Teaching and learning
The AMI does not offer any formal degree programmes or undergraduate modules, but rather focuses on training & short-form workshops.
Our core activities include:
- Hosting scientific meetings, symposia, and networking events
- Providing focussed microbiome workshops to develop analytical capacity
- Serving as a central resource for fostering collaboration with other microbiome researchers, developing funding proposals, and providing bioinformatic support.
To facilitate this, we arrange quarterly scientific gatherings, with locations alternating between Tygerberg and Stellenbosch Campuses. This strategy accommodates the diverse research interests for students on both campuses while ensuring in-person attendance while also providing online access for those unable to be physically present.
In-person gatherings not only foster networking opportunities but also facilitate dynamic and spontaneous discussions, provide exposure to cutting-edge research, encourage knowledge sharing, create prospects for collaborations and inspire motivation.
We harness our in-house expertise and engage in external collaboration, both locally and internationally, to continuously enhance the University's academic programs. Our approach to teaching is learner-centric, emphasizing a partnership in which students actively contribute to the creation of knowledge and the development of conducive learning environments.
Upcoming workshops and webinars
Microbiota analysis workshop | 24 - 28 June 2024
"Introduction to targeted microbiota analysis: exploring best practises and computational approaches"
This workshop is brought to you in collaboration with the African Doctoral Academy (ADA). Participants will be given a theorical overview of the microbiome and get hands-on training in analytical and statistical methods relevant to targeted marker-gene microbiome research, with a focus on the bioinformatics platform QIIME2 and R. Please apply now to secure your spot!
Microbiome Mondays
Microbiome Mondays is series of free 1-hour webinars, hosted by the AMI, to introduce researchers and students to the theory and concepts behind the microbiome, sequencing, and bioinformatics in an accessible format. The next session will take place on 03 June 2024, and the registration link will be circulated soon.
Microbiome Masterclass | 28 May 2024
"An Introduction to the Microbiome and the Importance of Multidisciplinary Microbiome Research in Africa"
This Free Masterclass, presented by the AMI's computational biologist, Dr Kristien Nel Van Zyl, and hosted by the ADA, will introduce basic microbiome concepts and key considerations for data analysis. The multidisciplinary nature of microbiome research will also be explored, along with challenges that African microbiome researchers often face, such as the lack of laboratory and computational resources and infrastructure. Link to be circulated soon.
