Training

This course was developed by EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), with input from representatives of Bayer, GSK, Syngenta and Unilever.  EMBL-EBI delivers a programme of training for users of bioinformatics resources across the life sciences, enabling experimental researchers to become much more confident users of data and raising the awareness of publically available data resources and analysis tools.  This course has been created specifically for scientists working in a discovery environment, with tailored delivery methods and focused case studies.

Course delivery

The majority of the course will be delivered online, using a dedicated section of EMBL-EBI’s e-learning portal, Train online.  An initial face to face workshop at the start will give trainees an opportunity to learn basic skills and concepts in bioinformatics, whilst also being provided with more detail on how to best work through the online elements, and network with others who will be studying alongside them.  As the majority of the course will be studied at a distance, support mechanisms will be in place via discussion boards, virtual drop-in sessions and regular webinars throughout the module.

Workflows

Currently available workflows include:

•Bioinformatics principles

The bioinformatics principles workflow introduces Bioinformatics as a science and shows you how easy it is to start using bioinformatics tools and resources without needing a computational background.

•Chemical biology

The chemical biology workflow introduces resources which allow you to determine the "druggability" of a protein target and to explore potential chemical or small molecular interactions.

•Exploring protein targets

This workflow will help you explore the wealth of information available on proteins and their potential as drug targets.

•Transcriptomics

This workflow introduces the field of transcriptomics and discusses the technologies, processes, and challenges involved in running a transcriptomics experiment.

All trainees must complete the "Bioinformatics principles" workflow before moving on to worflows of their choice.  Each workflow has a short final assessment which must be passed to unlock the next workflow and only one workflow can be studied at one time.

At the end of the course, you should be able to:

•Apply concepts in experimental design to the practice of bioinformatics
•Find and access a range of appropriate publically available data resources and tools
•Incorporate the use of appropriate bioinformatics resources into your work
•Know where to gain further information and support

The course starts with a two-day workshop to be held at EMBL-EBI in Hinxton, Cambridge on the 19th and 20th March, 2018. Total nominal study time is 100 hours (approx 12 days), and trainees will have a period of six months to complete the whole module.  There will be wrap-up workshop at EMBL-EBI in Autumn 2018.