Bioinformatics and Biology Essentials for Librarians: Databases, Tools, and Clinical Applications

This 14-week online class addresses increasing health information access and use by highlighting information about the National Library of Medicine’s NCBI Molecular Biology Databases. 

The 14-week, 30 credit-hour, self-paced online class reviews basic biology concepts and takes a deep dive into NCBI Molecular Biology Databases. This class is designed both for librarians who offer, or intend to offer, bioinformatics services; and also for librarians who use gene and protein information on a periodic or irregular basis to serve their patrons.  Successful participants are invited to join an Alumni Forum which includes discussion and bi-monthly learning opportunities. Expect to spend at least 30 hours working through this class. 

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to: 
 

Pre-Work: Genetics Basics 

  • Gain a functional understanding of molecular biology concepts sufficient to use the NCBI bioinformatics databases 

Part 1: Intro to Bioinformatics and the NCBI Nucleotide Database 

  • Define bioinformatics, describing some research questions that scientists are exploring now using bioinformatics tools and techniques 
  • Explore the roles and activities of other librarians working in bioinformatics 
  • Explain how species are organized in the Taxonomy database
  • Describe what kinds of information are contained in the Nucleotide database 
  • Develop a search strategy for common patron questions in the Nucleotide database 

Part 2: Gene, Structure, and Protein Databases 

  • Identify where genetic and protein data comes from 
  • Describe what kinds of information are contained in the Gene, Structure and Protein databases 
  • Answer common patron questions in the Gene, Structure and Protein databases 
  • Find genetic information that is translated to clinical application 

Part 3: Challenges, Goals, and the Future of Bioinformatics 

  • Discuss public policy and ethical implications of bioinformatics data storage, access and use 
  • Explain one or two major challenges bioinformatics creates, and identify those challenges within your professional life 
  • List some of the goals of current genomic research and explain some of the latest newsworthy developments
  • Direct others to experts and sources of assistance
Class Length

14 weeks

Class Owner(s)

Contact the NNLM Training Office for more information.

Instructor(s)

Contact the NNLM Training Office for more information.

Continuing Education

Upon successful completion, each participant will receive 30 continuing education credit awarded by the Medical Library Association, and an invitation to join the Bioinformatics Forum, an online community providing continuing support and training for participants as they implement bioinformatics services at their home institutions.

Classes

Event Title Event Start Date Summary Continuing Education Credits CE Categories Is Online Registration
Bioinformatics and Biology Essentials For Librarians: Databases, Tools and Clinical Applications (January - April 2024) This 14-week, 30 credit-hour, self-paced online class reviews basic biology concepts and takes a deep dive into NCBI Molecular Biology Databases. 30.00 On
Event Title Event Start Date Summary Continuing Education Credits CE Categories Is Online Registration
Bioinformatics and Biology Essentials For Librarians: Databases, Tools and Clinical Applications (January - April 2024) This 14-week, 30 credit-hour, self-paced online class reviews basic biology concepts and takes a deep dive into NCBI Molecular Biology Databases. 30.00 On
Bioinformatics and Biology Essentials For Librarians: Databases, Tools and Clinical Applications This 15-week, 30 credit-hour self-paced online class reviews basic biology concepts and takes a deep dive into NCBI Molecular Biology Databases. 30.00 On
Bioinformatics and Biology Essentials For Librarians: Databases, Tools and Clinical Applications The 14-week, 30 credit-hour self-paced online class reviews basic biology concepts and takes a deep dive into NCBI Molecular Biology Databases. 30.00 On