Hello, I am Professor Sharon Peacock. Welcome to the course on behalf of COG-TRAIN, the global training arm of the COVID-19 Genomics UK consortium, or COG-UK. We are providing a series of online courses aimed at enhancing genome sequencing efforts around the globe, focusing on the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Genomic knowledge has guided the development of vaccines and therapeutics, whilst also detecting and monitoring the emergence of variants of concern. Together, these actions have saved millions of lives. We are dedicated to the global fight against COVID-19, and are working to help the world be better prepared, both now, and in the future. The aim of this course is to introduce you to the fundamentals of genome sequencing, and vaccine development.

You will learn about the genetic material of viruses, and how SARS-CoV-2 has evolved during the pandemic. You’ll also learn about vaccine development, and how genetics were used to develop vaccines faster than ever before. I hope you enjoy the course.