Microbiome Analysis
From Raw Sequencing Data to Publishable Figures
Develop practical, research-ready skills to analyse microbiome sequencing data, interpret microbial community patterns and produce publication-quality figures using reproducible bioinformatics workflows.
Build confidence in microbiome data analysis
Microbiome sequencing is now widely used across agriculture, environmental science, biotechnology, health, veterinary science and molecular biology. Yet many researchers reach a difficult point after sequencing: transforming raw data into reliable, interpretable and publication-ready results.
This micro-credential provides a structured pathway through microbiome analysis, beginning with the biological and sequencing concepts behind microbiome studies and progressing into practical data analysis, visualisation and scientific reporting. Participants learn how to work with microbiome datasets in a reproducible way and how to communicate findings through figures, methods and results text.
Designed for researchers entering microbiome analysis
This course is suitable for
- Higher Degree by Research candidates
- Honours and Masters students
- Early career researchers
- Laboratory scientists and research staff
- Researchers beginning microbiome analysis for the first time
Relevant research areas
- Microbiology, molecular biology and genomics
- Plant, soil, agriculture and environmental science
- Medical, veterinary and health sciences
- Biotechnology and applied life sciences
Prerequisites
No prior bioinformatics or coding experience is required. Participants are expected to have a basic understanding of molecular biology, microbiology or biological research, and an interest in applying microbiome analysis to real research questions.
What participants will be able to do
- Explain microbiome sequencing workflows
- Differentiate amplicon and shotgun metagenomics
- Interpret metadata and experimental structure
- Understand sequencing quality control
- Interpret denoising and ASV generation
- Carry out taxonomic analysis workflows
- Understand alpha and beta diversity outputs
- Interpret ordination analyses (PCoA/NMDS)
- Understand differential abundance analysis
- Create microbiome visualisations
- Interpret biological findings
- Prepare Methods and Results text for publication
Flexible research-focused learning
Duration
6 weeks
Format
Theory + hands-on practical workshops
Commitment
Approximately 2–4 hours per week
Teaching approach
The micro-credential uses scaffolded, research-integrated learning with authentic microbiome datasets, reproducible workflows and publication-focused interpretation to help participants build confidence in microbiome data analysis.
Apply microbiome analysis to real research data
Participants complete a mini capstone project using a real microbiome dataset to consolidate learning and strengthen research capability.
- Diversity analyses and interpretation
- Taxonomic composition analysis
- Ordination and statistical outputs
- Publication-quality microbiome figures
- Biological interpretation of findings
- Draft microbiome Methods and Results text
Designed to support research progression
Research confidence
Build confidence in interpreting microbiome sequencing data and understanding workflow logic.
Publication readiness
Produce publication-quality microbiome figures and research-ready outputs for thesis or manuscript development.
Reproducible research
Learn reproducible approaches to microbiome analysis for better transparency and long-term research capability.
Who you will learn from
Dr Asad Prodhan
Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Bioinformatics, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia
Dr Asad Prodhan is a bioinformatician and educator specialising in reproducible bioinformatics workflows, microbiome analysis and research capability development.
He has designed and delivered more than 100 bioinformatics learning resources and training activities across genomics, microbiome analysis and reproducible research workflows.
Asad.Prodhan@uwa.edu.auExplore the week-by-week program
View the full schedule, modules and structured learning pathway for the Microbiome Analysis micro-credential.