Microbial Genomics: DNA Sequencing Basics
Microbial Genomics: DNA Sequencing Basics
Microbial genomics is revolutionising clinical and public health responses to communicable diseases. Generating high-quality DNA sequence data is a vital part of this process. This micro-credential is ideal for health professionals seeking a fundamental understanding of the science behind DNA sequencing, best-practice approaches to generating sequence data and how it…
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
Microbial genomics is revolutionising clinical and public health responses to communicable diseases. Generating high-quality DNA sequence data is a vital part of this process. This micro-credential is ideal for health professionals seeking a fundamental understanding of the science behind DNA sequencing, best-practice approaches to generating sequence data and how it can help address the public health challenges of our times. This course is co-designed and delivered in partnership with the Doherty Institute. Explore the fundamental science of DNA sequencing: Grasp the theory underpinning DNA sequencing and different sequencing approaches (including whole-genome, amplicon, and metagenomics). Review the pros and cons of sequencing when applied to different scenarios. Discover best-practice DNA sequencing approaches: Understand common DNA extraction, library preparation and sequencing methods. Explore how to mix-and-match methods to create laboratory workflows and hear from experts on their experiences with the implementation and accreditation of next-generation sequencing. Understand quality control approaches: Investigate different quality control parameters that should be considered when undertaking DNA sequencing and reviewing data outputs. Gain practical experience in assessing data quality, using various approaches including the online genomics platform Galaxy. Analyse pathogen genomic DNA sequence data: Drawing on your new knowledge, you’ll independently examine sequence datasets, evaluating the quality of the data and suitability of the methods used to generate the data for the described scenarios.
Skills and learning outcomes: By the end of this course, you’ll be able to: Examine the theory of DNA sequencing and evaluate application of different sequencing approaches, assessing the pros and cons of each when applied to different scenarios in public health and clinical microbiology. Summarise common DNA extraction and library preparation methods and design genomic sequencing workflows for diverse samples and scenarios. Describe the theory and bioinformatic processes behind quality control of genomic sequence data from different pathogens and establish practical competency in implementing quality control of these datasets.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Established in 1853, the University of Melbourne enjoys an outstanding reputation with world rankings, consistently being placed as Australia’s leading comprehensive research-intensive university, and is one of the world’s top 50 (as per Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2015 – 2016 and Academic Ranking of World Universities 2015). There are over 80 different undergraduate study areas and over 270 graduate courses at Melbourne for students to choose from. The University has extensive global networks and has seven campus locations across Melbourne and rural Victoria.
