Generating DNA sequence barcodes from mixed sources of DNA is an increasingly-used and efficient way to survey biodiversity, whether monitoring aquatic species by sampling water-derived DNA, characterising communities from soil samples, or analysing diet from faecal-derived DNA. This course provides an overview of metabarcoding with different barcoding genes to target particular taxa, and consists of a technical wet lab component and a bioinformatics component. Interested delegates may apply to attend either or both workshops.
During the wet lab component, we will give an overview of experimental design, head outside for a field sampling demonstration and return to the laboratory for a full course on the metabarcoding process. The laboratory techniques will include DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis, magnetic bead cleaning and quantification. Finally, we will outline the different platforms that are typically used for sequencing.
In the bioinformatics component, we will use an example data set to go from raw sequence data through to assigning taxonomy to identified sequence variants. We will then conduct typical downstream analyses to quantify and examine differences in diversity.
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Places are restricted to UK-based researchers and only 30 places are available so please only register if you intend on attending.
This course will take place face-to-face at the University of Sheffield from Monday 22nd to Friday 26th July 2024, approximate timings below (subject to change):
Monday 22/7 1.30-5pm - Wetlab
Tuesday 23/7 9.30-5pm - Wetlab
Wednesday 24/7 9.30-5pm - Wetlab (morning) and Bioinformatics (afternoon)
Thursday 25/7 9.30-5pm - Bioinformatics
Friday 26/7 9.30-1pm - Bioinformatics
Full location will be shared with invited participants. There will also be an opportunity to tour the NEOF Visitor Facility labs and hear about how they can be accessed for your research.
You will need to bring your own laptop, but no special software is required - just a web browser. There will be a cost of £100 for the whole course or £50 for either wetlab or bioinformatics component, payable if you are invited to attend. Lunch on the three full days will be provided, with refreshments on all half days.
The deadline to register is Mon 3rd June. You will hear by Monday 1st July at the latest whether you have been invited and will need to make the payment that week to confirm your attendance.
Register to NEOF mailing list to hear first about future NEOF free bioinformatics courses:
https://neof.org.uk/news/Please check your email address - we will not be able to contact you if it is not valid.
