This course will demonstrate applying metabarcoding analysis to eDNA for assessing biodiversity.

Sequencing DNA barcodes from mixed sources of DNA is being increasingly used to survey biodiversity, whether analysing dietary content from faecal-derived DNA or monitoring aquatic species from water-derived DNA. This course will give an overview of metabarcoding with different barcoding genes to target particular taxa. Using an example data set we will go from raw sequence data through to assigning taxonomy to the sequence variants and some examples of downstream community analysis.

Sessions will comprise presentations and self-paced computer practicals guided by an online interactive book containing theory and practice code.

This virtual course will be delivered via live-streamed talks on Zoom with support from instructors via Zoom and Slack during the timetabled sessions. Computer practicals will run on a virtual training platform so attendees will not need access to a powerful computer or to install any software. We are willing to make reasonable adjustments to facilitate learning where possible and will provide clear routes to enable anyone that requires this to discuss this with us ahead of the training.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for individuals who have an interest in applying metabarcoding analysis to eDNA for assessing biodiversity, especially if their research aligns with the NERC remit.

What will I learn?

Learning outcomes

After the course you should be able to:

• Describe applications of eDNA metabarcoding for biomonitoring and biodiversity studies 
• Summarise the methodology relating to eDNA metabarcoding from sample design to molecular approaches for data generation, through to analysis of data 
• Apply bioinformatic analysis of high-throughput sequence data to metabarcoding studies 
• List data resources that make data publicly available 
• Describe the process of sharing, finding, and using publicly available data. 

The organisation of this virtual live course will be spearheaded by NEOF, in collaboration with EMBL-EBI Training and UK CEH.

The development of this virtual course was supported by funding from UKRI NERC (UK Research and Innovation Natural Environment Research Council).

Trainers

To apply to attend this course please complete the registration form 17:00 Friday 1st March. You will hear the following week whether you have been invited and will need to confirm your attendance. Please contact neoftraining@sheffield.ac.uk if you have any queries.