Abstract: Comprehensive experiment of bioinformatics is one of the core practical courses for undergraduates majoring in bioinformatics. Aiming for fostering talents with the comprehensive ability, the current experimental teaching reformation demands significant improvements in this kind of course. To improve the professional quality of undergraduates, we proposed inquiring teaching, described the subject selection, task implementing and evaluation. Furthermore, we presented an example to show its application (transcriptome analysis of LOC_Os05g01710-mediated resistance to bacterial leaf streak in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The students performed the practice of data processing, differential expression gene screening, function and pathway analysis, and concluded the relationship between the gene and the resistance to bacterial leaf streak in rice. Learning-assessment result showed that inquiring teaching could help the students to consolidate the knowledge of bioinformatics, improve the professional quality of the students, and motivate their learning interest and ability of self-study. The present inquiring teaching can be applied to other related experiment courses of biology.

Key words: bioinformatics, experiment, inquiring teaching, teaching exploration