In this course…

• Students will analyzing behavioral, physiological, genomic, transcriptomic, and metagenomic data generated from fruit-fly sex-specific neurobiology project focused on behavior, microbial genomics, and head gene expression relative to mating and food restriction – temperature stress scenarios.
• Students will use computational tools (using R programming language) and applications promoting best analytical practices will be emphasized.
• Students who successfully participate in the course will have an opportunity to work with our research team and earn an authorship in a peer-reviewed scientific manuscript.
• Students will present their research and analysis during the end-of-course formal online / synchronous science symposium.

Course is available for 4 pre-college units.

Course Delivery: Online program

Grade Level: Students must currently be in 10th grade or higher

Prerequisites/Requirements:

Required: Having taken either “Fundamentals of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics” or “Introduction to Bioinformatics and Statistics”, high school AP biology, and pre-calculus

Preferred: Statistics

This course does not require a textbook; however, a foundational understanding of basic biological concepts is essential for successful participation. Students must have access to a personal computer capable of running free bioinformatics software and accessing publicly available data resources. As part of the course, students will deliver a presentation on their research during the final week. Active participation and regular attendance are required to complete the course successfully.

Schedule: September 28, 2026 to December 5, 2026, online 10-week program, meeting twice weekly. Two meetings will be scheduled per week based on student’s schedule.