Over the course of four days, participants delve into the fundamentals of Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) MinION sequencing. Beginning with an optional wet lab protocols workshop, the course progresses through a theoretical introduction to ONT technology. Practical sessions cover specimen extraction, PCR, bead cleanup, adapter ligation, library preparation, flowcell loading, and culminate in a MinION run. Laboratory work will be a combination of demonstration and hands-on activities. The course culminates in a workshop on data handling using ONTbarcoder with class data.
- 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.
Provided skills:
Students will receive theoretical and practical background to conduct barcoding with the ONT MinION.
They will understand both the possibilities and the limitations of the method and receive hands-on experience in both the lab and in data handling.
Required skills:
Basic knowledge in biodiversity science with at least a bachelor’s degree in biology. Previous molecular experience is not required, but students without this background are advised to attend the optional introductory session on wet lab protocols. Students are expected to read a selection of scientific papers in advance.
Teachers:
Torbjørn Ekrem - Professor, NTNU University Museum, Trondheim, Norway
Emily Hartop - Associate professor, NTNU University Museum, Trondheim, Norway
Dan Hall - Curatorial Assistant, NHM, London, UK
Amrita Srivathsan - Research Scientist, Center for Integrative Biodiversity Discovery, Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, Germany
Maximum number of participants:
15 students, in case of more applicants, participants will be selected based on the scientific, educational and/or professional merit, motivation and usefulness of the course for the applicants, with priority given ForBio members. Results of the selection process will be announced via e-mail shortly after the application deadline.
Target group: PhD students, master students, postdocs, researchers, consultants, government officials with relevant background in biology.
Working language: English
Assignment and credits: ForBio will provide certificates confirming participation.
Registration: Please fill in the online application form here. There is no course fee for ForBio members or associates.The course participants have to cover their own travel to and stay in Trondheim.
Find out about how to become a ForBio member/associate here.
Application deadline: May 26, 2024
Course Content Contact: Emily Hartop
Contact: Elisabeth Stur, ForBio, for more information.