DNA barcoding has found multiple uses in biodiversity science and management, as well as in authentication and bioinformatics. This five-day intensive course on molecular identification will give a basic introduction to the theory and best practice of DNA barcoding in biodiversity science and management.
Various topics will be presented by recognised experts in the field, and students will actively contribute to their own learning through hands-on exercises and seminars.
The following topics will be covered:
- Theory. What is DNA barcoding? Which genetic markers are used and why? How does DNA barcoding perform for various taxonomic groups? What are the possibilities and challenges associated with the method? What are the goals of international and national initiatives?
- Species identification and delimitation with DNA. Which methods can be used to differentiate species by molecular data? Do different methods and different markers provide conflicting results?
- Characteristics of reference databases. Emphasis on BOLD and UNITE as barcode reference depositories. How to retrieve and analyze data and how to use the available tools in these databases. Creating and retrieving datasets for analysis with other software (e.g., MEGA, PTP, ABGD, GMYC).
- What are the major uses of DNA barcode data in biodiversity science and management? Phylogenetics, phylogeography, taxonomy, biomonitoring.
- Opportunities and challenges with DNA barcoding of plants.
- Quality assurance and quality control of barcode reference libraries. Which possibilities exist, and how can you deal with errors?
- How to use DNA barcodes in integrative taxonomy? What is it, what are the benefits? Is it ok to describe new species on DNA sequence data alone?
- Challenges for international genetic projects in the light of international agreements on access and benefit sharing of genetic resources (e.g., the Nagoya Protocol).
- The future of DNA barcoding in biodiversity research, including possibilities with advanced sequencing technologies.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, participants will:
- have the theoretical and practical background needed to understand, perform, and critically evaluate the use of DNA barcodes and DNA barcoding in biodiversity research
- understand both the possibilities and limitations of the method
- have hands-on experience in handling biodiversity data available through open-access databases
Target group
PhD students, Master’s students, postdocs, researchers, consultants and government officials with a relevant background in biology.
Language
English
Credits
The course is equivalent to 3 ECTS.
Assessment
Preparatory reading prior to the course is required, and an oral exam will be held online approximately two weeks after the course ends. BIOCORE will provide certificates with ECTS for those who successfully pass the exam, or confirmation of participation to those who choose not to take the exam.
Teachers
- Torbjørn Ekrem - Professor, NTNU University Museum, Trondheim, Norway
- Rakel Blaalid - Associate Professor, Nord University, Steinkjer, Norway
- Filipe Costa - Associate Professor, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Emily Hartop - Associate Professor, NTNU University Museum, Trondheim, Norway
- Pete Hollingsworth - Professor, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, UK
Admission and application
Number of participants
Maximum 20 participants:
- 7 from Norway
- 5 from Brazil
- 3 from South Africa
- 5 open places (any country)
Eligibility and prerequisites
Basic knowledge in biodiversity science and at least a bachelor’s degree in biology are required. Some experience with molecular data and the use of molecular systematics software is an advantage. Participants are expected to read a selection of scientific review papers in advance and familiarize themselves with the BOLD and UNITE databases.
- Brazil and South Africa: Only PhD and master-level students associated with MARLIN project partners (UFRJ, USP, UFPR, SU, SANBI) are eligible for course registration.
- Norway: Students and non-student participants from any university/research institute can apply, but priority and financial support will be given to PhD and master students from UiB, NTNU, and UiT.
The course offers several places that do not include financial support and applicants of all nationalities and academic levels are welcome to apply.
How to apply
Applications are now closed.
We encourage all course applicants to become Associate Members of BIOCORE to receive updates and information about future events.
Not a member yet? Become a BIOCORE member here.
Selection process
If there are more applicants within each quota than places, participants will be selected based on their scientific, educational, and/or professional merit, motivation, and the relevance of the course for their career development. MARLIN is committed to providing equal opportunities for all participants, independent of their ethnic and socio-economic status.
Results of the selection process will be announced by email shortly after the application deadline.
Financial support
There is no course fee. Course participants enrolled in a Master’s or PhD programme and affiliated with one of the MARLIN project partners (UiB, NTNU, UiT, UFRJ, USP, UFPR, SU, SANBI) are eligible for financial support, including travel, visa costs, insurance (for students outside Norway), accommodation and meals. All other participants must cover and organise their own trip to and stay in Trondheim.
Contact
- Course and local logistics: Elisabeth Stur (BIOCORE)
- Financial support (MARLIN project): Nataliya Budaeva or Luis Martell (MARLIN