FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of this program:

A: The purpose of this program is to provide an opportunity for undergraduate scinece students to have an opportunity to work with "real" genomic data and to have the opportunity to contribute to "real"science research in a meanignful and tangible manner. The functional annotation of the blueberry genome is a work in progress, so students can participate in a current project rather than do "cookbook" activities.

Q: For whom is this collaboration suitable?

A: Any undergraduate class investigating genomics or bioinformatic topics.

Q: Does this program cost anything?

A: NO. There are no fees or other hidden costs.

Q: How do I get started?

A: Look over the list of available projects and review some of the projects that have already been done. Then, use the Contact Form to request partnership in the program. You can also discuss your own ideas with the collaborators to devise a project that fits your needs and the needs of your students.

Q: What do I get as a Partner?

A: You get access to the Genomics and Bioinformtics community that is investigating the blueberry genome and other crops of interest to human health. You get to work with people who are currently working as geneticists and plant breeders and provide real science to the pipeline. You get to work with an unfinished genome and have the opportunity for co-authorship (along with your students) for gene and pathway discoveries that you make.

Q: Can I download the data?

A: Yes, you and your students have full access to the data to use as you see fit in the classroom.

Q: What kind of tools will I be able to access?

A: You will have access to a suite of Open Source Tools that have been configured with the blueberry data sets. There is a set of BLAST tools, gene prediction tools, two genomic browsers to view the data, and much more.

Q: Are the tools hard to use and is there documentation?

A: NO, the tools are not difficult to use, they are all web-based and do not require detailed knowledge of UNIX command line arguments. And yes, each tool has good documentation for its use.