​INTRODUCTION TO BIODIVERSITY GENOMICS COURSE
Biodiversity genomics is a dynamic and interdisciplinary field that integrates genomics, ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology and bioinformatics. This introductory course is designed for Latin American students, postdocs and professors who are starting to analyse genomic datasets or will soon do so. It will offer an introduction to commonly used tools and approaches to analyse genomic data.
First edition of the Introduction to Biodiversity Genomics course in Ecuador in 2024

Overview

Contents
Participants will begin by familiarising themselves with the UNIX environment and basic bash commands already prior to the course. The course provides an extensive overview of handling Illumina data, guiding students through filtering reads, mapping to a reference genome, calling variants, and filtering the resulting Variant Call Format (VCF) file. The VCF file is then used to analyse population structure and signatures of hybridization and detect genomic regions under selection. The course will also include a short introduction to comparative genomics, emphasising the comparison of reference genomes.
This course is specifically designed for participants who already have genomic data for their research or anticipate obtaining genomic data in the near future and thus can apply and expand the newly learned skills immediately. 

Objectives

  • Provide a solid foundation in genomic science for biodiversity research
  • Familiarise students with bioinformatics tools
  • ​Integrate evolutionary biology, ecology, systematics, and biodiversity conservation with genomics ​
The complete course contents are shown here. 
  • Introduction to Unix: How to submit jobs to the cluster.
  • Introduction to Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Technologies.
  • Filtering Illumina Reads.
  • Mapping to a Reference Genome.
  • Variant Calling.
  • Quality Statistics and Filtering VCF Files.
  • Studying Population Structure: PCA and ADMIXTURE.
  • Tests of Selection: Genome Scans with FST, Dxy.
  • Testing for Introgression: D Statistics.
  • Genome Scans for Introgression: fd.
  • Comparative Genomics and Phylogenomics.
  • Discussing Participants' Projects.

Course dates and venue

The course will take place in Mendoza, Argentina, from 24th to 28th November 2025, at the CONICET Technological Scientific Center

F​or participants unfamiliar with Unix terminal, there will be a crash course on Sunday 23rd afternoon.

Prerequisites

  • Educational Background: Advanced undergraduate (final year) students, postgraduates (Master/PhD students), postdocs or professors in Evolution, Ecology, Biodiversity Genetics, Bioinformatics, or related fields.
  • ​Statistical Knowledge: Understanding of statistical concepts and methods, with some familiarity with R for data analysis.
  • Unix terminal: For participants unfamiliar with Unix terminal, there will be a crash course on Sunday 23rd afternoon.
  • NGS Data Requirement: Applicants should have, or anticipate having soon, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) data for their research projects, ready for analysis.
  • ​English Level: Ability to follow lectures, read scientific literature, participate in discussions, and understand course materials in English.
  • Application Form and Motivation Letter: Fill out the Application Form (link below), which includes a concise statement detailing the applicant's interest in the course, its relevance to their academic or research objectives, and their expected outcomes from participation (250-500 words).

Registration

Interested participants need to apply for a place in the course by filling out this application form.
Application deadline: 1st September 2025
Notification of course acceptance: 12th September 2025
Cost: USD $70 dollars (includes lunch and coffee breaks)

​Accommodation (optional): We offer the possibility of inexpensive accommodation near the course venue. The cost is approximately $18 USD per day (shared room, breakfast included).
​Course Travel Grant
The Argentine Society for Evolutionary Biology (SABE) is offering two grants of up to 150,000 Argentine pesos each to cover transportation expenses for attending the course. Requirements: Be an active member with membership fees up to date and have joined the society before August 1, 2025.
Apply now by filling out this application form.
​
Application deadline: 3rd September 2025
Notification will be given along with the course registration acceptance​ on 12th September 2025