Environmental DNA:

From conception to interpretation

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SUMMARY

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is transforming how scientists study and monitor the natural world. By detecting genetic material left behind by organisms in water, soil, air and other environmental samples, eDNA can reveal biodiversity at remarkable scale – including rare, elusive and invasive species that may be difficult to detect using traditional survey methods. Ethical, scalable and cost-effective, eDNA approaches are increasingly used in conservation, biomonitoring, fisheries management, pathogen surveillance and ecological research.

The Environmental DNA microcredential will give you the knowledge and practical experience to understand and apply eDNA metabarcoding in real-world settings. You’ll learn from eDNA pioneers and experienced practitioners, and combine theoretical learning with hands-on activities and tutorials. You’ll also have opportunities to discuss your own projects, interests and challenges, connect with researchers and industry professionals, and develop the expertise to determine how eDNA approaches can best meet your needs.

KEY FEATURES

  • Design rigorous eDNA studies
    Build skills in experimental design, sampling strategies, primer
selection and QA/QC for aquatic and terrestrial environments.
  • Gain hands-on sequencing experience
Prepare and sequence amplified DNA using Oxford Nanopore’s
MinION platform, while gaining practical wet-lab experience.
  • Build practical bioinformatics skills
Process raw sequence data using OBITools and develop transferable
skills you can apply confidently across other bioinformatics platforms.
  • Turn eDNA data into ecological insights
Gain experience analysing and visualising DNA-derived compositional
data, and the skills to interpret results in an ecological context.

KEY Details

  • MODE
    On campus | Wallumattagal Campus, Macquarie Park NSW 2109
  • DURATION
32 hours over 4 consecutive days

    Tuesday 3 November 2026 – Friday 6 November 2026

  • ENROLMENT REQUIREMENTS
This microcredential has no prerequisites, and no
experience in sequencing, bioinformatics or R is
required. If you’re new to Unix, you’ll have access to a
free, easy-to-follow online course to get you up to speed.
  • FEES FOR INDIVIDUALS
AU$2970 (including GST).

Learn from pioneers and experts in the field

The course is convened by Professor Anthony Chariton (Macquarie University) and led by Dr Frederic Boyer (University of Grenoble-Alps, France); Professor Michael Bunce (Minderoo Foundation); and Professor Eric Coissac (University of Grenoble-Alps, France). This year’s special online guest is the internationally renowned and foremost figure in eDNA, Dr Pierre Taberlet (University of Grenoble-Alps). Taberlet, Coissac, Boyer and Chariton have run eDNA courses together (metabarcoding.org) around the world for over 14 years. Additional teachers include Dr Christine Chivas, (iDNA expert, Macquarie University) and Dr Jessica O'Hare (population geneticist, Macquarie University). 

Who is the course for?

This micro-credential course is designed for professionals and researchers who want to use, understand, apply or upscale their skills in eDNA and metabarcoding. This includes: environmental consultants, government scientists, industry, NGOs, conservation practitioners, fisheries and aquatic scientists, terrestrial ecologists and researchers.
The course is also highly relevant to those who are considering or required to use, interpret, or review studies that include eDNA-derived data. In such cases, upon completion of this course, you will have:
  • A clearer understanding of what eDNA can and can’t do. 
  • The knowledge to ensure that any outsourced sampling, sequencing and bioinformatics is performed in a manner that suits your specific requirements.
  • The capacity to assess and review eDNA data for relevance, quality, reproducibility and reliability.
No experience in sequencing, bioinformatics or R is required. For those new to unix, we will provide you with a quick, free and easy-to-follow online course to get you up to speed. All practicals are performed in small groups, so we will assist you through every step. We have a wealth of experience in training people in fundamental bioinformatics and data analysis in a warm, supportive and productive environment.  
Upon completion, you will receive digital certification of this Macquarie University micro-credential course.
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