Module 1:To provide an overview of DNA microarrays and Affymetrix chips technologies

Module 2 and 3: Students will receive an overview of experimental design and data analysis process, as well as experience in computer practical sessions which will enable them to carry out appropriate data analysis for some common types of cDNA microarray experiments (module 2) and of experiments with Affymetrix GeneChips (module 3).

Students can choose to follow all 3 modules (3 credit points), combinations of modules 1 and 2, or modules 1 and 3 (2 credit points). Priority will be given to participants to the 3 modules.

Module 1:

• Philippe Reymond, Université de Lausanne, Switzerland
• Otto Hagenbuchle, Université de Lausanne, Switzerland
• Jean-Pierre Renou, URGV-Evry, France
• Philip Zimmerman, ETHZürich, Switzerland

Module 2 and 3:

• Mauro Delorenzi, SIB/ISREC, Switzerland
• Darlene Goldstein, EPF Lausanne, Switzerland
• Eugenia Migliavacca, SIB/ISREC, Switzerland
• Frederic Schutz, SIB/ISREC, Switzerland

Module 1 (2 days, March 5 in Neuchâtel and March 26 in Lausanne)
Microarrays: techniques and data mining
The course will focus on the technical aspect of spotted arrays and Affymetrix chips, with an emphasis on how they are designed, how they are used in a research laboratory, and what are their potential applications.
The second part will deal with the existing tools available for mining expression data and will provide examples of the use of microarrays for plant research.
1 credit point. Mode of evaluation: attendance, personal involvement during the course.
This module must be combined with module 2 or/and 3

Module 2 (2 days, March 12-13, 2007)
Data analysis part A
1 credit point. Active participation and short lab report on an analysis carried out in the practical. Documentation available.
This module must be combined with module 1 (optional: module 3)

Module 3 (2 days, March 19-20, 2007)
Data analysis part B
1 credit point. Active participation and short lab report on an analysis carried out in the practical. Documentation available.
This module must be combined with module 1 (optional: module 2)

Dates: March 5, 12-13, 19-20 and March 26, 2007

Schedule: 8.55 - 17.00

Location: Université de  Neuchâtel, Unimail, Chemistry building (G, "Institut de chimie"), room B1. Except March 26,  Université de Lausanne, 9.30 to 17.00 , centre Intégratif de Génomique (Batiment Génopode).

Credit points: 2 or 3 credit points (Research tools)

Evaluation: Active participation is required and a practical evaluation (case study or exercises) has to be passed at the end of the course.

Information: Please contact the NCCR education officer Dr. Christiane Bobillier or Prof. Philippe Reymond.

Travel expenses: NCCR Ph.D. participants are eligible for reimbursement of incurred travel expenses by train (half-fare card, and 2nd class). Please send the original tickets (no copies, except for the general abonnement)  to Dr. Christiane Bobillier.  No reimbursement for bus, taxi or car travel expenses will be paid.

This course is opened to all Ph.D. student, however priority is given to NCCR Plants and their Environment Graduate School participants and NCCR Plant Survival Ph.D. students. Postdocs and diploma students are welcome depending on availability.

This course is free, but the cost is approx. CHF 500.00 per person. Therefore a waiting list will be prepared to ensure that there are no empty seats.

Minimum number of participants: 8, maximum: 15.

Registration: Closed.

Deadline: February 15, 2007