AGRI402291 Introduction to Metabolomics - Analytical Workflows, Data Processing, and Visualization (in Eng.)

Type
Lecture and exercise
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Hann, Stephan , Schuhmacher, Rainer , Steininger-Mairinger, Teresa , Hildebrand, Felina , Büschl, Christoph
Organisation
Bioanalytics and Agro-Metabolomics
Offered in
Wintersemester 2025/26
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

Unlocking the Secrets of Small Molecules: A Comprehensive Course on Targeted and Untargeted Metabolomics Approaches

Metabolomics is the large-scale study of small molecules, known as metabolites, within cells, tissues, or organisms. These metabolites serve as critical indicators of biological processes and responses to environmental changes. The field is divided into two main approaches: targeted metabolomics, which focuses on quantifying predefined compounds with high precision, and untargeted metabolomics, which aims to capture a broad, unbiased snapshot of all detectable metabolites in a sample. While targeted approaches provide absolute quantification on few compounds of interst, untargeted methods are typically limited to relative comparisons, offering a more exploratory view of metabolic changes in the novel, chemical space of a particular organsim under investigation.

This engaging and hands-on course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to navigate both targeted and untargeted metabolomics. Through a combination of lectures and practical exercises, you will learn the principles, experimental techniques, and data analysis methods that drive cutting-edge metabolomics research. Whether you're interested in precise quantification or uncovering novel metabolic insights, this course provides the tools to advance your expertise.


The course will cover
•Foundations of Metabolomics: Explore the principles and experimental strategies behind targeted and untargeted approaches.
•Targeted Metabolomics: Master sample preparation, measurement, and data evaluation for absolute quantification of predefined metabolites.
•Data Processing for Targeted Analysis: Gain hands-on experience in peak detection, integration, calibration, and quantification.
•Untargeted Metabolomics: Understand experimental design, data acquisition, and evaluation using real-world examples, including stress response studies in wheat.
•Data Analysis Tools: Learn to process untargeted data using the open-source platform MZmine, including normalization, filtering, and statistical methods (univariate and multivariate).
•Annotation and Identification: Dive into advanced techniques like library matching, molecular networking, and visualization tools such as Cytoscape.
•Data Interpretation: Develop skills to visualize and interpret metabolomics data for meaningful biological insights.
Previous knowledge expected

•Basic understanding of biochemistry, biochemistry, instrumental analytical chemistry and statistics
•Prior experience in laboratory techniques is beneficial
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

After attending the course, you will be able to
•explain and apply the general concept, experimental design of targeted and untargeted metabolomics studies
•understand and describe commonalities and differences between both approaches
•critically inspect your measurement data for the presence and identity of metabolites
•quantify target metabolites and assess the accuracy of the quantitative results
•utilize open-source software tools (e.g., MZmine, Cytoscape) for untargeted data evaluation
•use univariate and multivariate statistics to visualize and evaluate experimental results
•critically evaluate metabolomics data and draw meaningful conclusions
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.