Biotechnology Sequencing (BTS) Camp for High School Students

Next Generation Sequencing Data Analysis

Thank you for your interest in the program. We are currently full and additional application will go on the wait list.

Single cell RNA-seq represents a new frontier in biomedical research. Obtaining all gene expressions of tens of thousands cells individually is daunting and exciting. Yes, all tens of thousands of cells individually simultaneously.

In this camp, you will learn next generation sequencing (NGS) technology and understand the differences among DNA-seq, RNA-seq, and single cell RNA-seq. Students will then explore real-genome sequencing data to identify SARS-CoV2 virus infected samples.

This camp is all computational being virtual but a crucial component of sequencing research. Sequencing data analysis is a skillset highly sought in many biomedical labs.

Just like all our camps, this is also a research camp where you will generate results while learning necessary science and skills. Sounds intimidating? No worries. We have wonderful, fun group leaders who will guide you along the way. No programming experience is needed but we will assume you have a high school biology-level understanding of transcription and translation. Though minimal knowledge is required, we do need your attention, curiosity, and most importantly, open mind to fully engage including participation in oddball games.

When you have a chance to obtain your own sequencing data, we hope you will analyze some data on your own.

Thanks to the support of the Michigan Institute for Computational Discovery and Engineering (MICDE). They are providing access to the University of Michigan’s Great Lakes Slurm cluster for all campers to run calculations (Slurm = Simple Linux Utility for Resource Management).

DATE: June 28 – July 2, 2021 (Mon – Fri)       TIME: 9 am – 4 pm Central time (10 am – 5 pm Eastern time)

LOCATION: Online

INTENDED AUDIENCE: Academically motivated current (2020-21) high school students interested in computers, math, science, and medicine.

Preferred candiates: Students who took the Computational Biology camp

Prerequisite: High school biology class

Research project: Using real human data, identify who has COVID-19. You may also identify new variants if you finish all other tasks.

FEE: $600 (Basic membership included for all campers)

After reviewing your essay in the registration form, we will inform you regarding acceptance within 7-10 business days. If accepted, you will be sent payment options. Limited partial scholarships are available for financially-challenge students such as those in a free or reduced lunch program. Proof of income is required.

   If you have a premium membership and this your first camp, the price is $480.00. If this is your second camp, the price is $520.

   You may want to consider premium membership.

A computer with internet connection is required to join the online camp. 

Registration Fee: $25 (your registration is finalized after the fee is received)

 Sponsors:

Goals

1. Expose high school students to career opportunities in biomedicine through hands-on experience in computational genomics and prepare them for the emerging era of medical genomics, when all doctors must be well-acquainted with genetic discoveries, technologies, and applications.
2. Identify potential GIDAS (Genes In Diseases And Symptoms) club leaders at their schools.

Specific Aims

1.   Become familiar with Unix commands and run programs using command lines.

2.   Understand nucleotide hybridization and related thermodynamics.

3.   Understand next generation sequencing (NGS) technology.

4.   Analyze NGS data and identify who has COVID-19 (and new variants).

5.   Understand the progress of the biotechnology and needs for next technology.

Day to Day Focus

Tentative career focus

university scientists (academic career)
business
law (ethics, patents, policy, etc)
pharmaceutics/biotechnology (careers in industry) 

Friday

Each group will pitch a biotechnology busines plan based on the week’s research. 

Refund Policy

The $100 administrative fee will not be refunded once the camp application is accepted.

If a student withdraws, the camp fee paid minus the administrative fee will be refunded if we are notified by April 25, 2021.

If a student withdraws between April 26 and three weeks before the camp starting date, we will refund 50 percent of the camp fee paid.

No refund will be given after three weeks before the camp starting date.