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Integrating molecules with taxonomy and systematics: an introductory molecular phylogenetics course for species identification
and evolutionary analysis
The Natural History Museum, London and BBSRC are offering a one-week introductory course “Integrating molecules with taxonomy and systematics: an introductory molecular phylogenetics course for species identification and evolutionary analysis”, to run from 8-12th May 2017. The course will be taught by NHM scientists and will benefit anyone wishing to gain expertise in molecular diagnostics and phylogenetic analysis for systematic, taxonomic and ecological studies. Note that this course assumes no prior experience with DNA sequence analyses and is an introductory course. As such, it is not appropriate for more advanced students.
Summary: This one-week introductory-level course will teach participants the steps involved to produce molecular phylogenies from raw Sanger and next-generation sequence data (i.e. Illumina paired-end). A phylogeny is essential for defining species boundaries, species identifications, recognition of cryptic species, testing systematic hypotheses, identifying evolutionary and biogeographic patterns and understanding the evolution of traits. As such, knowing how to produce a robust tree is an indispensible tool for modern taxonomists, systematists and evolutionary biologists. By the time the participants have completed the course, they will have had theoretical and practical experience enabling them to i) edit raw Sanger and NGS sequence data, ii) carry out multiple sequence alignments, iii) choose appropriate models of sequence evolution, iv) carry out phylogenetic analyses (including Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood), v) interpret tree topology and nodal support, vi) produce publication ready trees, vii) work with public sequence repositories, vii) assemble and annotate next generation sequence data, and viii) recognise cryptic species.
Venue and duration: The Natural History Museum, London. The course will run for one week, 9.30am-6.00pm, 8-12th May 2017.
Eligibility and how to apply: The course is available to anyone but please note that priority will be given to applicants supported by BBSRC, working on a BBSRC grant or based at a BBSRC institute. There are a maximum of 12 places available. The course is sponsored by BBSRC and the NHM and we are charging only a nominal fee of £300, which includes all course costs as well as accommodation in London (if necessary) and some travel costs within the UK. Lunch and light refreshments will be provided each day. To apply please use the application form provided and return by the closing date: 31 March 2017. Applications will be accepted up to the deadline and places will be decided based on merit and suitability.
Email applications to: [email protected] (Note that this is an automated email account – do not send queries. Your application will receive a bounce back message so you know it has arrived safely). Application forms can be found here http://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/courses-and-students/integrating-molecules-with-taxonomy-and-systematics.html
Course outcomes: Participants receive theoretical and practical training on how to: Edit raw Sanger sequence data for phylogenetic analysis Work with public sequence repositories (BLAST, uploading data) Perform Bayesian/maximum likelihood analyses using appropriate models Interpret tree topologies and nodal support Produce publication-ready trees Assemble and annotate NGS data Participants will also Learn about different methods for phylogenetic analysis Understand some problems associated with species delimitation Recognise the potential of next generation sequencing Recognise the pros and cons of different markers for systematics and barcoding
Course Tutors: The course will be run entirely by NHM scientists from the Life Sciences Department that regularly use molecular tools to address a broad range of taxonomic, systematic, evolutionary, developmental and biogeographic questions.
Dr David Bass: Researching protists and microbes developing an emphasis on organismal interactions, parasitic protists and the ecology of disease risk.Dr Andrew Briscoe: Molecular biologist studying metazoan phylogenetics and mitogenomics and genome evolution focusing on parasitic organisms and their vectors.Dr Ronald Jenner: Head of Invertebrates Division, researching comparative venomics of invertebrates, and conceptual issues in systematics.Dr Peter Olson: Researcher in developmental, genomic and evolutionary biology of flatworms interested in host affinities, evolution of parasitism, and Neglected Tropical Diseases.Dr Diana Percy: Molecular systematist studying insects, interested in insect-plant interactions, large-scale phylogenetic analyses and analyses of temporal & spatial components in shifting environments. Dr Ana Riesgo: Researcher studying invertebrate biology and evolution including morphological patterns, genomic evolution and population genetics in sponges, annelids and other organisms.Dr Andrea Waeschenbach: Molecular systematist studying metazoan phylogenetics with a focus on Platyhelminthes and Bryozoa.Dr Bonnie Webster: Biomedical researcher with a specific expertise in molecular parasitology, interested in evolution, taxonomy, biodiversity, epidemiology and host-parasite interactions. Dr Suzanne Williams: Researcher interested in biogeography of tropical oceans, and evolution of marine invertebrates, in particular molluscs.
Further Information: For further information about course content please contact Dr Suzanne Williams ([email protected]). For administrative questions (e.g. travel, accommodation) please contact Zane Suikovska ([email protected]).
APPLICATION FORMApplicant’s detailsTitleNameEmail address
Academic background
Research interests and experience, including any experience in DNA analyses
Reasons for wanting to attend this course and what you hope to gain (max 200 words)Please indicate (1-5) your experience in these areas(1 – very experienced, 5 – no experience)
__ Editing Sanger sequences__ Alignment of sequences__ Model testing__ Phylogenetic analyses – Bayesian__ Phylogenetic analyses – maximum likelihood__ Species delimitation__ Genome assembly__ Uploading sequences to GenBank/EMBL__ Using BLAST__ Evaluating NGS data__ Producing publication-quality phylogenetic trees__ Molecular diagnostics (e.g. DNA barcoding)
Please mark one option AND explain your choice briefly below (max 200 words)
This molecular course is:__Essential for my PhD/project__Desirable for my PhD/project__Desirable for future opportunities__Other (please explain)
Current positionName of InstitutionTitle of PhD
Institution Address (indicate if BBSRC institute)
TelephonePlease indicate if BBSRC funded (and give percentage) and explain type of supportIf current BBSRC student/postdoctoral researcher please indicate start date and title of projectIf recently finished BBSRC student please indicate month and year of PhD award, title of PhD, grant number and awarding institutionPlease indicate any special requirements, including dietary, to enable you to attend this course
How did you hear about the course?Does your
Supervisor/grant holder/manager detailsTitleNameJob Title
Name and address of Institution
Work phoneEmail addressPlease confirm if the applicant is at least 50% funded by BBSRCSupervisor/grant holder, manager signature and dateReturn application to: [email protected](Note that this is an automated email account – do not send queries. Your application will receive a bounce back message so you know it has arrived safely)
Closing date for submission is midnight 31st March 2016
For further information or queries about course content please contact Dr Suzanne Williams ([email protected]). For administrative questions (e.g. travel, accommodation) please contact Zane Suikovska ([email protected]).