Design and implementation of semester long project and problem based bioinformatics course

Background : Advancements in ‘high-throughput technologies’ have inundated us with data across disciplines. As a result, there is a bottleneck in addressing the demand for analyzing data and training of ‘next generation data scientists’. Methods : In response to this need, the authors designed a single semester “Bioinformatics” course that introduced a small cohort of students at the University of South Carolina to methods for analyzing data generated through different ‘omic’ platforms using variety of model systems.  The course was divided into seven modules with each module ending with a problem. Results : Towards the end of the course, the students each designed a project that allowed them to pursue their individual interests. These completed projects were presented as talks and posters at ISCB-RSG-SEUSA symposium held at University of South Carolina. Conclusions : An important outcome of this course design was that the students acquired the basic skills to critically evaluate the reporting and interpretation of data of a problem or a project during the symposium.