The BIT 479/579 High-throughput Discovery course aims to raise awareness of the potential of high-throughput (HT) approaches and equipment in modern scientific discovery. The interdisciplinary nature of HT approaches requires teams to draw from multiple perspectives, ideas, and experiences to take full advantage of the molecular biology tools available in the era of high-throughput sequencing and single-cell genomics. Thus, this course will highlight the contributions of diverse authors and explore how biased study design results in skewed findings that disproportionately impact vulnerable populations. For example, while high-throughput technologies exist, not all have access to them! See Limited resources of genome sequencing in developing countries: Challenges and solutions by Helmy et al. and, more recently, this Perspective article in the New England Journal of Medicine (The Illusion of Inclusion — The “All of Us” Research Program and Indigenous Peoples’ DNA by Fox.
Our class embodies a microcosm of diversity. Respect of diverse opinions, active listening, acknowledgment of bias, and discussion of difficult but essential topics such as racial bias in HT genomic studies and lack of representation of marginalized populations will be critical foundations of our conversations. In alignment with an initiative by the Department of Biological Sciences Diversity and Inclusion Committee, a course objective (CO) has been designed for the BIT 479/579 High-throughput Discovery course to intentionally emphasize and analyze diversity and equity in the area of high-throughput discovery.
CO 6. Critically analyze HTD study design to identify biases and produce resources using universal design for learning to share findings.
Together, we will address diversity and practice our scientific communication skills to create valuable public resources that promote awareness and broad accessibility of HT Discovery. I look forward to listening and learning from the perspectives and experience you bring to our community.
The Spring 2022 HTD Instructional Team
Written by CG. Citations provided by Dr. Davida Smyth and Dr. Pat Masteller.