Course Info MATI
Duration: 2 weeks in September
The MATI course includes a lecture and seminar series as well as a practical lab course (Σ 7.5 ECTS). The course runs for 2 weeks, usually in September. The target audience includes undergraduate and graduate students as well as postdoctoral researchers and technicians who wish to apply DNA-based methods to study trophic interactions.
A maximum of 16 participants will be allowed for the course and a first come first serve basis applies. The course language is English.
The lecture series provides an overview of the state-of-the-art in molecular trophic ecology and deals with the concepts and the methodological approaches used in this research field including diagnostic and metabarcoding approaches. Important procedures such as DNA extraction and PCR as well as study design, field sampling procedures and interpretation of molecular trophic data will be covered.
The seminar series focuses on the practical application of molecular methods to analyse trophic interactions. Special emphasize is placed on the participants’ projects regarding study design and optimal choice of methods. The seminars have an open format providing participants with the opportunity to present their research plans which will be discussed and evaluated with regard to practicability, cost- and time effectiveness.
The practical course focuses on the application of techniques used in molecular trophic ecology. In the course participants will conduct the complete workflow from sample to Sanger sequencing. The general concepts of primer design and assay development needed for diagnostic and metabarcoding approaches will be addressed and practically performed for diagnostic PCR. The lab work will be conducted in a laboratory specifically set up for high throughput molecular diagnostics. Groups of 3-4 people will work together to guarantee a hands-on training in all techniques covered within this practical course.
Participants will receive a certificate of the University of Innsbruck in Molecular Analysis of Trophic Interactions (MATI). Those participants who wish to obtain the ECTS credits (e.g. Master, PhD students) have to generate a protocol on the practical coursework and to pass a final exam.
The course will be provided by Univ. Prof. Dr. Michael Traugott, Dr. Daniela Sint and Christiane Zeisler, MSc whose major research topic is molecular trophic ecology. Since over 10 years they have developed and applied molecular tools to investigate feeding interactions including vertebrates and invertebrates in terrestrial and aquatic systems.
For further information on the course contact Michael (Michael.Traugott@uibk.ac.at)
Download preliminary MATI course program
Download additional MATI information
Costs & Enrolment
The two-week course is held from the 9th to the 20th of September 2019 and comes at € 950. This includes course and bench fees, course materials and documentation, as well as a two-week ticket for the public transportation system in Innsbruck.
Special rates for accommodation are available for booking until the 5th of July 2019. The rooms are located in walking distance to the campus. Please check out ‘Accommodation’ for more detailed information.
Online enrolment is currently closed.
If you need further help with the enrolment, please check these instructions
or contact the Division of Continuing Education via E-Mail weiterbildung@uibk.ac.at or Telephone: +43 512 507 39402