Call for participants: Training course in data analysis for genomic surveillance of African malaria vectors
2023 course announcement
We are pleased to announce an online training course to be held in 2023, delivered jointly by the Malaria Genomic Epidemiology Network (MalariaGEN) and the Pan-African Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA).
Course objectives
The goal of this course is to introduce some practical techniques for the analysis of genomic data for surveillance of Anopheles mosquitoes. At the end of the course, trainees will be able to:
- Perform a range of analyses on Anopheles genomic data that are relevant to malaria vector surveillance
- Describe key biological concepts underpinning the analyses
- Describe key computing technologies used for the analyses
- Interpret analysis results and discuss implications for malaria vector control policy
Course curriculum
The training course comprises 8 workshops, covering the following topics:
- Workshop 1 - Pyrethroid target-site resistance
- Workshop 2 - Metabolic insecticide resistance and copy number variation
- Workshop 3 - Population structure
- Workshop 4 - Cryptic species
- Workshop 5 - Genetic diversity
- Workshop 6 - Detecting genes under recent positive selection.
- Workshop 7 - Gene flow and the spread of insecticide resistance
- Workshop 8 - Analysis planning and reporting
Trainee profile and requirements
This course is aimed at scientists and public health professionals working in the field of malaria vector surveillance and control and meeting the following requirements.
- This is a hands-on training course. Trainees will require some prior experience of data analysis using scientific programming such as Python, R, Julia, or Stata. The course will be conducted using the Python programming language.
- Data analysis will be performed using cloud computing services which can be accessed via a Web browser. Trainees will require access to a personal computer with a Web browser and stable internet connection.
- The training workshops will be designed to complement each other, building up a series of analytical skills and progressively introducing biological concepts and computing tools throughout the course. Trainees should ideally be able to complete the full course of 8 workshops.
Workshop format
Each training workshop will last approximately 6 hours and will be delivered online via Zoom and Slack. The training will combine lectures and hands-on data analysis practical sessions in roughly equal proportion. Practical sessions will use cloud computing services and analyse real genome variation data on Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. Practical sessions will be conducted in small groups with teaching assistants to provide support and answer questions.
For more information, please contact Paballo Chauke at pc24@sanger.ac.uk
Application Form: MalariaGEN-PAMCA Training course in data analysis for genomic surveillance of African malaria vectors 2023
Application deadline: 12 May 2023