Workload is estimated to be 50 hours of total work distributed over 4 full course days plus preparations - poster, presentation and reading.

This course aims to explore the integral role of molecular epidemiology in public health. For this purpose, it is key to highlight the advantages and limitations of methods spanning from classical microbiology, PCR, sequencing to advanced bioinformatic analyses, to translate laboratory findings into effective public health interventions.

Furthermore, this course will discuss the function and importance of national reference laboratories, including their crucial role in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, knowledge sharing, and quality assurance.

Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on real-world cases - delving into data analysis, result interpretation, and ultimately policy-making processes. Will include sessions on genomic data supported by Elixir, a life science infrastructure offering storage of research data and training in data analyses and help from bioinformaticians.

By the end of the course, students will understand how molecular microbiology and epidemiology underpins public health initiatives and strategies, equipping them with the practical and theoretical knowledge to advance in this vital field.