Bioinformatics: Using the Ensembl Genome Browser

Prerequisites

The Ensembl project provides a comprehensive and integrated source of annotation of mainly vertebrate genome sequences. This two day workshop offers participants the possibility of gaining lots of hands-on experience in the use of the Ensembl genome browser but also provides them with the necessary background information. The workshop is primarily targeted at wetlab researchers.

Participants are encouraged to bring problems/questions about their research to try to tackle these during the workshop using Ensembl.

• Postgraduates
• Further details regarding Graduate School of Life Sciences' eligibility criteria are available

• A general knowledge of molecular biology/genomics and familiarity with web browsers is required

Number of sessions: 2

• Introduction to Ensembl: origin, goals and organization of the Ensembl project
• Worked example: guided tour of the most important pages of the Ensembl website
• Data mining with BioMart: retrieving datasets using the data mining tool BioMart
• Evaluating genes and transcripts: how are Ensembl gene and transcripts predictions made?

• Comparative genomics and proteomics: orthologues, protein families, whole genome alignments and syntenic regions
• Variations: SNPs, haplotypes, linkage disquilibrium
• Advanced access & DAS: uploading your own data, other ways of accessing Ensembl data
• Help with research-related problems (optional)

Presentations and exercises

• None of our current courses require you to bring your own computer
• However, if you want to bring a laptop and have it online we can arrange access via the University Lapwing wireless service

2

A number of times per year