The Metagenomics Discovery Challenge (MDC) – it’s a graduate level and certificate-based course. The independent study course is seeking to promote students entering the Biotechnology workforce after graduation. It is offered in a hybrid format and we will be using the Team-Based Learning  (TBL) and Open Educational Resources (OER).  This course is being taught concurrently at San Diego State University (SDSU), supported by the NCBI and funded by NSF. It doesn’t have any prerequisites, but a background in biological sciences or computer science would be helpful. Students will learn how to use the cross assembly programs and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), then apply those skills by hunting for new viruses—as well as looking for the genetic hallmarks of antibiotic resistance—in real data sets of DNA. At the end of the semester, students will create a 3-5 minute video using the available resources to explain the tools they’ve learned, the importance of viral discovery and antibiotic resistance, and their discoveries.  In addition, students will learn how to write a scientific paper.

MDC Graduate Student Signup page click to access