Information about the course
Objectives
Our aim is to build local capacity and reinforce international cooperation around the use of state-of-the-art environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques for biodiversity research and monitoring. The course will provide beginners-level training on eDNA & DNA metabarcoding methods use, “fit-for-purpose” critical assessment and data analysis and interpretation. The course will contribute to reinforce state-of-the-art molecular ecology as a discipline at the University of Inland Norway, relevant for all ALB’s departments and IRSAE network.
Details
- Date: 17–21 November 2025
- Location: Biological Station Drøbak, Norway
- ECTS: 3 (PhD level. Postdocs and Master students may be eligible if spaces are available)
- Language: English
- Cost: Includes course, food and accommodation free of charge; travel costs are covered by participants.
- Host institution: International Research School in Applied Ecology – IRSAE / University of Inland Norway
- Language: English.
Lecturers
- Éric Coissac (LECA, University Grenoble Alpes, France)
- Pierre Taberlet (LECA, University Grenoble Alpes, France)
- Helena Wirta (University of Umeå, Sweden).
- Eeva Soininen (The Arctic University of Norway, Norway)
- Christina Lynggaard (University of Copenhagen, Denmark)
- Dag Endresen(Natural History Museum and GBIF).
- Ella Thoen (University of Oslo, Norway).
- Quentin Mauvisseau (Natural History Museum, Oslo, Norway)
- Stefaniya Kamenova (University of Oslo, Norway)
- Magne Neby (University of Inland Norway, Norway)
Content
The lectures will cover most aspects of eDNA DNA metabarcoding, applied for the study and monitoring of species distributions, diversity and interactions. Students will be introduced to the concepts and principles of eDNA and DNA metabarcoding. We will present the set of best practices required for the successful implementation and interpretation of eDNA data – from sampling to laboratory protocols to sequence data analysis and ecological conclusions. At the end of the course, students should be able to understand method’s strength and limitations, and also be capable of critically assessing and designing their own case study protocols, including bioinformatic processing and data management.
A large part of the course will be hands-on with your own computer, analysing data sequences from A to Z using UNIX, R, ObiTools, etc.
Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to discuss their own projects, protocols or data with the lecturers. This will be further facilitated by the joint social events planned during the evenings.
ECTS
Students opting for ECTS will need to hand in a script explaining each step in a real bioinformatic process given during the course. The submission will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis. Successful course participation and a passing grade on the submission will award 3 ECTS credits at the PhD level.
Cost
Includes course, food and accommodation free of charge; travel costs are covered by the participants. To learn how to become an IRSAE member, please check the IRSAE webpage here.
Requirements
You must bring your own (fully functioning) laptop to the course. Preferably, you will have installed a way to access the Unix terminal interface before arriving, please seek help from your IT department if necessary. On Windows you could e.g., use CygWin, Powershell, Xming.
Some competence with programming (e.g., R) will be beneficial, but participants do not need former qualifications in molecular biology, bioinformatics, or programming to participate.
Participants: The maximum number of participants is 20.
Application and registration
Please submit your application by 31st of August 2025.
PhD students using DNA metabarcoding methods as part of their research projects will be given priority. Applications from Postdocs and Master students will be considered if spaces are available.
Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your skills and network with international experts in molecular ecology!