Training Biologists in Unix Command-Line Skills: From Competency Framework to a Scalable Self-Paced Implementation

As the generation of data in the life and health sciences expands rapidly, there is a growing need for professionals and students in these fields to master core bioinformatics skills, particularly those relating to Unix-like systems, most commonly used in bioinformatics. This paper introduces two key contributions to address this need: (1) a detailed Unix competency framework tailored for bioinformatics, which uses the revised Bloom cognitive taxonomy to define progressive and operational skill levels; and (2) a series of interactive online tutorials deployed through Sandbox.bio, an open-source platform for learning bioinformatics that embeds a command-line in the browser, which removes barriers related to software installation and access. Tested in multiple educational and professional settings, the tutorials have received highly positive feedback. This inclusive, sustainable approach provides widespread access to essential bioinformatics skills for students and professionals alike.