Title
Adapting bioinformatics curricula for big data.
Abstract
Modern technologies are capable of generating enormous amounts of data that measure complex biological systems. Computational biologists and bioinformatics scientists are increasingly being asked to use these data to reveal key systems-level properties. We review the extent to which curricula are changing in the era of big data. We identify key competencies that scientists dealing with big data are expected to possess across fields, and we use this information to propose courses to meet these growing needs. While bioinformatics programs have traditionally trained students in data-intensive science, we identify areas of particular biological, computational and statistical emphasis important for this era that can be incorporated into existing curricula. For each area, we propose a course structured around these topics, which can be adapted in whole or in parts into existing curricula. In summary, specific challenges associated with big data provide an important opportunity to update existing curricula, but we do not foresee a wholesale redesign of bioinformatics training programs.
Year
DOI
Venue
2016
10.1093/bib/bbv018
BRIEFINGS IN BIOINFORMATICS
Keywords
Field
DocType
big data,bioinformatics,data science,education
Data science,Data mining,Competence (human resources),Biology,Curriculum,Bioinformatics,Big data
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
17
SP1
1467-5463
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
3
0.50
20
Authors
4
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Anna C Greene1201.99
Kristine A. Giffin230.50
Casey S. Greene351.25
Jason H Moore432.19