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Call for participants: Training course in data analysis for genomic surveillance of African malaria vectors 2024

We are pleased to announce a free online training course to be held in 2024, delivered jointly by the Malaria Genomic Epidemiology Network (MalariaGEN) and the Pan-African Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA). Please note that applications for this course have now closed.

News 17 Nov 2023
Mosquito

Key Dates

The course will run for 11 weeks with 8 whole day workshop throughout the period on Wednesdays. The course runs from 13th March 2024 till the 22nd of May 2024.

There will be a week break interval after every two consecutive workshops.

Application deadline: 12 January 2024

Course objectives

The goal of this course is to introduce some practical techniques for the analysis of genomic data for surveillance of Anopheles mosquitoes. At the end of the course, trainees will be able to:

  • Perform a range of analyses on Anopheles genomic data that are relevant to malaria vector surveillance
  • Describe key biological concepts underpinning the analyses
  • Describe key computing technologies used for the analyses
  • Interpret analysis results and discuss implications for malaria vector control policy

Course curriculum

The training course comprises 8 workshops, covering the following topics:

  • Workshop 1 – Pyrethroid target-site resistance
  • Workshop 2 – Metabolic insecticide resistance and copy number variation
  • Workshop 3 – Population structure
  • Workshop 4 – Cryptic species
  • Workshop 5 – Genetic diversity
  • Workshop 6 – Detecting genes under recent positive selection
  • Workshop 7 – Gene flow and the spread of insecticide resistance
  • Workshop 8 – Analysis planning and reporting

Trainee profile and requirements

This course is aimed at scientists and public health professionals working in the field of malaria vector surveillance and control and meeting the following requirements.

  • This is a hands-on training course. Trainees will require some prior experience of data analysis using scientific programming such as Python, R, Julia or Stata. The course will be conducted using the Python programming language.
  • Data analysis will be performed using cloud computing services which can be accessed via a Web browser. Trainees will require access to a personal computer with a Web browser and stable internet connection.
  • The training workshops will be designed to complement each other, building up a series of analytical skills and progressively introducing biological concepts and computing tools throughout the course. Trainees should ideally be in a position to complete the full course of 8 workshops.

Workshop format

Each training workshop will last approximately 6 hours, and will be delivered online via Zoom and Slack. The training will combine lectures and hands-on data analysis practical sessions in roughly equal proportion. Practical sessions will use cloud computing services and analyse real genome variation data on Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. Practical sessions will be conducted in small groups with teaching assistants to provide support and answer questions.


For any further information and questions, please contact Paballo Chauke <pc24@sanger.ac.uk>

Application Form: https://forms.gle/sCYp3Wfc7sRqiPdF9