About this Microcredential
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is transforming how scientists study and monitor the natural world. By detecting genetic material left behind by organisms in water, soil, air and other environmental samples, eDNA can reveal biodiversity at a remarkable scale – including rare, elusive and invasive species that may be difficult to detect using traditional survey methods. Ethical, scalable and cost-effective, eDNA approaches are increasingly used in conservation, biomonitoring, fisheries management, pathogen surveillance and ecological research.
The Environmental DNA microcredential will give you the knowledge and practical experience to understand and apply eDNA metabarcoding in real-world settings. You’ll learn from eDNA pioneers and experienced practitioners, and combine theoretical learning with hands-on activities and tutorials. You’ll also have opportunities to discuss your own projects, interests and challenges, connect with researchers and industry professionals, and develop the expertise to determine how eDNA approaches can best meet your needs.
Key features
Design rigorous eDNA studies
Build skills in experimental design, sampling strategies, primer selection and QA/QC for aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Gain hands-on sequencing experience
Prepare and sequence amplified DNA using Oxford Nanopore’s MinION platform, while gaining practical wet-lab experience.
Build practical bioinformatics skills
Process raw sequence data using OBITools and develop transferable skills you can apply confidently across other bioinformatics platforms.
Turn eDNA data into ecological insights
Gain experience analysing and visualising DNA-derived compositional data, and the skills to interpret results in an ecological context.
