Overview

The ‘Genomics for Educators and Enthusiasts‘ course provides an insight into key milestones in the field and into the innovative genome sequencing methods and technologies currently used by EMBL researchers. Furthermore, access to a collection of practical teaching resources, including a new EMBL pedagogical tool featuring computer-based activities and a real-life case study to deepen your students’ understanding of genomic sequencing, is provided.

This free online course will run from 20 April to 31 May 2026. Participants can join at any time and progress through the course material at their convenience. Upon completion, participants can earn a certificate of attendance by completing a short feedback questionnaire.

NOTE: No live or Q&A sessions are intended.

Dates                         Duration                    Weekly study                Format

20 Apr – 31 May           6 weeks                        2 hours                        100% online  

Please note: This course includes content from the previous EMBL virtual LearningLAB “Navigating the Genomic Landscape: A Journey with Genome Sequencing” which took place in 2024.

Who is this course for?
This course is designed for formal and informal educators, including teacher trainers and educators in training. It is also suitable for science professionals and anyone interested in learning more about genomics.

Learning format

The course content will be available online from 20 April to 31 May 2026 and is divided into two sections tailored to your level of understanding and interest.

1. Explore genomics section includes pre-recorded lectures on the field development and evolution, a recorded Zoom Q&A session with the speakers and an additional collection of scientific resources on the topic.
2. Teach genomics section offers an EMBL resource and an additional collection of teaching resources suitable for the classroom.

The course workload is designed around ‘recommended‘ content, including pre-recorded lectures and pedagogical materials. The time commitment may vary depending on your interests and engagement with the materials.

No live or Q&A sessions are intended throughout this course, but a Chat function allows you to connect with fellow course participants.

By the end of this course, you will:

• Enhance your comprehension of genome sequencing, data acquisition and management.
• Gain an appreciation for current approaches to studying the genome and their medical relevance
• Familiarise yourselves with a hands-on educational resource with an emphasis on real-world applications
• Expand your toolbox of teaching materials for addressing topics related to genomics

Course registration

Please register for the course any day by 31 May 2026 and explore the content we have in store for you. Click on the “Register here” button below or the “Apply” button in the sidebar to register for the course taking place on the EMBL eLearning platform eCampus.

Once you submit the form, a course link will become available and be sent to your inbox.

EMBL eCampus learning platform

These course materials are available on our EMBL eCampus learning platform. Please note that the platform is freely accessible but requires your registration.

If you are already an EMBL eCampus user, you can access the course directly after logging, using your credentials.

If you are a first-time user, you will need to create an account.
After your account is set up, go to the eCampus Home tab, where the course will be listed at the top. You can then enter the course from there and explore the content at your own pace until 31 May 2026 at midnight. If you have any problems logging in, please contact teodora.dobreva@embl.de every working day between 9 am and 5 pm CET.

Organiser

This training course is organised by EMBL’s Science Education and Public Engagement office in partnership with Merck.

EMBL Science Education and Public Engagement
EMBL’s Science Education and Public Engagement office shares the scientific discoveries of EMBL with young people, teachers and the diverse public in Europe and beyond. Our education programmes convey complex, cutting-edge topics in life science research in an exciting and insightful way, fostering the discovery of current research trends, the scientific method, and scientific career paths. Our teacher training courses empower educators to bring modern life sciences into the classroom. Visit our website for further information about our activities.

Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. More than 64,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2022, Merck generated sales of € 22.2 billion in 66 countries.