completing the integrated curriculum are prepared to have an impact on the community as teachers, researchers, and professionals. Further, the project is being made accessible to secondary education teachers and students to learn about computers and biology and return to their home schools with a better understanding of research and technology.
