In an era of explosive growth in data within the life sciences and healthcare sectors, knowing how to use Unix is now essential for researchers and students. However, learning these skills remains a challenge for many, due to their complexity and technical barriers (such as software installation and access to infrastructure). To address this need, the IFB/ELIXIR-FR e-learning group has developed an innovative teaching approach:
- Learning resources tailored for scientists, designed to be progressive and accessible even to beginners, are available via documents on Zenodo.
- Interactive online tutorials on a dedicated instance of the open-source Sandbox.bio platform, which integrate a Unix terminal directly into the browser, thereby removing the barriers associated with installing and accessing the tools.
This inclusive and sustainable approach, outlined in a recent article in the journal PLOS Computational Biology, provides widespread access to essential bioinformatics skills for both students and life sciences professionals.
An inclusive and effective solution
When evaluated in various contexts, this approach is:
- Easy to use: no installation required; everything is done online.
- Interactive: learners practise using the controls directly, for hands-on learning.
- Progressive: everyone progresses at their own pace, according to their level.
“This approach offers a sustainable and inclusive solution for training scientists in Unix skills, which are essential for analysing and managing increasingly complex biological data.” – The IFB e-learning group
This project is fully in line with the IFB’s mission: to facilitate access to bioinformatics tools and skills for the scientific community. It is the result of the work of educational experts, bioinformaticians and developers from the e-learning group, who are committed to making science more open and accessible.
For further information, please see the publication detailing the work and achievements of the e-learning group:
https://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1014133
The IFB’s e-learning group plans to extend this approach to other key skills in bioinformatics, with the aim of making science more accessible, collaborative and innovative.
To find out more, take a look at:
- the tutorials on Sandbox.bio, hosted by IFB
- the Unix worksheets for assessment and self-assessment available on Zenodo
Or take a look at the upcoming training courses offered by IFB/ELIXIR-FR.