The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Ministry of Science and Innovation (MOSTI) and the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia – Pacific (NACA) will be organising a Training Course on Application of Molecular Genetics in Conservation, to be held at USM, Penang, Malaysia from 17 to 22 November 2008. The major objective of the workshop is to build capacity for scientists and policy makers in Malaysia and in neighbouring countries in understanding the application of molecular genetics in conservation. More specifically, the workshop will:

• Conduct series of lectures which includes background on phylogenetics, conservation genetics and molecular markers utilized for conservation.
• 
  
• Provide hands-on training on a number of molecular genetic techniques, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based techniques such as microsatellite and direct sequencing.


• Assist participants for a better understanding of different types of molecular markers and application.


• Provide instruction on experimental design and data analysis with updated software packages which would include PAUP, MEGA, GENEPOP, STRUCTURE and ARLEQUIN.

The workshop is specially designed for post -graduate students, academicians and scientists who are working on the field of biodiversity and conservation. Early registration is recommended as places are limited to 20 participants.

For more information, please download the workshop brochure, or contact:

Assoc. Prof. Siti Azizah Mohd Nor
Email: sazizah ‘at’ usm.my
Phone: +60 (04)-6534004