• Theoretical and conceptual understanding of environmental DNA
• The role and potential of eDNA in biodiversity research
• Designing an eDNA sampling strategy
• How to perform eDNA sampling methods and procedures in the natural environment
• The scientific rationale and course of action taken in the lab environment, focusing predominantly on metabarcoding
• Considerations to maximise and effectively target DNA regions
• Matching samples and sequences to species databases
• Understanding insights about species and diversity characteristics in ecosystems
• Applying insights from each stage of the eDNA workflow to real-life research case studies
• Evaluating the interests and perspectives of different stakeholders in a socio-ecological problem
• Connecting eDNA-based biodiversity assessment to evidence-based environmental decision-making

Module 1: Introduction to eDNA

This module introduces you to the field of environmental DNA analysis, how we come to understand what eDNA is, and how we can use it in biodiversity research.

Module 2: Designing the eDNA Workflow

This module takes you through the different steps and aspects of an eDNA research project.

Module 3: Sampling eDNA in the Environment

This module discusses the characteristics of designing a eDNA sampling strategy and implementing it in different types of environment.

Module 4: Laboratory Analysis

This module focuses on how eDNA samples are processed in the lab to obtain targeted genetic information.

Module 5: Bioinformatics Analysis

This module goes into how we can organise and analyse our data from eDNA samples using bioinformatic tools.

Module 6: Ecological Interpretation

This module teaches you how to interpret eDNA signals and make an ecological biodiversity assessment.

Module 7: Environmental Decision-Making

This module will show you how we can use eDNA to inform sound and sustainable environmental decision-making.