The Bioinformática for the Curricular Perfection of the Career Degree in Biology

Abstract

Bioinformatics has been a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary science in the last years due to the great availability of biological information. The numerous applications of this science in Biotechnology, Pharmacology, Biology and Medicine make it an attractive research area, and currently there is a growing demand of trained personnel in this field. However, the scarcity of qualified personnel and the limited incorporation of this content as educational resource in our university are evident. The present work is referred to an educational experience in the Bachelor in Biology major with the incorporation of the optional subject Introduction to the Bioinformatics in the fourth year. This subject has a strong practical component for the formation of skills in the students and it is taught by a team make up of teachers. The general topic chosen for the practical activities was the analysis of the Hemoglobin, topic that influences positively in the motivation of students. The results show that this experience improves the quality of the teaching and learning process, based on the integration of different knowledge areas promotes an autonomous learning and dedication of the students.