Corse coordinator: Elisabeth Stur
Time and place: March 23 (12:00 pm)- March 27 (02:00 pm), 2026, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway

Scope
DNA barcoding has found multiple uses in biodiversity science and management, as well as in authentication and bioinformatics. This five-day intensive course on molecular identification will give a basic introduction to the theory and best practice of DNA barcoding in biodiversity science and management. Various topics will be presented by recognized experts in the field, and students will actively contribute to their own learning through hands-on exercises and seminars. The following topics will be covered:
- Theory. What is DNA barcoding? Which genetic markers are used and why? How does DNA barcoding perform for various taxonomic groups? What are the possibilities and challenges associated with the method? What are the goals of international and national initiatives?
- Species identification and delimitation with DNA. Which methods can be used to differentiate species by molecular data? Do different methods and different markers provide conflicting results?
- Characteristics of reference databases. Emphasis on BOLD and UNITE as barcode reference depositories. How to retrieve and analyze data and how to use the available tools in these databases. Creating and retrieving datasets for analysis with other software (e.g., MEGA, PTP, ABGD, GMYC).
- What are the major uses of DNA barcode data in biodiversity science and management? Phylogenetics, phylogeography, taxonomy, biomonitoring.
- Opportunities and challenges with DNA barcoding of plants.
- Quality assurance and quality control of barcode reference libraries. Which possibilities exist, and how can you deal with errors?
- How to use DNA barcodes in integrative taxonomy? What is it, what are the benefits? Is it ok to describe new species on DNA sequence data alone?
- Challenges for international genetic projects in the light of international agreements on access and benefit sharing of genetic resources (e.g., the Nagoya Protocol).
- The future of DNA barcoding in biodiversity research, including possibilities with advanced sequencing technologies.
Provided skills:
Students will receive theoretical and practical background to understand, perform and critically evaluate the use of DNA barcodes and DNA barcoding in biodiversity research.
They will understand both possibilities and limitations of the method and receive hands-on experience on how to handle biodiversity data available through open access databases.
Required skills:
Basic knowledge in biodiversity science with at least a bachelor’s degree in biology. Some experience with work on molecular data and the use of molecular systematics software is an advantage. Students are expected to read a selection of scientific review papers in advance and familiarize themselves with the BOLD and UNITE databases.
Teachers:
Torbjørn Ekrem– Professor, NTNU University Museum, Trondheim, Norway
Rakel Blaalid – Associate professor, Nord University, Steinkjer, Norway
Filipe Costa – Associate professor, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
Emily Hartop – Associate professor, NTNU University Museum, Trondheim, Norway
Pete Hollingsworth – Professor, The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, UK
Student quota: Maximum 20 students (7 students from Norway, 5 students from Brazil, 3 students from South Africa, 5 open places).
If there are more applicants within each quota than spots, participants will be selected based on the scientific, educational and/or professional merit, motivation and relevance of the course for their career development. MARLIN is committed to providing equal opportunities for all students independently of their ethnic and socio-economic status.
Eligibility
Brazil and South Africa: Only PhD and Master level students associated with MARLIN project partners (UFRJ, USP, UFPR, SU, SANBI) are eligible for course registration.
Norway: Students and non-student participants from any University/Research Institute can apply, but priority and financial support will be given to PhD and Master students from UiB, NTNU and UiT.
The course offers several spots that do not include financial support and applicants of all nationalities and academic levels are welcome to apply.
Results of the selection process will be announced via e-mail shortly after the application deadline.
Working language: English
Assignment and credits: The course is equivalent to 3 ECTS. Preparatory reading prior to the course is required and an oral exam will be held online approximately two weeks after the course ends. ForBio will provide certificates with ECTS for those who successfully pass the exam, or confirmation of participation to those who choose not to take the exam.

Registration: Please fill in the online application form here.
Financial support: There is no course fee. Course participants enrolled in a Master or a PhD study program and affiliated with one of the MARLIN project partners (UiB, NTNU, UiT, UFRJ, USP, UFPR, SU, SANBI) are eligible for financial support, including travel, visa costs, insurance (for student outside Norway), accommodation, meals. All other participants must cover and organize their own trip to and stay in Trondheim.
Application deadline for students from Brazil and South Africa: October 27th, 2025
Application deadline otherwise: January 19th, 2026
Contact:
Elisabeth Stur (ForBio) – for more information about the course and local logistics
Nataliya Budaeva and/or Luis Martell (MARLIN) – regarding financial support through the MARLIN project.