GCB Academy Introduction to DNA Sequencing

During the past two decades, a new generation of high-throughput DNA sequencers has transformed biomedical and biotechnology research. These new technologies have fostered the development of a wide range of applications to basic and clinical research, including SNP discovery, transcriptome profiling, genome sequencing, and epigenetics. The goal of this introductory course is to teach the basic principles of next generation sequencing technology (NGS) and to present an overview of various library preparations and their applications. Advantages and limitations of various methods will be discussed and compared across technologies/platforms (Illumina, PacBio, Oxford Nanopore, and startup technologies). This course will also provide an introduction to primary data analysis and data quality assessment steps. Attendees will become familiar with NGS technology terms and fundamentals, NGS data format and quality, and will acquire a better understanding of how to choose a suitable NGS sequencing method or instrument for their study.