Case It! vs Rosalind

Case It! is a free framework for collaborative case-based learning in molecular biology. Its v705 software simulates laboratory procedures on DNA and protein sequences, including PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digestion, ELISA, microarrays, and Southern and Western blots. It supports plasmid DNA, labelled gels, and locating restriction enzyme sites, including Cas9 sites, in double-stranded DNA. Connections to bioinformatics software and websites support sequence alignment and tree-building, and sequence search is listed as useful for undergraduate research. The download includes DNA and protein sequences cited in case descriptions on topics such as genetic and infectious diseases. Case It Mobile presents selected cases through scenarios and videos of simulated procedures on phones and tablets. Cases not converted for mobile and custom sequences require v705. The project says v705 runs on current Windows and Mac systems and documents an M-series Mac setup using UTM and Windows 11 Pro. Educational users can download it free after submitting a form.

Rosalind is a free web learning platform that teaches bioinformatics and programming through problem solving. Its tracks include Python Village, Bioinformatics Stronghold, Bioinformatics Armory, Bioinformatics Textbook Track, and Algorithmic Heights. Python Village introduces programming basics, while Stronghold covers mass spectrometry, sequence alignment, genome assembly, phylogeny, probability, and string algorithms. Submissions are checked automatically. Learners may code on their own computers and upload or paste answers, using any programming language. Rosalind targets biologists developing programming skills and programmers new to computational molecular-biology problems. Faculty can create classes, assign problems, monitor progress, review submissions, and use a grade sheet; Faculty accounts are free. Problems impose time limits and waiting after incorrect answers. The Faculty page says plagiarism checking was being implemented, requiring instructors to compare code themselves meanwhile. Public access costs nothing.