Recent advances in genomics and particularly the great amount of data being generated by sequencing projects have called much attention in the general public and motivated young students to entering the field. Even junior students are able to extensively use online information to achieve relatively advanced educational goals and experience positive influences, eventually clarifying their perceptions on how they might contribute to biology in their careers. Understanding web-based databases and tools maybe enjoyable and has been used for investigative purposes. BioBASES is an InteLAB’s educational project started in 2002 to assist junior and sophomore students interested in entering post-genomics studies. Students have been selected based on interviews where their backgrounds and goals are evaluated. The aim of the program is to give participating students the opportunity to be in contact with post-genomics research and to be trained in general biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, bioinformatics, genomics, and introductory genomic engineering.

The BioBASES program is intended to assist high school students and Science teachers interested in advancing the field of genomics and post-genomics sciences and technologies. In this regard, BioBASES offers a volunteer teaching/training through the Mentor Network sponsored by the American Society of Human Genetics (http://www.ashg.org). A knowledge base (http://biobases.intelab.ufsc.br) was built to help participants and visitors to find appropriate teaching/learning directions, and may be used as a starting point of resource materials. Currently one can find our weekly seminar program and seminar history, FAQ’s, web links, papers, videos, and other interesting resources for beginners and collaborators. Students are trained using computer and other lab resources available at InteLAB (Integrated Technologies Laboratory).