Program Overview

Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS) is a powerful genomic approach for understanding the complete genetic makeup of an organism. With applications spanning microbial genomics, plant genomics, human genetics, disease research, and evolutionary biology, WGS has become an essential tool in modern life sciences research.

This workshop is designed to introduce participants to the fundamental concepts, sequencing technologies, analytical workflows, and practical applications of WGS. Through guided, hands-on sessions using real-world datasets and bioinformatics tools, participants will gain exposure to both de novo genome assembly and reference-based genome analysis across bacterial, plant, and human genomic datasets.

The program combines theoretical learning with practical demonstrations and guided exercises to develop a foundational understanding of WGS data analysis.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and applications of whole-genome sequencing.

• Identify major WGS technologies and understand their strengths and limitations.

• Understand end-to-end sequencing and bioinformatics analysis workflows.

• Gain practical exposure to de novo genome assembly and reference-based analysis.

• Explore WGS analysis approaches using bacterial, plant, and human datasets.

• Understand basic quality control, genome assembly, sequence alignment, variant identification, and interpretation of analytical outputs.

• Apply the concepts learned through practical exercises and assessments.

Key Highlights

• Theory + Practical Training: Learn essential concepts alongside guided computational exercises.

• Real-World Datasets: Work with representative bacterial, plant, and human genomic datasets.

• Two Major Analysis Approaches: Explore de novo assembly and reference-based analysis.

• Bioinformatics Tools: Gain exposure to tools used in genome analysis workflows.

• Practical Assessments: Reinforce learning through hands-on exercises and analytical tasks.

• Online Learning: Participate in interactive sessions from any location.

Workshop Curriculum

Module 1: Introduction to Whole-Genome Sequencing

• Principles and applications of WGS

• Overview of genome structure and sequencing strategies

• Short-read and long-read sequencing technologies

• Introduction to Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, and PacBio platforms

Module 2: WGS Data and Analysis Workflows

• Overview of raw sequencing data formats

• FASTQ files, sequencing quality metrics, and read quality

• Quality control, read filtering, and preprocessing

• Introduction to computational requirements and bioinformatics pipelines

Module 3: Hands-on De Novo Genome Assembly

• Principles of de novo genome assembly

• Assembly strategies and common challenges

• Practical exposure to genome assembly using bacterial datasets

• Introduction to assembly evaluation and quality assessment

• Overview of assembly applications in plant genomics

Module 4: Hands-on Reference-Based Genome Analysis

• Reference genome selection and preparation

• Read alignment and mapping quality assessment

• Introduction to SNPs, indels, and variant calling

• Overview of variant annotation and interpretation

• Applications in bacterial genomics, plant genomics, and human genetics

Module 5: Practical Assessment and Workflow Integration

• Guided analysis exercises

• Interpretation of key bioinformatics outputs

• Understanding workflow decisions and common analytical challenges

• Practical assessment to reinforce the concepts covered

Program Details

 Who Should Attend?

• Undergraduate and postgraduate students in Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Genomics, Microbiology, Agriculture, and Life Sciences.

• Research scholars and early-career researchers interested in genomic data analysis.

• Faculty members and research professionals seeking an introduction to WGS Data Analysis workflows.

• Beginners interested in developing practical skills in genome analysis.

Prerequisites:

A basic understanding of biology, genetics, or molecular biology is recommended. Prior experience in bioinformatics is helpful but not essential.

 Expected Outcomes

Participants will gain foundational knowledge of WGS technologies and analytical strategies, along with practical exposure to commonly used bioinformatics tools and workflows. The workshop aims to help participants understand how sequencing data can be processed, analyzed, and interpreted in different biological research contexts.

Contact:

Dr. Lavanya Devi K

lavanya@tdu.edu.in,  Mob. No. +91 9845714170

Associate Professor,

Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics Group, TDU