Genome Science
Analyze the genetic complement of organisms
Genome Science
Genome Science is an advanced STEM summer workshop for students entering grades 11–12 who have completed DNA Science or AP® Biology. Participants investigate human genetic variation and trace ancestry utilizing core lab techniques like PCR alongside modern DNA sequencing. The curriculum extends beyond the bench, applying bioinformatics to explore how this science actively transforms both clinical medicine and agricultural production. Every experiment mirrors real-world discovery, allowing students to generate data and interpret their results using the exact online databases relied upon by professional scientists.
Students will:
- Identify genetic variation in their own genome then apply bioinformatics to explore human origins and migration.
- Look at their own DNA to analyze "jumping genes" that compose 35% of your genetic material: Alu and L1, differences in maternally inherited DNA that trace human evolution, and variation that determines the simple trait to detect bitter taste.
- Investigate the relationship between genotype and phenotype using a common taste receptor gene.
- Detect genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in common food products.
- Extract and purify Taq polymerase from engineered bacteria and test its function.
- Generate DNA sequences in real-time using handheld nanopore sequencers.
This camp is a great fit for:
Students who completed DNA Science or AP® Biology and want to look at their own DNA; aspiring geneticists, physicians, and data scientists; and anyone preparing for college biology and research programs.
MICROCREDENTIALS
This camp qualifies for BCSI Microcredential Assessment:
Small Volume MetrologyDetails:
- Grades: entering grade 11–12 and have taken DNA Science or AP Biology (documentation from school required)
- $700 per student
- Monday to Thursday 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Friday 9:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
- Available at:
Long Island
New York City
WestchesterOn-Demand Genome Science
The term genome was coined in 1920 by German botanist Hans Winkler. A combination of the words gene and chromosome, a genome is the set of genes located on one or more chromosomes that defines a living organism. The concept of a genome has been expanded to mean the entire sequence of DNA nucleotides or "letters" (ATGC) that compose the genetic information within an organism's set of chromosomes, or all of its genes. Complete genome sequences are now available for humans and many plants and animals. With this information in hand, the next step is for scientists to understand the physiological functions of the thousands of genes for which little is known beyond their sequences. In this online camp, participants will use new at-home adaptations of Nobel Prize-winning technologies, as well as computer-based techniques to analyze genetic components of humans and plants. Students will:
- isolate their own DNA to explore genetic polymorphisms and learn about human origins and migration;
- perform isothermal PCR reactions with their own DNA to identify the presence or absence of a transposable element that can be used to understand allele frequencies and population genetics;
- isolate DNA from common foods for a PCR test that will indicate genetic modifications; and
- use online bioinformatics tools to compare DNA sequences and mine information from DNA databases.
Details:
- Grades: entering grade 11–12 and have taken DNA Science or AP Biology (documentation from school required)
- Students are required to drop off or overnight ship (USPS/FedEx/UPS) their DNA samples to the Dolan DNALC in Cold Spring Harbor following completion of the Day 1 video of the camp. The cost of shipping is to be covered by the student and their family.
- $420 On-Demand
- Available:
