AE9172 Applied DNA metabarcoding: Concepts, data processing and interpretation

    • Course code
      AE9172
    • Number of credits
      3
    • Teaching semester
      2026 Spring
    • Language of instruction and examination
      English
    • Campus
      Other
Course 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. 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.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Students 

  • will acquire conceptual knowledge about eDNA and DNA metabarcoding.
  • will be able to identify the most suitable protocols depending on the study case – analysis of animal diets and trophic interactions, species identification and detection for biodiversity surveillance, etc.
  • will be able to understand DNA metabarcoding method’s complexity and identify the limits of data interpretation.
Skills

Students  

  • will be able to plan and apply the appropriate study design and procedures with DNA metabarcoding.
  • will be able to critically identify and discuss eDNA and DNA metabarcoding methodological advantages and limitations, including costs and feasibility.
  • will be able to understand all the data processing steps using the UNIX and R environments, and apply the analysis to their own datasets.
General competence

Students  

  • can consult and critically use the relevant academic, professional, and research documents that report on eDNA and DNA metabarcoding techniques.
  • can find and use the tools relevant for their research problems and types of data.
  • can apply bioinformatic methods for sequence processing, data visualisation and statistical analysis.
Working and teaching methods

Learning methods:

  • Lectures, case-studies, oral presentations, field and laboratory demonstrations, and self-study.
  • The course has a total workload of approximately 90 hours, including 35 hours of lectures and demonstrations, 30 hours reading syllabus and 25 hours for the course work and self-tuition requirement (preparation for lectures).

Teaching methods:

  • Comprehensive lectures are given to provide an overview of the main topics in the course.  
  • Interactive lectures/demonstrations are given to provide hands-on practice with metabarcoding data analysis (from sequences to biodiversity indices).
  •  
  • Problem-based group work and discussions with on-site scientists. The cases and challenges will be chosen according to the students own current challenges.
Compulsory activities

Completion of all assignments (written report) and active participation during the course.

Examination
Form of assessmentGrading scaleGroupingDuration of assessmentSupport materialsProportionComments
Home examination
Passed - not passed
Individual
Faculty
Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology
Department
Department of Biotechnology
Area of study
Matematisk-naturvitenskapelige fag/informatikk
Programme of study
PhD in Applied Ecology and biotechnology
Course level
Doctoral degree level (900-FU)