The H3Africa initiative is aimed at studying the genomic and environmental determinants of disease in Africa. The goals of H3Africa are to enhance the necessary genomic expertise among African scientists and to encourage collaborations between African investigators by supporting infrastructure development and research projects. H3ABioNet aims to create a sustainable African Bioinformatics Network to support H3Africa researchers through the development of bioinformatics capacity on the continent.

Course Overview
Catalogues on human genome variants produced by large-scale human genome variation projects provide a wealth of genome variation datasets to conduct research on the genomics and environmental determinants of common diseases with the goal of improving the health of African populations. A recognized need is to promote computational skills among African researchers to facilitate genomics-based research on human disease and health across the continent. Visual analytics, the science of analytical reasoning supported by interactive visual interfaces, provides computational tools and techniques to foster collaboration in making sense of data of any size. Participants will be introduced to the focus areas of visual analytics and learn visual analytics skills by working with datasets from catalogues on human  genome variation such as 1000 genomes, National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) GWAS Catalog and the Database of Genomic Variations. The expectation is that participants will initiate collaboration among the H3Africa consortium projects. The course is open to staff and students in the H3Africa Consortium projects. 

The successful applicant’s home institution/project shall be responsible for transportation (to and from Abuja), and accommodation (Bed and Breakfast) at Abuja, and dinners during their stay. The host institution (NABDA/FMST) shall provide, in addition to free tuition, Tea Breaks and lunches during the course. 

Course Trainers
Dr. Raphael Isokpehi, Visual Analytics in Biology Curriculum Network, USA
Dr. Oyekanmi Nash, NABDA, Nigeria
Dr. Segun Fatumo, NABDA/SANGER
Atinuke Hassan, NABDA, Nigeria

Course Programme
Day 1: Monday, 29 July, 2013
Bioinformatics Research Categories
Definition, Focus Areas, Scope and Process of Visual Analytics
Hardware and Software for Visual Analytics
Hands-on Exercises

Day 2: Tuesday, 30 July, 2013
Introduction to Datasets of Catalogues on Human Gene Names
Hands-on Exercises

Day 3: Wednesday, 31 July, 2013
Introduction to Datasets of Catalogues on Human Genome Variation
Hands-on Exercises

Day 4: Thursday, 1 August, 2013
Collaborative Visual Analytics
Day 5: Friday, 2 August, 2013
Collaborative Visual Analytics
Course Evaluation

How to apply

To apply to attend the course please complete the application form found here:
http://surveys.h3abionet.org/visualanalytics
The application form will open on the 25th June and the deadline for applications is the 15th July 2013.
Please ensure that all required information is completed on the application and that a motivation letter from your PI is attached

Training Materials Availability:

Training materials for this course are not currently available.