• Keywords: genome browsing & navigation, genetic information retrieval, genomic data mining, genomic variations
• Workshop date: 10/03/2009
• Workshop location: Leuven (details will be sent in confirmation mail for your registration after the registration deadline)
• Registration deadline: 05/03/2009
• Important: BITS Training courses are aimed at VIB scientists. In case you are a non-VIB scientist, you can also register, but we will only notify you if there are open spots one week before the actual course

The Ensembl project is widely regarded by biologists and bioinformaticians as the de facto starting point for genomic data analysis. So if you’re new to genomic data analysis, this workshop might be something for you.

The Ensembl project provides a comprehensive and integrated source of annotation of large (mainly vertebrate) genome sequences. The BITS workshop "Browsing genes and genomes with Ensembl", presented by EBI Ensembl specialist & help desk officer Bert Overduin, offers participants the possibility to gain hands-on experience in the use of the Ensembl genome browser but also provides them with the necessary background information.

The workshop is primarily targeted at wet lab researchers, but can also be of interest to those interested in bioinformatics.The workshop is divided in 6 modules. Most modules consist of a presentation, followed by the opportunity to make exercises. Participants are also invited to bring problems / questions with regard to their research to try to tackle these during the workshop using Ensembl.

Workshop program:

• Introduction to Ensembl : origin, goals and organization of the Ensembl project .
• Worked example: guided tour along the most important pages of the Ensembl website .
• Data mining with BioMart: retrieving datasets using the data mining tool BioMart .
• Evaluating genes and transcripts: how are Ensembl gene and transcripts predictions made?
• Genomic variations: studying functional effects of SNPs with Ensembl

In May 2009, there will also be an advaned course on Ensembl during which you'll learn how to have programmatic acces to Ensembl. Following this introductionary course will give you a good preparation to follow the advanced course.