This course is designed for infectious diseases professionals seeking a fundamental understanding of DNA sequencing and practical skills in cutting-edge pathogen genomics.

It's ideal for infectious diseases physicians, medical registrars, medical microbiologists, epidemiologists, public health physicians, laboratory scientists, as well as other health professionals.

There are no eligibility requirements.

This course is delivered in partnership with the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory and Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics research centre.

This unique industry alignment means you can be confident your learning is contemporary and based on real-world industry needs.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to:

• Examine the theory of DNA sequencing and evaluate application of different sequencing approaches, assessing the pros and cons of each when applied to different scenarios in public health and clinical microbiology.
• Summarise common DNA extraction and library preparation methods and design genomic sequencing workflows for diverse samples and scenarios.
• Describe the theory and bioinformatic processes behind quality control of genomic sequence data from different pathogens and establish practical competency in implementing quality control of these datasets.

This course runs over four weeks, including self-directed learning, guided learning, and two weeks to complete assessment tasks.

Your total time commitment is approximately 40 hours, which includes:

• 9 hours online lectures
• 5 hours self-directed learning
• 6 hours discussion groups
• 4 hours instructor led practical activity
• 16 hours assessment tasks.

Assessment:

• Application of DNA sequencing technologies and approaches to diverse scenarios (40%)
• Independent analysis of pathogen genomic DNA sequence data (60%)

Once you've successfully completed this course, you will be awarded your Microbial Genomics: DNA Sequencing Basics Melbourne MicroCert. This digital certificate will warrant the achievement of knowledge, skills and capabilities outlined in the learning outcomes. It may also include artefacts (such as videos and written material) related to both experiential and work-integrated learning, including translatable assessment that is practical to your professional life. You can also share your Melbourne MicroCert digitally and via social media by adding it to your personal platforms, such as LinkedIn. See example certificate.

Microbial Genomics: DNA Sequencing Basics can be taken as a stand-alone course or complemented with any other micro-credential in the Applied Pathogen Genomics series to deepen your knowledge and skills.

The series includes:

• Microbial Genomics: DNA Sequencing Basics
• Microbial Genomics: Bioinformatic Analysis Basics
• Microbial Genomics: Applications for Public Health
• Microbial Genomics: Applications for Clinical Sciences.

It is recommended you complete this micro-credential as the first in the series, then proceed to Microbial Genomics: Bioinformatic Analysis Basics, and then complete the rest in the series.

This course is predominantly self-directed learning, with opportunities to engage with your cohort and field experts, providing both flexibility and support.

You’ll work through written and recorded materials at your own pace, participate in group discussions, and receive valuable guidance and feedback from your course facilitators.

You’ll also complete practical activities, including using the online genomics platform Galaxy, to begin applying your knowledge of DNA sequencing.

There is no set expiry date.