October 24, 2007 — Affymetrix Inc. (Nasdaq: AFFX), a Santa Clara, Calif.,-based developer of microarray technology, has announced the launch of Affymetrix University, a series of hands-on data analysis training courses that will be held in various locations throughout Europe and North America.
Affymetrix University courses will provide biologists with a better understanding of how to design their microarray experiments successfully with appropriate quality control, and how to apply statistical methods to interpret biological results more effectively, the company said in a news release. The courses combine hands-on exercises with theoretical presentations and guest speaker seminars.
The first Affymetrix University course will focus on the analysis of gene expression levels using Affymetrix WT (Whole-Transcript) Exon Arrays and 3′ IVT (In vitro Transcript) Expression Arrays. The first course will be held in High Wycombe, England, November 20-22. The second course will be held in Santa Clara, Calif., December 4-6.
Upcoming courses will focus on copy number, exon/alternative splicing and integrated genomic approaches.
“Affymetrix has launched Affymetrix University in response to a growing demand from our customers to help minimize the data analysis bottleneck,” said Rob Clum, market development manager of informatics at Affymetrix. “With these courses, we are enabling researchers to design studies and access biological data more effectively. This will accelerate research and enable our customers to publish faster than before.”