Learn to use GenoCAD, a Computer-Assisted Design application for synthetic biology projects, with this free tutorial provided by the Peccoud Lab at Virginia Tech. The GenoCAD website enables researchers to generate libraries of parts that can be used and re-used to generate unlimited designs supporting bench biologists in molecular biology construction efforts. Grammars that specify the order of elements provide a consistent yet flexible framework for creating construct designs. Two tutorials are available, an introduction and one on advanced topics. In the introductory tutorial, the foundations of the GenoCAD system are explored, and basic functionality of the software is demonstrated with hands-on tasks. The Advanced Topics covers how new project libraries can be created using the Advanced Search and Cart tools; creation and modification of grammars and their underlying rules; and additional design features, such as cloning and exporting designs to GenBank format.
With the Introduction tutorial you'll learn:
- the basic aspects of the site usage with an orientation and overview
- the organizational features of libraries and their component parts
- to use a grammar to create customized designs of expression constructs
- to run a simple simulation to investigate the behavior of synthetic systems
With the Advanced Topics tutorial you’ll learn:
- the key features of advanced searches
- advanced design strategies for quickly creating and modifying new constructs
- exporting designs as GenBank-compatible files that can be used by third-party tools
- managing grammars to support new projects
- creating and modifying grammars to suit customized design needs
The tutorials suites include:
- An online, narrated, multi-media tutorial, which runs in just about any browser connected to the web, can be viewed from beginning to end or navigated using chapters and forward and backward sliders. The approximately 45 minute tutorials highlight and explain all the features and functionality needed to start using GenoCAD effectively.
- PowerPoint slides with suggested script and slide handouts used as a basis for the tutorial with a suggested script that can be used by instructors in their classrooms.
- Step-by-Step Exercises for hands-on experience with the resource
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Over the years, we have found that the tutorial suites are used in a number of ways. You can:
- use these to teach students, staff, or faculty at your institution.
- use the tutorial suites to learn how to use new or unfamiliar genomics resources they need as their work progresses
- use the tutorial suites to keep abreast of new resources and technology, using the resource as an excellent staff training and career development tool
You can find a list of other tutorials that are supported by resource providers at http://www.openhelix.com/free.
OpenHelix has over 100 tutorial suites (full list at http://www.openhelix.com/catalog) that are accessed through individual purchase or subscription.
