THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE WATER: Tracking Down Biodiversity in Aquatic Landscapes using Environmental DNA
Event
This course provides the basic concepts and techniques involved in water environmental DNA (eDNA) tools for assessing biodiversity in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. eDNA analysis is an innovative and non-invasive approach for studying elusive and endangered species, assessing biodiversity and monitoring ecosystem health.
PROGRAM
CALENDAR
June 02nd, 2025
BIOPOLIS-CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal (Face-to-face) (NEW DATES)
This course provides the basic concepts and techniques involved in water environmental DNA (eDNA) tools for assessing biodiversity in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. eDNA analysis is an innovative and non-invasive approach for studying elusive and endangered species, assessing biodiversity and monitoring ecosystem health.
Considering the wide range of possible applications for water eDNA, coupled with the vast diversity of sampling, laboratory work, bioinformatics, and analytical approaches, it can be intimidating to initiate an eDNA-based project. Therefore, in this course, we provide participants with the basic knowledge necessary to design, implement, and analyse biodiversity information using different molecular assays.
This course intends to provide a comprehensive understanding of this groundbreaking tool and its applications in ecology and conservation.
Students should use their personal laptops for the course, particularly from the 3rd day onwards. Students will be required to have specific software installed on their laptops and the respective instructions will be sent by e-mail one week prior to the course. For the practical session on the 4th day, students are advised to bring comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities. This activity is subject to the weather conditions.
It is recommended that students have previous knowledge of DNA metabarcoding techniques (from library preparation to bioinformatic analysis) as these topics will be superficially covered in this course.
Day 01 | June 02, 2025
Course Introduction & Lectures on water eDNA applications
Lectures on Sampling Design
Lectures on Sampling Design
Day 02 | June 03, 2025
Lectures on Molecular Methods for water eDNA
Day 03 | June 04, 2025
Lectures on Data Analysis and Presentation
Hands-on class: Data Analysis and Presentation
Hands-on class: Data Analysis and Presentation
Day 04 | June 05, 2025
Hands-on class: water eDNA sampling
Group Activity: Designing an eDNA project
Group Activity: Designing an eDNA project
Day 05 | June 06, 2025
Group Activity: Presentations
CALENDAR
5 days - 27h (Friday only in the morning) - Schedule: 09:30 - 12:30 & 14:00 - 17:00
COURSE INSTRUCTORS
Filipa MS Martins (Coordinator) | BIOPOLIS/CIBIO - APPLECOL
SELECTION CRITERIA
The course will be open to a maximum number of 15 participants.
75% of available student slots are reserved for BIODIV students.
Priority will be given to:
• 1st year and other PhD students attending the BIODIV Doctoral Program;
• PhD students attending other courses;
• Other post-graduate students and researchers.
(A minimum number of participants is required for the course to take place)
APPLICATION
New application deadline: 21 April 2025
To apply fill the FORM
A copy of the form will be sent to the email address you provide as proof that you have successfully submitted your application. Results will be emailed to you within 8 working days of the application deadline.
REGISTRATION
95€ (students) | 200€ (other participants).
BIOPOLIS/ CIBIO members will have an additional discount of 20%. Participation is free of charge for BIODIV Students MBGE 1st year Students & CIBIO's TwinLabs
(If applicable, payment will be made to Associação BIOPOLIS - VAT No. 516033727. Information on the payment amount and the payment deadline will be sent together with the results notification, and a proforma invoice may be issued in due time).
MORE INFORMATION
Registration fees do not include accommodation or meals.
No ECTS credits are awarded for attending the course. Participants receive a certificate of attendance without quantitative evaluation.