Objectives of this exercise:

• to learn modern tools of microbial identification
• to get familiar with sequence similarity search tool (BLAST)
• to understand advantages and limitations of molecular identification
• to learn microbial diversity through sequence analysis
• to learn applicability of phylogenetic reconstructions for microbial diagnostics
• to practice DNA barcoding of animals and plants

In this exercise students will first get several introductory lectures on the theory and practice of DNA barcoding applied for different domains of the tree of life. The core part of the course will be based on 'hands on' practical work. Each student will get a unique set of sequences for identification. The course will require knowledge on gene structure in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms and on principles of PCR and design of primers. The novel aspects of taxonomic recognitions of organisms that are only known from their DNA barcodes will also be discussed.

The major in silico work will be performed by students on the own computers based on materials provided in class.

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