Department Website:
https://www.juniata.edu/academics/graduate-programs/bioinformatics.php
Faculty:
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Special programs, facilities, or equipment:
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Courses:
BIN-500 Bioinformatics Fundamentals (Fall & Spring; All Years; 4.00 Credits; N) Bioinformatics is the science of collecting and analyzing complex biological data. It is an interdisciplinary field that develops and applies methods and software tools for understanding biological data.
BIN-510 Scientific Grant Writing (Variable; Yearly; 3.00 Credits) This course is designed to introduce students to the principles and practices of effective grant writing. Through a blend of lectures, workshops, and peer-review sessions, students will learn how to develop compelling research proposals, effectively communicate their research ideas, and navigate the grant submission and review process.
BIN-516 Molecular and Cellular Biology (Variable; Variable; 4.00 Credits) A comprehensive approach to the study of cells, with emphasis on molecular techniques and understanding the primary literature. Analysis of the cell at the molecular level emphasizes a unity in the principles by which cells function. PRE-REQ: BS degree in molecular biology, biochemistry or the permission of the instructor.
BIN-517 Principles of Genetics (Variable; Yearly; 4.00 Credits) This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the principles and mechanisms underlying heritability and genetic variation. Students will explore Mendelian genetics, DNA structure and replication, gene expression, and the role of genetics in evolution, medicine, and society.
BIN-537 Molecular Ecology (Spring; Odd Years; 3.00 Credits) Molecular ecology delves into the interface of molecular biology and ecology, focusing on the application of molecular techniques to address ecological questions. Students will explore the genetic processes that underlie ecological phenomena and will learn how molecular tools can inform our understanding of speciation, adaptation, behavior, and conservation.
BIN-560 Genetic Analysis (Variable; Yearly; 4.00 Credits) Topics covered will include basic and advanced topics in transmission, quantitative and population genetics, with emphasis on analysis. the methods that modern researchers use to discover gene function and molecular basis of adaptive or disease traits and how they are transmitted over generations in model and non-model species. Prereqs: BI 105/BI 106 or BI 101/102 or one year of college Biology.
BIN-561 Medical Genetics (Variable; Yearly; 3.00 Credits) Medical Genetics will focus upon the studies in Kish Valley over the past 10 years. Students will learn the methods by which experts in the field analyze whole exomes, Propionic Acidemia, and secondary variants that may affect heart failure & arrhythmia and poor neurological outcomes. We will evaluate how genetic tests have been used to define the common and rare disorders. Students will learn how to calculate Minor Allele Frequencies, Carrier and Disease rates. We will also cover technologies including Newborn Screening, Targeted Gene Mutation Tests, InVitae, and Gene-Dx Gene Panels, Plain-Insight-Profiles, and Whole Exomes sequencing technologies that are used to screen for diseases in this population.
BIN-570 Practical Genomics (Fall; Odd Years; 4.00 Credits) Genomics is an exciting and ever advancing field. Through a mixture of traditional lectures and novel research-based laboratories students will learn about both the theoretical and practical applications of genomics within biology and across other scientific fields.
BIN-571 Applied Bioinformatics (Spring; Even Years; 3.00 Credits) This interactive course is tailored to provide students with the essential computational tools to analyze large biological datasets and extract meaningful results using a novel biological dataset. Students will also learn to write a scientific manuscript that will be prepared for publication by the end of the course.
BIN-572 Biotechnology (Summer; Yearly; 3.00 Credits) This course provides an in-depth exploration of the principles, techniques, and applications of biotechnology. Students will explore the fundamental concepts of molecular biology and the real-world impact and ethical considerations of biotechnology in various fields, including healthcare, agriculture, and the environment. Students will interface with professionals in the field and work toward professional development for the biotech industry.
BIN-580 Advanced Research Methods (Variable; Yearly; 4.00 Credits) This class will provide training in advanced modern molecular wet lab, statistical and/or informatics tools. Bioinformatics skills will be related to assembly, annotation, variant characterization, and/or comparison of eukaryotic genomes and populations. Statistical analyses will be performed in R. Molecular tools may include DNA and RNA isolation, electrophoresis, restriction digests, DNA isolation from gels, PCR, sequencing, next generation sequencing and equipment maintenance. Core bioinformatics learning objectives will receive special attention. General skills include training students in the process and procedures of conducting meaningful and responsible research in Biology, including: deriving research objectives, experimental design, problem solving skills, responsible conduct.
BIN-581 Bioinformatics Capstone (Variable; Yearly; 4.00 Credits) This culminating experience provides graduate students with the opportunity to engage in an independent, hands-on research experience for an entire semester. The research experience can be with private industry, academia, or the government and must be approved first by Dr. Lamendella. The experience must be immersive in bioinformatics and/or biotechnology, must have a data analysis component and the research project will be disseminated via both a written manuscript and oral presentation.
BIN-599 Bioinformatics Special Topics Course (Variable; Variable; 1.00-4.00 Credits)
BIN-600 Environmental Genomics (Variable; Yearly; 4.00 Credits) This course will utilize Microbial Community Analysis leveraging high-throughput sequencing technology to identify the microbes present in naturally occurring our man-made ecosystems. Students will learn both molecular and bioinformatics skill sets, as well as microbial ecology principles throughout this course.