Low-cost training in bioinformatics: setting up a cheap classroom with Raspbian Linux OS and ARM hardware

General Program:

In-depth bioinformatics teaching requires the re-creation of a bioinformatics research environment, consisting of a Linux or UNIX operating system, standard GNU utilities, specialist bioinformatics software, and sequence databases. Students who aim to start a research career will often face that institutional computer support is limited to generic computer use (e.g. Microsoft software) rather than installing and maintaining systems suitable for bioinformatics. Using the positive experience of colleagues from St. Andrews University – UK, and their open-source available materials we are planning an experimental course for students and teachers to enable the setting up of a very cheap classroom for bioinformatics training courses for up to 20 participants with a cost of less than €2000. Moreover, this course scheme permits to grant to students full administration access to the operating system, usually required to install bioinformatics software tools, using Raspberry Pi computer hardware and GNU/Linux OS.

Participants: 2x10

Date: 2015 (to be defined)

Tutors:

Marco Salvemini

Claudia Rallo

Mario Aversano

Pasquale Elefante

Raffaele Cassandra