Presented by: Biomedical Forensic Science Unit, University of Cape Town in partnership with QIAGEN

Date: 29 to 30 October 2026 (Thursday & Friday)
Venue: Biomedical Forensic Science Laboratories, Faculty of Health Science campus
Time: 09h00 - 17h00 daily

Course fee: R 15 000

Register Online
Maximum Participants: 8

Certificates

Participants who successfully complete the course will receive:

  • A University of Cape Town Certificate of Completion
  • A QIAGEN Certificate of Training

Course Overview

This intensive two-day course provides a unique opportunity to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience using the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Plus Kit and the MiSeq FGx™ Sequencing System. Under the guidance of experts from the UCT Biomedical Forensic Science Unit and QIAGEN Field Application Specialists, participants will prepare NGS libraries using forensic DNA samples and follow the complete workflow from library preparation through to sequencing and data interpretation.

Interactive lectures delivered throughout the course will explore:

  • The principles of next-generation sequencing
  • Forensic applications of NGS
  • STR and SNP sequencing
  • Sequencing quality metrics and data interpretation
  • NGS implementation in forensic laboratories
  • Emerging technologies

This course is specifically designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, giving participants the confidence to understand, evaluate, and apply forensic NGS technologies in their own laboratories and research environments.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Explain the principles and forensic applications of next-generation sequencing.
  • Perform key steps in forensic NGS library preparation using the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Plus workflow.
  • Understand the operation of the MiSeq FGx™ platform.
  • Interpret sequencing quality metrics and forensic NGS data outputs.
  • Describe emerging forensic genomics applications, including mitochondrial DNA analysis and advanced kinship testing.

Who Should Attend?

This course is suitable for:

  • Forensic DNA analysts and laboratory practitioners
  • Scientists involved in human identification and forensic genetics
  • Researchers working in molecular biology, genomics, or forensic science
  • Postgraduate students interested in forensic genomics
  • Laboratory personnel seeking practical exposure to forensic NGS technologies

Participants should have a basic understanding of molecular biology and DNA analysis. No prior experience with NGS is required.

Course Format

The course combines:

✅ Expert-led lectures

✅ Hands-on laboratory training

✅ Sequencing workflow demonstrations

✅ Data analysis and interpretation sessions

✅ Interactive discussions and Q&A opportunities

Registration

Places are strictly limited to 8 participants to ensure an interactive learning experience and individual laboratory participation.

Advance registration and payment are required.

Hosted by

Molecular Forensics Laboratory, Biomedical Forensic Science Unit
Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Cape Town

Industry Partner: QIAGEN