Corse coordinator: Galina Gusarova
Time and place: 09 – 14 February 2026, UiT, Tromsø, Norway
Scope
DNA metabarcoding is a rapid method of biodiversity assessment utilizing environmental DNA (DNA obtained from sediments, soils, water etc) which combines two technologies: DNA based species identification and high-throughput DNA sequencing. While working on bioinformatic analyses using Obitools and R and R-studio, we also run demonstrations of field sampling, wet lab design and data processing for nanopore sequencing technology.
The course includes lectures on theoretical background and applications of DNA metabarcoding, including more subject-specific questions of various applications of DNA metabarcoding such as sedimentary DNA, diet analyses, paleoDNA studies, etc., and hands-on computer lab practical sessions on data processing and bioinformatic analyses of DNA metabarcoding data. At the end of the teaching program we organize round-table Q-A sessions for more in-depth discussions of methodology and data analyses aspects topics.
Learning outcomes
The students will:
- Improve analytical skills to use molecular tools and multivariate data analyses for biodiversity assessment, animal diet assessment and reconstruction of paleo communities
- Learn about molecular identification of taxa from environmental DNA samples. This includes experimental set-up for DNA Metabarcoding: field sampling, primer design, wet lab efficiency and bioinformatics principles
- Acquire skills for analyses of raw sequence data in UNIX environment: read merge, filtering, demultiplexing and taxonomic assignment
- Acquire skills in application of Obitools package and R and R-studio for processing of data produced with Illumina and ONT (Nanopore) sequencing technologies.
Teachers:
- Eric Coissac, LECA, Grenoble
- Fredéric Boyer, LECA, Grenoble
- Pierre Taberlet, LECA, Grenoble (to be confirmed)
- Inger G. Alsos, The Arctic University Museum of Norway, UiT
- Youri Lammers, The Arctic University Museum of Norway, UiT
- Dilli Rijal, The Arctic University Museum of Norway, UiT
- Galina Gusarova, The Arctic University Museum of Norway, UiT
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 has several seats with no financial support open for applicants from all countries and academic levels.
Results of the selection process will be announced via e-mail shortly after the application deadline.
Working language: English
Assignment and credits: This course is equivalent to 3 ECTS Course written report on a provided case-study with “pass”/or “fail” grading. 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:
PhD students in Norway must apply for this course in BOTH ways, other categories please apply with step 1:
UiT students must register through StudentWeb, please note own deadline for the UiT registration.
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 Tromsø.
Application deadline for students from Brazil and South Africa: 13th October 2025
Application deadline otherwise: 15th December 2025
Contact:
Galina Gusarova (ForBio) – for more information about the course and local logistics
Nataliya Budaeva and/or Luis Martell (MARLIN) – regarding financial support through the MARLIN project.