Workshop Metagenomics

Metagenomics is a relatively new field that studies the presence of microorganisms in a sample, for example in water or soil samples, and interactions between the microorganisms. Genetic material is isolated from the samples and used to determine the presence and to quantify the amount of microorganisms.

Date: 27-28 November 2017

In this workshop, a general background to metagenomics will be provided. The workflow of sample preparation, DNA isolation, selection of sequencing technology, read mapping, annotation and metagenome assembly will be covered. Both 16S and metagenome analyses will be discussed. During the course, attention is paid to taxonomic classification, quantification of microbial communities and species richness (so-called alpha diversity). In addition, functional properties of the microorganisms in the samples are reviewed by adding annotations and via metabolic pathway reconstruction. Finally, pipelines for data analysis and presentation of the data are discussed.

Hands-on data analysis is an important part of the workshop: during practical sessions, you will get to analyse both 16S and metagenome data sets.

Learning objectives:
During this course you will learn:

  • the basic principles and concepts needed to understand the basics of metagenomics research;
  • the basic workflow in a lab conducting of metagenomic studies and assays;
  • how to take samples and isolate DNA for metagenomics analysis and what the common pitfalls are;
  • how to analyze 16S and metagenome data with freely accessible online tools.

Target group:
Laboratory professionals who are involved in metagenomics research but who have limited experience with the relevant techniques or who are outsourcing their metagenomics analysis

Keywords: CBD, 16S rRNA, metagenome, taxonomy, data analysis, NGS, diversity, microorganisms, microbioom, annotation.

Website: https://www.hsleiden.nl/nascholingen/workshop-metagenomics/index-engels.html