Metagenomics is a tool that enables researchers to study genetic material recovered directly from microbial communities or microbiomes. Fueled by advances in sequencing technologies, bioinformatics tools, and sample processing, metagenomics studies promise to expand our understanding of human health and the use of microorganisms for agriculture and industry. Therefore, teaching students about metagenomics is crucial to prepare them for modern careers in the life sciences. However, the increasing number of different approaches makes teaching metagenomics to students a challenge. This 8‐week metagenomics laboratory course has the objective of introducing upper‐level undergraduate and graduate students to strategies for designing, executing, and analyzing microbiome investigations. The laboratory component begins with sample processing, library preparation, and submission for high‐throughput sequencing before transitioning to computer‐based activities, which include an introduction to several fundamental computational metagenomics tools. Students analyze their sequencing results and deposit findings in sequence databases. The laboratory component is complemented by a weekly lecture, where active learning sessions promote retrieval practice and allow students to reflect on and diagram processes performed in the laboratory. Attainment of student learning outcomes was assessed through the completion of various course assignments: laboratory reports, presentations, and a cumulative final exam. Further, students' perceptions of their gains relevant to the learning outcomes were evaluated using pre‐ and postcourse surveys. Collectively, these data demonstrate that this course results in the attainment of the learning outcomes and that this approach provides an adaptable way to expose students to the cutting‐edge field of metagenomics.

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8 周高年级宏基因组学课程的演变：绘制从观察到定量微生物组分析的学习路径

宏基因组学是一种工具，使研究人员能够研究直接从微生物群落或微生物组中回收的遗传物质。在测序技术、生物信息学工具和样品处理的进步的推动下，宏基因组学研究有望扩大我们对人类健康和微生物在农业和工业中的使用的理解。因此，向学生教授宏基因组学对于他们为生命科学领域的现代职业做好准备至关重要。然而，越来越多的不同方法使得向学生教授宏基因组学成为一项挑战。这个为期 8 周的宏基因组学实验室课程旨在向高年级本科生和研究生介绍设计、执行和分析微生物组调查的策略。实验室部分从样品处理开始，文库准备，并在过渡到基于计算机的活动之前提交高通量测序，其中包括对几种基本计算宏基因组学工具的介绍。学生分析他们的测序结果并将结果存入序列数据库。实验室部分由每周一次的讲座补充，其中主动学习课程促进检索实践，并让学生反思和绘制在实验室中执行的过程。通过完成各种课程作业来评估学生学习成果的实现情况：实验室报告、演示文稿和累积期末考试。此外，使用课前和课后调查评估了学生对与学习成果相关的收益的看法。总的来说，