OmicsLogic is an educational program developed with the help of international experts from top academic institutions that see the need in improving analysis capabilities for -omics data.

With the advent of high throughput technologies in biology, there is an explosion of quantitative data-driven exploration that is showing a huge promise in advancing biomedical research, biotechnology and environmental conservation. But biological “high throughput” data driving these discoveries are huge, heterogeneous and complex. New algorithms are being developed to process genomic, transcriptomic, or metabolomic data and extract biologically-interpretable meaning from them. The science of analyzing, storing and interpreting these datasets is called “bioinformatics”. In part due to advances in bioinformatics, labs in companies and universities are working on new types of cancer treatments, efficient antivirals and clean biofuels.

Complexity and heavy reliance on computational approaches makes bioinformatics equally exciting and intimidating for non-bioinformaticians. In addition, biology teachers tasked with delivering bioinformatics training lack experience and resources, thus placing it out of reach for most students.

Not only is this a training challenge for students drawn to research, it is important to note that in its 2015 employment predictions, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that between now and 2024, 75% of new science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) jobs will involve computation (source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (US). Employment Projections [Internet]. Washington: US Department of Labor. c2015 [cited 2017 Aug 5]). Pharmaceutical, clinical research organizations and biotech companies are struggling to fill positions that require biology and computational training.

The OmicsLogic Program

OmicsLogic utilizes the T-Bio.Info platform, and provides a set of online educational modules designed to teach researchers, industry professionals and students in bioinformatics, or in a broader sense, data science for biomedical data. The modules provide a conceptual overview of analytical skills applied to various data types and experience, while pursuing independent or group projects. The courses and projects are packaged in our online training portal (edu.t-bio.info). More information about the program can be seen in this short brochure: https://bit.ly/2JC8Xdy

Program Benefits:

  1. The courses are project-based and research focused. They cover a range of important topics like oncology, neuroscience, agrotech and others.
  2. The program prioritizes analysis logic and can be aligned with other technical courses (computer science, mathematics, biotechnology). To get started, no coding skills are required and most of the coursework, including project data analysis is done without a single line of code.
  3. Online materials help train the student without placing additional demands on the teacher.
  4. Regular workshops and a growing online community provides support beyond the school in an easy, on-demand way

Program structure:

Introduction (3 months):

  • What is Bioinformatics, how is it relevant for students and teachers interested in biology and life sciences.

Hands-On Practicum (3 months):

  • Guided tutorials using curated datasets that introduce students to the main concepts of bioinformatics and allows teachers and students to jointly develop advanced research projects.

Independent Projects (3 months)

  • After completing a couple of guided projects, the students are trained to find datasets according to their own interests and develop a hypothesis based on data. The preliminary results can be a great point to reach out to mentors and get assistance from more experienced community members.

Summer Mentor-guided program (2 months)

  • Over the summer, students are encouraged to work with mentors on research project ideas and join a working group where project ideas, analysis methods and applications of analysis methods are discussed.

Hackathon (optional)

  • At the end of the program, the students are encouraged to join a workshop with hands-on analysis guided by a research or industry partner. At the end, students are exposed to various labs and internship opportunities in their area.

Our team:

Pine Biotech is a technology transfer company that licensed the T-BioInfo platform from the Tauber Bioinformatics Research Center at University of Haifa, Israel. Our team includes an experienced bioinformatics research group, qualified trainers and an administrative support staff. More information about our company can be seen here: pine-biotech.com

In addition to the Pine Biotech team, we work with mentors and assistants (Bioinformatics Ambassadors) from around the world that are eager to assist students with independent project selection, technical challenges and interpretation of results. Together, our extended network can be a valuable resource for students in the program.

Suggested Reading:

Integrating bioinformatics into senior high school: design principles and implications (https://academic.oup.com/bib/article/14/5/648/218781)

Pricing:

The program costs $25-$45 per student per month with online teaching materials offered for free and subsidized pricing options for bulk purchases.

To find out more about the program and speak to one of our representatives, please fill out the contact form below: