Metagenomics: Concepts, Tools, and Applications

This course equips students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills for metagenomic analysis, from sample collection to data interpretation, using computational tools and pipelines for real-world problems in ecology, medicine, and biotechnology.

Course abbreviation: XXX

Instructor: Dr. Amira Metwaly

Postdoctoral Scientist, Chair of Nutrition and Immunology, Technical University Munich (TUM), Germany. Tutorials: Ms. Mariam Oweda

Workload: 12 lectures, 3 hours each. Total workload: 42 hours: 36 hours of lectures and tutorials and 6 hours of self study.

Entrance requirements: Basic knowledge of biology and computer science.

Used media: PowerPoint presentation

Objectives

• Understand metagenomic sequencing technologies and data types
• Perform metagenomic data processing, assembly, and annotation
• Analyze microbial communities, diversity, functions, and interactions
• Apply metagenomic methods to real-world problems in ecology, medicine, and biotechnology

Competences to be Developed

• R scripting and relevant bioinformatics tools for metagenomic analysis
• Metagenomic sequencing technologies and data types
• Metagenomic data processing, assembly, and annotation
• Microbial community analysis including diversity, function, and interaction studies
• Developing and interpreting research projects and scientific manuscripts

Assessment

• Complete a research project applying metagenomic analysis techniques
• Submit project outcomes as a high-quality manuscript suitable for peer-review submission
• Present, discuss, and scientifically review the project during the final lecture