About this course
Over four days, participants will delve into the fundamentals of Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) MinION sequencing. Beginning with an optional workshop on wet lab protocols, the course progresses through a theoretical introduction to ONT technology. Practical sessions cover specimen extraction, PCR, bead clean-up, adapter ligation, library preparation, and flowcell loading, and culminate in a MinION run. Laboratory work will be a combination of demonstrations and hands-on activities. The course culminates in a workshop on data handling using ONTbarcoder with class data..
Course components
- Foundational Knowledge (optional session): Participants gain an understanding of basic wet lab protocols
- Theory: Principles behind ONT sequencing, including primer design for ONT and the technology’s significance, advantages, and limitations
- Hands-on Techniques: Practical sessions cover a range of techniques, including extraction, PCR setup, bead cleanup, adapter ligation, library preparation, and flowcell loading, providing participants with essential laboratory skills.
- Data Retrieval and Analysis: Participants learn to retrieve data and utilise tools such as ONTbarcoder and Sequence ID for data handling, enhancing their ability to analyse sequencing results effectively.
- Collaborative Learning: The course fosters collaboration through introductions, discussions, and a workshop where participants engage with class data, encouraging knowledge sharing and peer learning.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will:
- Have the theoretical and practical background needed to conduct barcoding with the ONT MinION.
- Understand both the possibilities and limitations of ONT-based barcoding.
- Have hands-on experience with key laboratory steps, including extraction, PCR, library preparation and flowcell loading.
Target group / Audience
PhD students, master students, postdocs, researchers, consultants, government officials with relevant background in biology.
Language
English
Assessment
There is no formal assessment of this course. BIOCORE will provide certificates of participation.
Teachers
- Torbjørn Ekrem, Professor, NTNU University Museum, Trondheim, Norway
- Emily Hartop, Associate professor, NTNU University Museum, Trondheim, Norway
- Stefaniya Kamenova, Researcher, National Museum of Natural History, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
- Tomasz Mamos, Associate Professor, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
Admission and application
Number of participants
15 participants
Eligibility and prerequisites
Participants should have basic knowledge of biodiversity science and at least a bachelor’s degree in biology. Previous molecular experience is not required, but participants without this background are advised to attend the optional introductory session on wet lab protocols. Participants are expected to read a selection of scientific papers in advance.
Selection process
If there are more applicants than places, participants will be selected based on their scientific, educational and/or professional merit, motivation, and the usefulness of the course for the applicants, with priority given to BIOCORE members. The results of the selection process will be announced via e-mail shortly after the application deadline.
How to apply
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.
Application deadline: PLEASE, NOTICE THAT THE COURSE IS ALREADY FULLY BOOKED
Course fee
There is no course fee for BIOCORE members or associates. The course participants have to cover their own travel to and stay in Trondheim.
Contact
For questions about the course content, contact: Emily Hartop. Contact Elisabeth Stur for more information.