Genetic Sequencing and Testing Training Course

This practical workshop introduces the fundamentals of bioinformatics. It targets individuals with a basic biological background and knowledge of molecular biology who want to learn how to process and work with biological data using computational tools. It has been specifically designed for:

• Researchers working in experimental laboratories on biological macromolecules: proteins, RNA, and DNA
• Scientists whose primary expertise is not biology but who must handle biological data
• Managers introducing new products (e.g., drugs) who wish to expand their knowledge of contemporary bioinformatics
• Computer programmers developing programs for biological molecules

The course is divided into theoretical and practical components. Lectures are interwoven with simple practical exercises, quizzes, and concept checks to ensure comprehension. During the training, participants will follow a guided tour covering all foundational aspects of biological data analysis. This workshop serves as an ideal entry point into bioinformatics, equipping learners to tackle basic bioinformatics problems: identifying authoritative data sources, extracting relevant information, understanding core algorithms, and confidently using bioinformatics tools.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to work with biological data using bioinformatics tools.

Microbial genomics and metagenomics integrate sequencing technologies with computational analysis to profile microbial communities, characterize genomes, and identify functional traits such as antimicrobial resistance.

This instructor-led live training (available online or onsite) is designed for beginner to intermediate researchers and bioinformaticians who wish to perform hands-on analysis of microbial genomics and metagenomic sequencing data.

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Describe common sequencing workflows and key file formats used in microbial genomics.
• Perform quality control and preprocessing of raw NGS reads.
• Conduct taxonomic profiling using marker-based and k-mer approaches.
• Assemble and annotate microbial genomes and plasmids.
• Detect SNPs, build phylogenies, and interpret population structure.
• Predict antimicrobial resistance genes and summarize functional profiles.
• Use reproducible workflows with Conda, Docker, and notebook-based reports.

Course Format

• Lectures introducing concepts and tools (20%).
• Hands-on practical sessions using example datasets (60%).
• Open discussions and guided analysis so participants can apply methods to their data (20%).

Customization Options

• To request a customized workshop focusing on clinical, environmental, or industrial metagenomics, please contact us to arrange.

This instructor-led, live training in Portugal (online or onsite) is aimed at scientists and anyone interested to learn about the basics of Nanoscience and its applications.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the field of nanosciences and nanotechnologies.
• Differentiate those in the nano range from those in the micro range.
• Know the fundamental theory of electron and energy transfer.

This practical course demonstrates why programming is a potent tool for addressing biological challenges. Participants will be introduced to Python, a language renowned for its power and ease of use. This training serves as a demonstration of how bioinformatics can enhance the lives of biologists.

Designed for individuals without a computer science background who wish to learn programming.

This course is suitable for:

• Researchers working with biological data.
• Scientists aiming to automate routine tasks and analyse data.
• Managers seeking to understand how programming can optimise workflows and project execution.

By the conclusion of the course, participants will be capable of writing short programs to manipulate, analyse, and manage biological data, as well as present results in a graphical format.

This course is designed to equip researchers with a solid grasp of statistical design and analysis principles, highlighting their importance across various scientific disciplines.

The curriculum explores probability and statistical methods, primarily through practical examples. The training structure comprises approximately 30% lectures and 70% guided quizzes and laboratory sessions.

For closed courses, we can customise examples and materials to suit specific fields such as psychology, the public sector, biology, or genetics.

Public courses utilise a mixed range of examples to cater to diverse audiences.

Although the course employs various software tools ranging from Microsoft Excel to SPSS and Statgraphics, the primary emphasis remains on comprehending the principles and processes that underpin research reasoning and conclusions.

This course is available in a blended format, incorporating homework and assignments to enhance learning.