Course overview
ONTOLOGY is a new platform for distributed DNA barcoding and metabarcoding—is integrates freeze-dried ‘just-add-water’ PCR plates that complete indexing and amplification in one step, and software that recognizes the indexing scheme to automate demultiplexing and bioinformatics. This course provides training so that participants can effectively use ONTOLOGY for their research, covering topics in the molecular lab and using the software. Launching officially in September 2026, ONTOLOGY is developed by the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics (CBG). The course will be co-led by NHMUK and CBG and hosted at NHMUK. Learn more at www.ontology.bio
Learning outcomes
The course participants will become comfortable with the entire sample-to-answer ONTOLOGY workflow. Key skills gained:
- Hot Shot DNA Extraction
- PCR with ONTOLOGY plates
- Nanopore sequencer library preparation
- Analysis of sequence data with ONTOLOGY software
- Submission of records to BOLD from ONTOLOGY
Programme
Day 1 — Basic molecular work using ONTOLOGY plates
- Conceptual lectures about methods and what exactly the ONTOLOGY plates are doing
- Demonstrations & some exercises
- Basic topics include: DNA extraction, PCR, library preparation & sequencing
Day 2 — Advanced molecular work and Introduction to computational work using ONTOLOGY software
- Conceptual overview of ONTOLOGY software, installation and basic use. Analysis of data generated yesterday in class.
- Conceptual overview of bioinformatic
- Advanced molecular topics include: Flow cell wash, adding native barcodes to combine ONTOLOGY kits, cost and time-saving alternatives to bead cleanup and DNA quantification
- End of day survey will identify topics the students wish to cover in more depth on final day
Day 3 — Advanced analysis topics in data analysis, and other topics from Day 2
- Advanced computational topics include: Command-line tools (BIP and MAP), Custom ONTOLOGY runs, efficient BOLD upload via ONTOLOGY, analysis of ONTOLOGY output
- Students practice molecular ‘pain points’: bead cleanup and flow cell loading.
- Conclude course by collecting feedback on course and suggestions for future development of ONTOLOGY
Target group / Audience
Participants must intend to generate DNA barcoding and/or metabarcoding data as a part of their research. Participants should have some experience with basic molecular biology skills—specifically pipetting—and be familiar with conceptual topics relating to DNA barcoding. Experience with DNA sequencing using nanopore sequencers is not required. Previous experience generating DNA barcode records on BOLD is also an asset. Basic experience with the analysis of biological data is beneficial but not required.
About the instructors
Dr. Ken A Thompson—Project Manager, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics (University of Guelph); Dr. Jordan Beasley—Postdoctoral Research Assistant, Natural History Museum UK; Dr. Ben Price—Senior Curator in Charge, small orders, Natural History Museum UK
Admission and applications
Number of participants, eligibility and prerequisites
Maximum of ten participants. The course is targeted towards researchers at any career stage that would benefit from training to generate and analyze DNA barcoding and/or metabarcoding data. In case of more applicants, preference will be given to researchers undertaking single-specimen barcoding work who intend to contribute their data to BOLD. We will also evaluate applicants based on motivation and usefulness of the course for the applicants, with priority given and based on demonstrated commitment to generating DNA barcode records. Results of the selection process will be announced via e-mail shortly after the application deadline.
Application deadline
17 August 2026. Apply now.
Financial support/co-funding
Course participants are responsible for all costs and logistics associated with travel and accommodation.
Contact
Ken A. Thompson (ken.thompson@uoguelph.ca) regarding the course content and practical information about preparing for the course.
Alyssa Paul (alyssa.paul@nhm.ac.uk) regarding practical information on site at the Natural History Museum, UK.
Other practical information
- Language: English
- Credits: None
- Assessment: None
- Course fee: None
Responsible Institution
Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, University of Guelph
