Nanopore sequencing for biodiversity assessment in an educational setting

Abstract

Biodiversity assessment using DNA metabarcoding is becoming an important tool in ecological research. To teach the upcoming generation of ecologists the latest advances in this field, at Wageningen University we rely on nanopore sequencing. In our MSc course, Advanced Molecular Ecology, nanopore sequencing enabled individual DNA metabarcoding projects for the participating students. Their self-selected topics ranged from soil microbes via insect eDNA on flowers to diet analysis of otters and wolves from faeces. We eventually barcoded all samples and sequenced them together in a single flow cell in the practice room. In parallel, we also sequenced one full eukaryote genome.