Summary
The Graduate School of Technical Sciences at Aarhus University (Department of Ecoscience, supported by the Department of Environmental Sciences) is offering a 4 ECTS intensive PhD course entitled “Environmental DNA (eDNA) methods in ecology and conservation.”
This interdisciplinary course introduces students to eDNA-based techniques for biodiversity monitoring, species detection, and ecosystem assessment across aquatic, terrestrial, airborne, and arctic environments. The program combines lectures from leading researchers, field demonstrations of eDNA sampling (water, soil, air), bioinformatics overviews, and problem-based group work.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) Methods in Ecology and Conservation
Designation
- Course Level: PhD Course / Scientific PhD School (Master’s students are eligible to apply)
- Credits: 4 ECTS
- Capacity Limit: 25 participants
Overview Table
| Parameter | Details |
| Course Title | Environmental DNA (eDNA) methods in ecology and conservation |
| Host Institution | Aarhus University (Graduate School of Technical Sciences) |
| Department | Department of Ecoscience (supported by Dept. of Environmental Sciences) |
| Level / Target Group | PhD Candidates & Master’s Students |
| ECTS Credits | 4 ECTS |
| Duration / Dates | October 19 – October 23, 2026 (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) |
| Total Workload | 65 hours (including ~25 hours pre-course preparation) |
| Course Fee | Free for Danish PhD students; 2,000 DKK for international/non-Danish PhD students |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Application Deadline | August 31, 2026 |
Research Area
- Molecular Ecology & Biodiversity Monitoring
- Environmental DNA (eDNA) & Metabarcode Genomics
- Conservation Biology & Ecosystem Assessment
- Invasive Species Management & Biomonitoring
Location
Aarhus University – Risø Campus
Frederiksborgvej 399
4000 Roskilde
Denmark
Eligibility / Qualification
- Target Audience: PhD students working in ecology, conservation, environmental science, molecular biology, or related disciplines. Master’s students are also eligible to participate.
- Prerequisites: No formal prerequisites required.
- Requirements: Active participation in all 5 synchronous course days and completion of approximately 25 hours of asynchronous pre-course reading and assignments.
Scholarship & Course Description
Objectives & Course Content
Species assemblages and biodiversity are challenging to monitor using traditional taxonomic and microscopic identification alone. Targeting eDNA allows researchers to detect species and characterize entire ecological communities simultaneously from water, soil, sediment, or air samples.
Key course modules include:
- Study Design & Sampling: Developing robust field sampling strategies for water, soil, and air.
- Field Demonstration: Hands-on demonstration of eDNA collection techniques in the field (non-laboratory based).
- Bioinformatics & Molecular Workflows: Overviews of barcoding genes, reference libraries, primer design, high-throughput sequencing platforms, and taxonomic assignment.
- Practical Applications: eDNA utilization by research institutions, government agencies, and biomonitoring programs for detecting invasive species, monitoring ecological shifts, and analyzing species interaction networks.
- Assessment: Evaluation is based on active participation and a group poster assignment presented on the final day.
Lecturers & Coordinators
- Georgina Lauren Brennan (
g.brennan@ecos.au.dk) - Aoife Leonard (
aleonard@ecos.au.dk) - Adam Koziol (
adamkoziol@ecos.au.dk) - Rumakanta Sapkota (
rs@envs.au.dk)
How to Apply
- Visit the official Aarhus University course portal: AU PhD Scientific Courses.
- Complete the online course registration form linked on the page.
- For academic or administrative inquiries, reach out to the course coordinators listed above.
Last Date for Apply
- Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
- Admission Notification: Friday, September 4, 2026
