This course covers the analysis of single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data using Python and command line tools. Participants will be guided through droplet-based scRNA-seq analysis pipelines from raw reads to cell clusters. You will explore and interpret single-cell RNA seq data using Python as well as the Single Cell Expression Atlas. Finally, you will put their knowledge into practice through a group challenge on the last day.

Please note that you will not analyse your own data as part of the course. There will, however, be ample opportunity to discuss your research and ideas with other course participants and trainers.

Virtual course

Participants will learn via a mix of pre-recorded lectures, live presentations, and trainer Q&A sessions. Practical experience will be developed through group activities and trainer-led computational exercises. Live sessions will be delivered using Zoom with additional support and asynchronous communication via Slack.

Pre-recorded material may be provided before the course starts that participants will need to watch, read or work through to gain the most out of the actual training event. In the week before the course, there will be a brief induction session. Computational practicals will run on EMBL-EBI's virtual training infrastructure, meaning you will not require access to a powerful computer or install complex software on your own machines.

Participants will need to be available between the hours of 09:00 – 17:30 BST each day of the course. Trainers will be available to assist, answer questions, and provide further explanations during these times.

This course is currently under construction and so details are subject to change.

Please note that we will operate this course virtually. Hybrid options are not currently available. We reserve the right to change the format of this course or cancel it, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Who is this course for?

This course is aimed at wet-lab researchers who are generating, planning on generating, or working with single cell RNA sequencing data.

Prerequisites

Some experience with Python is beneficial. During the course, some of the practicals will use a Linux-based command line interface. We recommend all successul applicants acquire/brush up on their basic skills in Python and the command line before attending the course. There are many tutorials available online and here are some that may be of help:

1. To complete the following suggested tutorials you may want to install Ubuntu for Windows Users if you are using a computer with a Windows Operating System.
2. Basic introduction to the Unix environment: https://swcarpentry.github.io/shell-novice/
3. Introduction to programming in Python: http://swcarpentry.github.io/python-novice-gapminder/ 

What will I learn?

Learning outcomes

After this course you should be able to:

• Explain the steps in the scRNA-seq pipeline
• Repeat the course analysis of scRNA-seq data from extraction to cluster maps
• Recognise decision-making steps along the analysis pipeline and justify your decisions, from experimental design to final visualisation
• Employ appropriate data standards for repository submission and contribution to global cell atlases

Course content

During this course you will learn about:

• Single cell RNA-seq experimental design
• scRNA-seq analysis pipelines for droplet-based data
• EMBL-EBI Single Cell Expression Atlas Service
• Single cell data submission
   

Trainers

Please read our page on application support before starting your application. In order to be considered for a place on this course, you must do the following:

• Complete the online application form.
• Ensure you add relevant information to the ‘submission details’ section where you are asked to provide information on your:
  • pre-requisite skills and knowledge
  • current work and course expectations
  • data availability
• Upload one letter of support from your supervisor or a senior colleague detailing reasons why you should be selected for the course.

Please submit all documents during the application process by 23:59 on Sunday 4 June 2023. Items marked * in the application are mandatory. Incomplete registrations will not be processed. 

All applicants will be informed of the status of their application (successful, waiting list, unsuccessful) by 23 June 2023. If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Juanita Riveros.

Posters

All participants are expected to present a poster virtually. Successful applicants will be provided with further information and asked to submit this upon registration. 

We expect the posters to act as a talking point between you, other participants and the trainers on the course. They should give the reader an idea of the work you are engaged in, what you are planning to do next, and anything of interest that might be useful for sharing with the gathered participants