About the course
DNA metabarcoding is a rapid method of biodiversity assessment utilising environmental DNA (DNA obtained from sediments, soils, water, etc.) and combines two technologies: DNA-based species identification and high-throughput DNA sequencing. While working on bioinformatic analyses using Obitools and R/RStudio, we will also run demonstrations of field sampling, wet-lab design and data processing for nanopore sequencing technology.
The course includes lectures on the theoretical background and applications of DNA metabarcoding, including more subject-specific topics such as sedimentary DNA, diet analyses and paleoDNA studies, as well as hands-on computer-lab sessions on data processing and bioinformatic analyses of DNA metabarcoding data. At the end of the teaching programme, we organise round-table Q&A sessions for more in-depth discussions of methodological and analytical aspects.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, the students will be able to:
- Improve their analytical skills in using molecular tools and multivariate data analyses for biodiversity assessment, animal diet assessment and reconstruction of palaeocommunities.
- Explain the principles of molecular identification of taxa from environmental DNA samples, including experimental set-up for DNA metabarcoding: field sampling, primer design, wet-lab efficiency and bioinformatics principles.
- Perform basic analyses of raw sequence data in a UNIX environment, including read merging, filtering, demultiplexing and taxonomic assignment.
- Apply the Obitools package and R/RStudio for processing data produced with Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing platforms.
Language
English
Credits
This course is equivalent to 3 ECTS.
Assessment
A written course report on a provided case study with pass/fail grading.
BIOCORE will provide certificates with ECTS information for participants who successfully pass the exam, and confirmations of participation for those who choose not to take the exam.
Teachers
- Eric Coissac, LECA, Grenoble
- Fredéric Boyer, LECA, Grenoble
- Pierre Taberlet, LECA, Grenoble (to be confirmed)
- Inger G. Alsos, The Arctic University Museum of Norway, UiT
- Youri Lammers, The Arctic University Museum of Norway, UiT
- Dilli Rijal, The Arctic University Museum of Norway, UiT
- Galina Gusarova, The Arctic University Museum of Norway, UiT
Admission and application
Number of students
Maximum 20 students (7 students from Norway, 5 students from Brazil, 3 students from South Africa, 5 open places).
Eligibility and prerequisites
- Brazil and South Africa: Only PhD and Master’s 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.
The course has several seats with no financial support open for applicants from all countries and academic levels.
How to apply
The application round is 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 scientific, educational and/or professional merit, motivation and the relevance of the course for their career development. Priority and financial support will be given to PhD and Master’s students from UiB, NTNU and UiT.
MARLIN is committed to providing equal opportunities for all students, independently of their ethnic and socio-economic status.
Financial support
There is no course fee. Course participants enrolled in a Master’s or a PhD study 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 Tromsø.
Contact
- Galina Gusarova (BIOCORE) – for more information about the course and local logistics
- Nataliya Budaeva and/or Luis Martell (MARLIN) – regarding financial support through the MARLIN project.