NGS & Genomics | 4-Day Hands-on Training Program

Overview

This intensive 4-day hands-on training program provides participants with a structured introduction to Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), genomics workflows, sequencing technologies, and NGS data analysis.

The course covers the full workflow from experimental design, sample selection, DNA/RNA extraction principles, nucleic acid quality control, library preparation, sequencing platform overview, raw data quality assessment, read alignment, variant calling, gene expression analysis, data visualization, and translational applications of genomics.

Participants will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in key laboratory and bioinformatics steps used in modern genomics research. The workshop combines lectures, demonstrations, laboratory sessions, computer-based analysis, group work, and scientific discussion.

By the end of the course, participants will understand how NGS projects are planned, prepared, analyzed, and interpreted, with a strong focus on practical workflows, quality control, and biological meaning.

Learning Objectives

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

• Understand the basic principles of genomics and Next-Generation Sequencing
• Compare major sequencing technologies including Illumina, Nanopore, and PacBio
• Understand how NGS projects are designed and planned
• Select appropriate sample types and experimental strategies for NGS applications
• Apply BSL-2 laboratory safety principles in molecular biology workflows
• Understand DNA/RNA extraction principles and nucleic acid quality requirements
• Perform or observe nucleic acid quantification and integrity assessment
• Understand the principles of library preparation and adapter ligation
• Explain DNA fragmentation, PCR amplification, cleanup, and library QC steps
• Understand sequencing platform setup and key run considerations
• Work with basic NGS data formats such as FASTQ files
• Interpret sequencing quality metrics and QC reports
• Understand read alignment, genome mapping, and variant calling principles
• Gain introductory knowledge of RNA-seq and gene expression analysis workflows
• Visualize and interpret NGS data in a biological context
• Understand applications of NGS in cancer genomics, precision medicine, RNA-seq, single-cell technologies, and multi-omics research

Target Audience

This course is ideal for:

• Master’s and PhD students
• Research assistants and laboratory technicians
• Biomedical, biotechnology, molecular biology, genetics, and life science students
• Researchers entering genomics or sequencing-based research
• Scientists who want to understand NGS workflows from sample preparation to data interpretation
• Professionals working in academic, biotech, pharmaceutical, diagnostic, or translational research environments
• Participants interested in genomics, precision medicine, cancer research, RNA-seq, single-cell technologies, or bioinformatics

Course Program

Day 1: Introduction to Next-Generation Sequencing & Experimental Design 

Focus: NGS fundamentals and workflow understanding 

Day 2: Library Preparation & Sequencing Workflow 

Focus: Preparing samples for sequencing 

Day 3: Bioinformatics & NGS Data Analysis 

Focus: From raw reads to biological insights 

Day 4: Applications of Genomics & Translational NGS 

Focus: Clinical and research applications 

What Participants Will Gain

Participants will gain:

• Practical understanding of NGS and genomics workflows
• Knowledge of major sequencing technologies including Illumina, Nanopore, and PacBio
• Understanding of experimental design and sample selection for NGS projects
• Practical insight into DNA/RNA extraction principles and nucleic acid quality control
• Hands-on experience with nucleic acid quantification and integrity assessment
• Understanding of library preparation, adapter ligation, DNA fragmentation, PCR amplification, and cleanup steps
• Knowledge of library quality control and sequencing run setup
• Introductory experience with NGS data formats, FASTQ files, and sequencing QC metrics
• Practical understanding of read alignment, genome mapping, variant calling, and gene expression analysis basics
• Skills in data visualization and biological interpretation of sequencing results
• Insight into applications of NGS in cancer genomics, RNA-seq, single-cell analysis, precision medicine, and multi-omics
• Experience working on a mini NGS data interpretation project
• Preparation for future work in genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, biotechnology, and translational research

Course Details

• Location: XTech Academy, Heidelberg
• Duration: 4 days
• Format: Hands-on laboratory and computer-based training course
• Level: Beginner to intermediate
• Price: €3,400 excluding 19% VAT
• Focus: NGS, genomics, experimental design, DNA/RNA quality control, library preparation, sequencing workflow, FASTQ files, QC metrics, read alignment, genome mapping, variant calling, gene expression analysis, cancer genomics, RNA-seq, single-cell technologies, precision medicine, and multi-omics integration