Metabolomics in Life Sciences

This course is an introduction to metabolomics principles and their applications in various fields of life sciences.

We will provide a summary of all steps in metabolomics research; from experimental design, sample preparation, analytical procedures, to data analysis. The course also provides case studies of various kinds of research samples to attract students that are not familiar with metabolomics, providing them enough explanation to utilize metabolomics technology for their respective research fields.

Several examples of metabolomics applications will be introduced throughout the lectures. These include examples within food science and technology, metabolic engineering, basic biology, introduction to imaging mass spectrometry, and application in medical science.

No previous knowledge on metabolomics is needed but we recommend that students have an undergraduate-level understanding of Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, and Biostatistics, and that they learn about basic principles of multivariable analysis prior to taking this course.

Week 1:  What is Metabolomics?
Week 2:  Application of Metabolic Fingerprinting for Food Quality Assessments
Week 3:  Metabolomics: A Powerful Tool for Phenotype Improvement
Week 4:  Basics of Mass Spectrometry and Imaging Mass Spectrometry