Summary

The Pacific Islands Marine Bioinvasion Alert Network (PacMAN: https://pacman.obis.org) project organised a training course which will provide an introduction to sample collection and sorting, including taxonomy and processing for DNA extraction, eDNA and qPCR analyses, as well as a quick guide on the use of the bioinformatics for sequence analysis to in-country (Fiji) managers and technical staff.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course the participants should be able to:

1. Collect samples through the various methods used in PacMAN
2. Understand the benefits and challenges of eDNA sampling and its use in biodiversity monitoring.
3. Understand the processes involved in taxonomy (e.g. gross sorting, routine simplified processing and identification steps to group organisms and record this information appropriately).
4. Know how to conduct DNA extractions on 3 different marine sample types as well as troubleshooting any problems
5. Know how to conduct PCR amplification and understand teh principles of metabarcoding
6. Run qPCR analyses for target organisms using established probes
7. Run a query search on global databases after sequence information is received
8. Entering data and understand the basics of sequence analysis with bioinformatics

Target audience

Target audience should be managers and technical staff working in the field of marine conservation, monitoring and surveillance, curators of marine collections, fisheries resource personnel, researchers in marine sciences including students in academia and mariculture practitioners.

Course content (Topics and activities to be covered)

(~ 36 hours workload, asynchronously)

Module 1: Marine Invasive Species

Module 2: Monitoring plan and protocols, high risk species, eDNA and qPCR

Module 3: Fiji as a case study

Module 4: Protocols for field and laboratory sampling

Module 5:Molecular Laboratory protocols

Module 6: Data management

• Craig Sherman (Deakin University- Lead trainer)
• Dr. Chaminda Dissanayake (BAF qPCR specialist)
• Mr. Joape Ginigini, USP (Co-facilitator and training coordinator)
• Dr. Gilianne Brodie, USP (Marine scientific advisor and Assistant facilitator)
• Miri Vuiyasawa, USP (Assistant facilitator and Training liaison for communications and logistics)
• Mr. Ward Appeltans (OBIS project manager)
• Mr. Pieter Provoost (OBIS data manager)
• Dr. Saara Suominen (OBIS scientific officer)
• Dr. Elizabeth Lawrence (OBIS training officer)

Language

• English

Learner assessment  

A certificate will be issued to learners achieving a minimum of 70% in the evaluation (quizzes and assignments).

Pre-requisites:

Applicants are expected to have:

• a working knowledge of English
• background knowledge in biological and marine sciences
• basic computer skills (operating either with Windows or Mac systems)
• finding resources through search engines
• downloading and installing software
• the ability to be self-directed in learning new technology skills (e.g. following a step-by-step tutorial, online video help, or access to support to learn necessary skills)

Technology requirements

To complete this course, participants should have access to:

• Latest version of either Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari web browsers
• Access to internet
• Webcam and speaker/phone

Course duration and format

The course will be delivered online between 1st May and 15 December 2023. The estimated time to complete the self-paced course is approximately 36 hours.

Application Process

For details on how to enrol in this course please send an email to ioc.training@unesco.org or pacman@obis.org with PacMAN(self paced course) in the subject. 

The deadline to enroll is 1 December 2023 (23:59 CEST: Central European Time). There are no tuition fees. 

UNESCO is committed to promote equal access principles. Applications from minority or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

For any questions please contact the OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org)or the PacMAN secretariat (pacman@obis.org) always using the name of the course as email subject.

Feedback survey

At the end of the course, you will be asked to fill out a feedback survey. This information will be used to improve future courses.