Metagenomics Discovery Challenge (MDC) – is a certificate-based and tuition-free course. The independent study course is offered in a hybrid format and it will be using the Team-Based Learning (TBL) and Open Educational Resources (OER). It doesn’t have any prerequisites, but a background in biological sciences or computer science would be helpful. Students will learn how to use the cross assembly programs and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), then apply those skills by hunting for new viruses—as well as looking for the genetic hallmarks of antibiotic resistance—in real datasets of DNA. At the end of the semester, students will create a 3-5 minute video using the available  resources to explain the tools they’ve learned, the importance of viral discovery and antibiotic resistance, and their discoveries. A committee of judges will select the best presentation and that team of students will win $5,000.00 that can be applied towards a CUNY semester’s tuition. The funding for this award comes from a gift to KCC CUNY philanthropic auxiliary, The KCC Foundation Inc, by Deloitte Consulting LLP, which is seeking to promote students entering the Biotechnology workforce after graduation. In addition to Deloitte, CUNY is partnering with the San Diego State University (SDSU) in San Diego and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) to design and teach the course’s curriculum.  Additional funding for this course comes from NSF XSEDE.

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