EMBO Practical Course on Metabolomics Bioinformatics for Life Scientists

Overview

This course will provide an overview of key issues that affect metabolomics studies, handling datasets and procedures for the analysis of metabolomics data using bioinformatics tools. It will be delivered using a mixture of lectures, computer-based practical sessions and interactive discussions. The course will provide a platform for discussion of the key questions and challenges in the field of metabolomics, from study design to metabolite identification.

Audience

This course is aimed at PhD students, post-docs and researchers with at least one to two years of experience in the field of metabolomics who are seeking to improve their skills in metabolomics data analysis. Participants ideally must have working experience using R (including a basic understanding of the syntax and ability to manipulate objects).

Syllabus, tools and resources

During this course you will learn about:

• Metabolomics study design, workflows and sources of experimental error, the difference between targeted and untargeted approaches

• Metabolomics data processing tools: hands-on open-source R based programs, XCMS, MetFrag, MetFusion

• Metabolomics data analysis: Using R Bioconductor, understanding the usage of univariate and multivariate data analysis, data fusion concepts, data clustering and regression methods

• Metabolomics downstream analyses: MetExplore for metabolic pathway and network analysis with visualisation of differential expression

• Metabolomics standards and databases

• Metabolomics Flux and Stable Isotope Resolved Metabolomics (SIRM)

Outcomes

After this course you should be able to:

• Discuss major principles of metabolomics experimental design and factors that impact upon subsequent analysis

• Identify strengths and weaknesses in a variety of metabolomics analytical approaches

• Use a range of Bioinformatics software to pre-process, process and analyse metabolomics data

• Discuss current trends and challenges in metabolomics

Additional information

We invite participants to bring along a poster to display for the duration of the course. These will serve to facilitate discussion about your research and to convey your reasons for attending the course to others.

Click here for a detailed programme.