The ManES course covers the entire workflow from the collection of environmental DNA samples to the statistical evaluation of results obtained via species-specific assays and metabarcoding. This includes laboratory work in a clean room environment, as well as bioinformatic sessions in the computer lab. Prior to the two week in-person course at the University of Innsbruck, the participants are introduced to software packages and bioinformatic tools via online tutorials. The laboratory and bioinformatic sessions are supported by lectures covering the theoretical background and recent scientific findings. Additionally, the participants are given the opportunity to present their own research and discuss the potential for optimization in a mini-symposium.
The MAnES course includes an online learning part which participants can complete at their own pace in the month before the 2-week in-person course at the University of Innsbruck. The online share of the course consists of tutorials and exercises on bioinformatic tools and background information on molecular analysis of environmental samples. The on-site part of the course consists of lectures, work in the clean room laboratory, and bioinformatic analyses in the computer lab. Additionally, participants get the opportunity to present their own research and the results generated during the course in a mini-symposium.
The entire course has a workload of Σ 7.5 ECTS. The online course starts one month prior to the on-site part approximately mid-August. The on-site course parts are held during two weeks in September. Stay tuned for the announcement of the exact dates.
The target audience includes undergraduate and graduate students as well as postdoctoral researchers, technicians and PIs who wish to apply DNA-based methods to analyze species distribution, biodiversity, and trophic interactions.
A maximum of 16 participants will be allowed for the course and all participants have to undergo the registration process at the Department of Continuing Education and enroll as regular students at the University of Innsbruck. The course language is English.
The lecture series provides an overview of the state-of-the-art in eDNA-based research and molecular trophic ecology. It deals with the concepts and methods used in these research fields including diagnostic and metabarcoding approaches. Important procedures such as DNA extraction and PCR as well as study design, field sampling, and interpretation of the obtained results will be covered.
The practical course incorporates the entire workflow of analyzing environmental samples for trace amounts of DNA from field sampling to bioinformatic and statistical analysis. The general concepts of 1) targeted amplification (i.e. species-specific assays) and 2) analysis of local species diversity (i.e. eDNA metabarcoding) are both covered. Specific work packages include: DNA extraction, primer design, qPCR, metabarcoding PCRs, library clean-up and pooling, bioinformatic analyses of the created metabarcoding data, statistical analyses of all generated results. The lab work will be conducted in a clean-room laboratory specifically set up for the analysis of trace amounts of DNA. Groups of 3-4 people will work together to guarantee a hands-on training environment.
The mini-symposium focuses on the research of the participants and how the knowledge obtained in the MAnES course can advance their research efforts. Special emphasis is placed on the participants’ projects regarding study design and optimal choice of methods. The open format of the mini-symposium ensures that research plans can be discussed and evaluated with regard to practicability, cost- and time effectiveness. Additionally, the participants will present and interpret the results obtained during the MAnES course itself.
All participants will receive a certificate of participation of the University of Innsbruck. Those participants who wish to obtain the ECTS credits (e.g. Master, PhD students) have to generate a protocol on the practical coursework and pass a final exam.
Meet your instructors
A group of six instructors and teaching assistants from the Research Unit Applied Animal Ecology is involved in teaching the MAnES course. Their varying backgrounds, research focus, and expertise ensures a broad knowledge base across taxonomic groups and ecosystems to ensure the high-quality supervision for all participants.
Participant testimonials
One big star for the in-depth course materials and for making them fit to each of our study fields.
So well explained by all instructors!
I loved the complexity / the "all in one" kind of course.
The course was well suited for each of the participants' own projects
I am very grateful and satisfied by my learning improvements in this field.
MAnES facts
MAnES participants (e.g. PhD and MSc students) can obtain academic credits of ∑ 7.5 ECTS.
Maximum number of participants: 16
Course language: English
Next occurrence: August & September 2025
Online course parts: begin in August
On site course dates: 2 weeks in September. Exact dates will be announced soon.
Course fee: To be announced.
The course fee includes all course materials and public transport tickets. It does not include accommodation costs!
Course registration
The MAnES course registration is handled by the department of Continuing Education. To give participants access to the online systems of the University of Innsbruck, it is necessary to register for the MAnES course and enroll as a regular student. For details on the entire application and registration process please click here.
Additional Information
Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol province, is nestled in the gorgeous deep valley of the River Inn, between the scenic Karwendel Mountains to the north and Tuxer Mountains to the south. The city offers a long list of outdoor activities, but it is most often visited by the skiing and mountain hiking lovers. A variety of mountain transportation facilities can be found in the city, providing numerous opportunities for skiing and walking. The main street of Innsbruck is the beautiful, lively and elegant Maria Theresien Street. Innsbruck is a pleasant and quiet city with down to earth atmosphere and citizens who enjoy a high standard of living. There are a great number of architectural monuments to discover and most of them are compactly located within the area of the historical city centre (Altstadt). The city is the third largest university centre of Austria and offers an intense night life and numerous entertainment venues.
Please not that the MAnES course is taught at Campus Technik at the western side of the city. A detailed location map will be provided to participants prior to arrival.
Due to Innsbruck’s central location in Europe, the city can be reached in many different ways: Innsbruck airport offers connections to major European cities. If there is no good connection to your home destination, you can instead go via Munich, Vienna, or Zurich airport.
For train and bus connections (from the above listed airports and in general) you can check out the website of ÖBB, Westbahn, and FlixBus.
Innsbruck has a great public transport system. For bus and tram connections check out the IVB webpage and app. A two-week public transport ticket for Innsbruck city is included in the MAnES course fee.
Innsbruck is a tourist hotspot in Austria and while September is not the busiest month, finding accommodation at reasonable prices can be challenging. We encourage MAnES participants to check out web-sites like Booking and AirBnB early on and also have a look at student housing (e.g. Kolpinghaus).
Upon request, the course organizers will connect participants wishing to share accommodation and if there is a high demand, facilitate contact with student housing organizations.