Integrating MinIONs and genome sequencing into introductory biology labs

Integrating course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) into teaching is a high-impact educational practice. As part of efforts to scaffold such experiences in genomics and bioinformatics across our Biology major, our faculty developed a lower-division CURE using MinION sequencing. During this activity, students generate samples for sequencing, assess results, and conduct annotations of long read sequences in order to contribute to novel, discovery-based research by making a material contribution to an active genome sequencing project. Overall, this CURE has been a successful formative research experience, positively influencing students’ science identities in areas such as analytical skills, self-efficacy, motivation, tolerance, and collaboration.