8000002 - Introduction to DNA Barcoding
Course Description
Introduction to DNA Barcoding will provide students with a basic understanding of DNA-based approaches for species identification and discovery. Students will have the opportunity to explore the historical framework for species identification to learn why DNA barcoding represents an advance. The program will then proceed into explorations of barcode workflows and culminate in an overview of applications.
The course units will cover basic knowledge of genetics necessary to understand the method and the choice of particular molecular markers as standards for different taxonomic groups. This will also include a unit on analysis and interpretation of results. Several units will showcase the different applications of DNA Barcoding with a focus on socio-economic issues. Furthermore, the benefits for basic research especially in the fields of taxonomy, ecology, and evolution will be explored.
Designed For
This course would be of interest to researchers, educators, government regulatory staff, graduate students, forensic staff, lab technicians, museum collection staff etc.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, the learner should be able to:
- Describe and comprehend the genetic background of DNA Barcoding, and evaluate potential technical challenges;
- Identify species by performing database queries with common databases and interpretation of results;
- Critically evaluate studies that utilized DNA based taxonomy;
- Develop skills to make informed decisions about molecular marker choice and laboratory needs; and
- Synthesize knowledge and effectively communicate about DNA Barcoding for grant proposals and interaction with policymakers.
Course Topics
Foundations of DNA Barcoding
- The state of biodiversity science
- The taxonomic impediment
- The short history of a discipline
- The importance of standards
- The markers of choice and their specifics
- Specimen preparation and laboratory workflows
- Data repositories (BOLD, INSDC databases)
- Methods for species identification by querying data repositories
- Tree building methods and sequence analysis
- Voucher specimens
- Integrated taxonomy
- Cryptic species
- DNA Barcoding in ecology
- How DNA Barcoding can aid in Conservation biology
- The evolution of a gene
- Do you really know what you eat? DNA Barcoding for food and drug safety
- Detection of agricultural pests and disease vectors
- DNA Barcoding in early-warning systems concerning invasive species
- Species inventories
- DNA Barcoding of indicator species
- Long term monitoring utilizing modern genetics
DNA Barcoding today and tomorrow
- High-throughput sequencing
- Environmental DNA detection
- Miniaturization and mobile devices
Sample Careers
Researchers, educators, government regulatory staff, graduate students, forensic staff, lab technicians, museum collection staff, and related fields will gain practical knowledge and skills in DNA Barcoding and species identification and discovery.
Additional Requirements
Minimum high school leaving certificate or secondary school diploma with biology credits.
Assessment
| Assessment Item | Weight |
|---|---|
| Quizzes (2 x 10%) | 20% |
| Discussions (3 x 10%) | 30% |
| Assignments (5 x 10%) | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
Sponsors
College: College of Biological Sciences
Department: Centre for Biodiversity Genomics
Technical Requirements
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*Course details are subject to change.