Environmental DNA – From Biodiversity Monitoring to Decision Making

This course provides an applied introduction to environmental DNA (eDNA) as a tool for biodiversity monitoring, ecological research and decision-making. Between September and December, students participate in a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) that covers the theoretical foundations of eDNA, current methodological standards, and interpretation of the results.

Building on this theoretical background, students design and carry out their own field‑based eDNA project. Working individually or in small groups, they select an environmental gradient of interest, such as pollution intensity, land‑use change, or urbanisation, and collect water samples following standardized protocols. Sampling materials and filters are shipped directly to the students’ home university. A preparatory Zoom session ensures that participants receive detailed instructions and have the opportunity to clarify methodological questions before going into the field.

After collecting their samples, students return the filters, and all samples will be sequenced by the course team at ETH Zurich. In January, students meet in Zurich for a hands‑on data analysis workshop. During this onsite session, participants learn how to process eDNA metabarcoding data, interpret biodiversity patterns along environmental gradients, and translate scientific results into management and conservation recommendations.

Main objectives: Students can carry out their own eDNA project, starting by planning the sampling, taking the samples, analysing the sequenced data in R to delivering management suggestions.

Learning outcomes: After the completion of the course, students can…

• Understand key concepts and methodological steps of eDNA‑based biodiversity assessment.
• Design and carry out independent eDNA sampling along an environmental gradient.
• Analyse and interpret metabarcoding datasets using current bioinformatic tools.
• Evaluate ecological patterns and develop evidence‑based management recommendations.

• Students from biology, environmental sciences, environmental engineering or similar disciplines
• Basic knowledge of ecology and programming in R is required.
• A good level of English is required.
• All participants need a laptop with R installed, at least 8 GB of RAM and 15 GB of free disk space.

• Zoom meetings to start, in between and at the end.
• Samplings (in groups or alone).
• MOOC with quizzes.
• Winter School at ETH Zurich in January 2027.

The two-level mutual trust-based quality assurance scheme has been adopted:

• at the university level: ETH Zurich has applied its internal quality assurance procedures and structures to the proposal of Environmental DNA – From Biodiversity Monitoring to Decision Making it submitted to ENHANCE and to its implementation - the related learning activities,
• at the Alliance level: the body composed of Education Officers has made decisions regarding the inclusion of Environmental DNA – From Biodiversity Monitoring to Decision Making proposed by ETH Zurich to the Innovative Learning Campus part of the joint ENHANCE educational offer, based on the compliance with the formal requirements and ENHANCE goals.

1. Online Part 01.09.2026 – 31.12.2026

Students hand in research concept (15.08.2026)

Zoom Meeting 1: Kick-off and explanation of sampling (10.09.2026)

Independent work on MOOC (01.09.2026 – 31.12.2026)

Independent sampling (alone or in groups: September - October 2026)

Zoom Meeting 2: Check-in, questions and presentation of filed sampling (22.10.2026)

Zoom Meeting 3: Final Q&A about theoretical part and information about in-person days (17.12.2026).

1. Winter School 11.01.2027 – 15.01.2027 at ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Students meet in Zurich in January 2027 for a hands‑on data analysis workshop. During this onsite session, participants learn how to process eDNA metabarcoding data, interpret biodiversity patterns along environmental gradients, and translate scientific results into management and conservation recommendations. The week ends with a poster presentation from each group of students.

• Online quizzes for MOOC activity (virtual component)
• Poster presentation (physical component)

Participants will be selected based on their eDNA project proposal (application questions 1-3, which you find within the application).

ETH Zurich, Switzerland

For ENHANCE incoming MSc students and doctoral students ETH Zurich is able to provide an ENHANCE scholarship from CHF80 per day. In total CHF400 will be provided. If students travel sustainable by bus/train (tickets with your name as proof required) CHF100 will be added. After acceptance we will reach out to you regarding the next steps.