EMBO Practical Course: Microbial Metagenomics: A 360º Approach

The course focuses on the highly interdisciplinary topic of metagenomics. During the course, participants will receive an overview of state-of-the-art genomic technologies and bioinformatic tools. A balanced approach of lectures and practical sessions will provide a general background and the latest advancements in the field as well as its relationship with other disciplines. The course will start with training the participants about experimental design and the preparation of their own metagenomic libraries with soil or their (environmental) samples. The metagenomic DNA will be sequenced onsite using third generation sequencing technologies and subsequent data analysis. Thus, the students have a unique opportunity to work on the complete workflow from sample preparation to data analysis. This updated course version will also address cutting-edge single-cell microbial genomics during practical. Bioinformatics analysis is a key part of the course, where students will learn how to process data from raw sequences to the application of algorithms for analysing metagenomic datasets. Trainers will provide short lectures with follow-up hands-on exercises in order to have the participants learning and assessing their knowledge.

Topics: Experimental design, Extraction of metagenomic DNA, Construction of metagenomic libraries, Single cell microbial genomics, 3rd generation sequencing (Nanopore), Bioinformatic analysis of metagenomic data