How to use this manual

This manual can be viewed on a computer, tablet or phone using the UCSC genome browser requires a laptop or desktop computer. The instructions I provide assume you are using one of the two. When on a computer, the table of contents (side bar) can be toggled in and out by typing “s”. The arrow keys can be used to move to later or earlier chapters.

Figures can be enlarged by clicking on an image of interest. Use your track pad to zoom in further. Then to reduce the image back to its original size and continue reading, click on the image again.

Throughout this tutorial, you will come across footnotes. When you click on the link to a footnote, you will be taken to the end of the chapter. To continue reading where you left off, click the return arrow at the end of the footnote. It is a good idea to read the footnotes and figure legends! These are provided to clear up confusion and provide definitions. They might also provide clues for answering “Test Your Understanding” questions (see below).

“Test your understanding” (TYU) and “For Discussion” headings are clickable and take you to the corresponding “Google quiz” in a new tab. That said, you need to be logged into your horizon email account in order to access them.

After you submit you can check your accuracy. It is best to get the answers correct before moving on. TYU questions are designed to assess if you understand how to navigate through the genome AND understand what you are seeing. With this in mind, you can answer each quiz multiple times. I will be available during the activity section to answer any questions you might have. Keep in mind, you will NOT receive an email confirmation with your answers to the questions. If you want a record of your answers, you should write them down. In fact, it is best to read this manual with a pen and notebook in hand for taking notes AND for recording your answers to TYU and “For Discussion” questions. If on the off chance your Google Quiz submission fails, you have your answers written down for an easy re-submission.

If you spot errors or typos, please let me know. Thanks!