10-Jan-2002
Press Release

Genomics Course for Educators will be offered three times in 2002

January 10, 2002

The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR) announced today that it is accepting registration applicants for its comprehensive Genomics Course for Educators. The course is designed for teachers who want to stay abreast of the rapidly evolving field of genomics. There will be no charge for instruction or materials.

Taught by TIGR scientists, 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 multifaceted 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 three times this year:

  • February 7 - April 18, 2002 (no class on March 28, 2002)
    4:30 - 7:30 pm
    Thursday Evenings
  • June 24 - 28, 2002
    9:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Daily
  • August 5 - 9, 2002
    9:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Daily

Enrollment is open to all high school 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. All classes will be conducted at TIGR's headquarters in Rockville, Maryland.

"TIGR has much to offer educators who want to learn from a direct source of research rather than existing traditional education workshops and seminars. By carrying out this educational program, we hope to give teachers a better understanding of genomics and its impact," said Dr. Claire M. Fraser, president of TIGR. "We want to empower these educators to inspire and cultivate our youth into science and technology careers as well as educate them because they stand to benefit the most from current scientific developments."

TIGR is a not-for-profit research institute that was the first laboratory to sequence the entire genome of an organism. In its first ten years, TIGR has completed over 26 genomes, including those of organisms that cause Lyme disease and syphilis, and its scientists are now helping sequence other genomes.

For more information about the genomics course, please contact TIGR's Training and Education Department at (301) 838-5832, send an email message to