Molecular Bioinformatics and In Silico Genetic Engineering represent the modern, computational approach to studying and manipulating genes before any laboratory experimentation begins. BDG Lifesciences' 10-Day program takes high school students through the complete journey of molecular biology, from DNA sequences through protein structure prediction to genetic engineering strategy, using the same digital workflows researchers rely on. The program runs as ten live 90-minute sessions over Zoom and culminates in three structured, gene-based case studies that apply everything learned to real computational workflows.

The program opens with DNA-to-protein foundations, covering DNA structure and replication, RNA transcription, protein translation and gene expression, retrieval of multiple nucleotide sequences, and Open Reading Frame (ORF) prediction. Students then move into gene structure and regulation, learning exon prediction, splice site prediction, and promoter prediction to understand how genes are organized within the genome. A session on RNA and variation analysis covers RNA sequence retrieval, RNA structure prediction, SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) analysis, and protein sequence retrieval, introducing genetic variation and its biological significance.

Students then explore protein structure and function through primary and secondary structure prediction and functional domain analysis, followed by a dedicated session on 3D modeling and mutagenesis covering homology modeling and protein mutagenesis analysis. A session on structural and experimental design tools connects computational protein analysis to laboratory planning through primer designing, while a session on genetic engineering tools introduces restriction mapping, gene silencing strategies, and advanced SNP interpretation. The final three days are dedicated entirely to case studies, where students apply the full computational workflow, from sequence retrieval to structural and functional interpretation, across three structured gene-based investigations.

This program is designed for students interested in genetics and molecular biology, biotechnology and biomedical engineering, gene editing and genetic research, science fair projects, or future careers in medicine and life sciences. Sessions are led by trainers with research backgrounds in bioinformatics, computational biology, molecular modeling, and genomics, several of whom have mentored students to science fair recognition and peer-reviewed publication. Each session includes a written summary and recording for later review, and participants receive a Certificate of Completion from BDG Lifesciences. The program also functions as a stepping stone toward CRISPR and gene editing research and as preparation for BDG's mentored bioinformatics research projects.

The program fee is $172 USD.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between this program and BDG's general Bioinformatics: Basics to Advanced course?
This program focuses specifically on molecular biology and genetic engineering workflows, including gene structure prediction, RNA analysis, mutagenesis, and restriction mapping, applied through gene-based case studies. The general Bioinformatics course covers a broader survey of databases, sequence alignment, and structural tools without the dedicated genetic engineering focus or case study component.

What computational skills will students gain in molecular bioinformatics and genetic engineering?
Students learn ORF prediction, exon and splice site prediction, promoter prediction, RNA structure prediction, SNP analysis, homology modeling for 3D protein structures, protein mutagenesis analysis, restriction mapping, gene silencing strategy design, and primer designing.

What are the case studies in days 8 to 10 of this program?
In the final three days, students apply everything learned across three structured, gene-based case studies, working through a complete computational workflow from sequence retrieval to structural and functional interpretation, mirroring how researchers approach real genetic analysis problems.

Is this program a good preparation for CRISPR or gene editing research?
Yes. The program builds foundational skills in gene structure analysis, mutation studies, and genetic engineering planning that serve as a stepping stone toward more advanced CRISPR and gene editing research programs.

How long is the program and how are sessions delivered?
The program runs for 10 consecutive days, with one live 90-minute session per day delivered over Zoom. Each session includes a written summary for revision, and recordings are shared for future reference.

What is the cost of the program and what is included?
The program costs $172 USD and includes ten live 90-minute training sessions, daily session summaries, recordings of all sessions, three structured case studies, and a Certificate of Completion upon successful program completion.

Why is the registration fee charged in Australian Dollars (AUD) if the program fee is listed in USD?
Registration and payment are processed through Humanitix, our Australian payment platform. The ticket price shown in AUD at checkout is equivalent to the USD fee listed on this page, based on the prevailing exchange rate at the time of payment.