Genomic Sciences Institute
The
Genomic Science Institute is a collaborative venture between area school districts,
community learning institutions, and biomedical researchers. We focus our
activities on the following projects aimed at increasing science literacy in
the area of molecular biology and biotechnology.
High
School Science Teacher Professional Development: Funded by the United States
Department of Education we are offering laboratory research and instructional
experiences to teachers. Genetics is arguably one of the most fundamental of
scientific disciplines, not just for students wishing to go into science and
biotechnology careers, but also for every student who will become a patient,
parent or informed citizen in the genomics age. This content deepening seminar is designed for all high
school biology teachers to update and extend their knowledge of classical
genetics and cell biology.
This
workshop focuses on microbial infections, how scientists think and paradigm
shifts in scientific thinking.
It provides an introduction to current concepts about bacteria that
can cause infections, and how these pathogens are relevant to the treatment
of chronic infections, including ear infections, sinusitis, and medical
device and implant infections (problems of the “bionic” age.) We will investigate some current
infectious diseases, exploring everything from media highlights to research
data, demonstrate how a bacterial pathogen can be genetically sequenced and
how genes that play a role in virulence are now targeted for further study
via bioinformatics. We will also learn about the history of vaccines, explore
current controversies about vaccine use, and discuss how resistance to
anti-bacterial drugs occurs in certain organisms. Please click on this link to access the
online registration form: Registration – Microbial Communities and
Human Communities; Close Encounters
Virtual Science Laboratories for Learning: In addition to providing
hands-on laboratory experiences for teachers and students study the
development and instructional uses of virtual laboratories that simulate the
processes of leading-edge laboratory techniques and associated scientific
reasoning and social decision-making.
Continuing Medical Education: Funded by Highmark, we provide content
update seminars for physicians and other health-care workers to attune
medical practice to innovation in the scientific research laboratory.
Laboratory Technologist Training Program:
Through a recently established collaboration with the Community College of
Allegheny County (CCAC), we provide research experiences for students
completing their laboratory technologist training at the CCAC. Students work
with selected faculty and master technicians at the Center for Genomic
Sciences for one semester and learn to employ the concepts, procedures and
technological tools of the scientific workplace.
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