Bacterial Whole Genome Sequencing: Beginner Bioinformatics and Tools

As bacterial whole genome sequencing (WGS) rapidly replaces traditional laboratory methods in research and medicine, understanding how to process and interpret genomic data has become an essential skill. This course bridges the gap between microbiology and bioinformatics, guiding you through the digital pipeline used to analyze bacterial pathogens. You will transition from understanding raw sequencing data to extracting actionable biological insights. By the end of this course, you will understand the entire WGS workflow and feel confident navigating the digital tools used to identify bacteria, detect resistance genes, and investigate outbreaks. What you'll learn: - Understand the fundamental principles of bacterial genome structure and modern sequencing technologies - Perform quality control and preprocessing on raw sequencing data using modern bioinformatics tools - Learn the concepts of genome assembly and how to assess assembly quality - Identify antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and virulence factors from genomic sequences - Use public genomic databases and web-based tools to compare bacterial strains and trace evolutionary relationships The course begins with foundational terminology, sequencing chemistry, and data formats before moving step-by-step through quality control, assembly, annotation, and practical epidemiological applications. Written explanations and practical walkthroughs ensure you build a strong conceptual and practical foundation. This course is designed for beginners, including microbiologists, medical professionals, public health workers, and students with no prior background in bioinformatics or programming. Start your journey into bacterial genomics and unlock the power of sequence data today.