This course will take you through a selection of genomic tools and open resources to help you explore plant genomes and answer biological questions. Covering a range of omics data including genomic, proteomic, and imaging data, this course will show you where to find relevant data and how to use publicly available tools to connect across resources supporting plant genomic data-driven knowledge discovery. 

Throughout the course, you will address essential questions, such as: 

• How can genomic data inform crop breeding strategies? 

• Which genetic variations contribute to plant resilience in changing environments? 

• How can proteomics enhance agricultural productivity? 

The course instructors will guide you on how to navigate the different resources efficiently. You will be shown how to submit your sequence to a public archive, explore gene-related information and variants within specific genes. You will investigate functional conservation and expression patterns within gene families, explore protein functional information, as well as plant-derived metabolomics and lipidomics data, and analyse gene expression data.

Virtual course

Participants will learn via a mix of pre-recorded lectures, live presentations, and trainer Q&A sessions. Practical experience will be developed through trainer-led computational exercises. Live sessions will be delivered using Zoom with additional support and asynchronous communication via Slack.

Computational practicals will run using online tools, meaning participants will not require access to a powerful computer or install complex software on their own machines. In the week before the course, there will be a brief induction session.

Participants will need to be available between the hours of 09:00 – 17:00 GMT each day of the course. Trainers will be available to assist, answer questions, and provide further explanations during these times.