Understanding proteins and their functions is essential for exploring biological systems at a molecular level. This introductory course in basic proteomics is designed for PhD students, postdocs, and technical staff who are new to mass spectrometry-based proteomics. The training provides a foundational overview of proteomics workflows, from experimental design to data interpretation. Participants will gain practical skills in sample preparation techniques, including protein extraction, digestion, and peptide cleanup, and they will observe key steps in data analysis such as protein identification, quantification, statistical analysis, and visualization. By the end of the course, attendees will be better equipped to plan their own proteomics experiments and collaborate effectively with the VIB Proteomics Core facility.Introduction of theoretical conceptsBasic proteomics and mass spectrometry principlesKey steps in proteomics sample preparationHow to choose the right protocol for your projectExperimental design and basic data analysis principlesHands-on sample processing and data analysis demonstrationHands-on sample preparation by suspension trapping, including protein extraction, reduction/alkylation, digestion, and peptide clean-upAnalyzing peptide samples by LC-MS/MSLaunching a database search in MaxQuantLaunching a DIA data analysis in DIA-NNData interpretation and basic statistics in R