| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-19 | 2023-08-01 |
| 2024-01-09 | 2023-12-01 |
| 2024-09-24 | - |
| 2025-01-24 | - |
Program Overview
This MSc in Genomic Medicine, developed in collaboration with leading institutions, equips healthcare professionals with the expertise to implement genomics in their practice, particularly in rare genetic diseases, cancer, and infection. Through a blended learning approach, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of genomics and its application in medicine, preparing them for diverse career paths in the field. The program emphasizes critical analysis, data interpretation, and ethical considerations, empowering graduates to make significant contributions to genomic medicine and improve patient care.
Program Outline
Degree Overview: This program, developed in collaboration with University College London, Public Health England and Great Ormond Street Hospital, aims to equip healthcare professionals with the expertise and knowledge to implement genomics in their professional practice, specifically in rare genetic diseases, cancer, and infection. It provides a multi-disciplinary perspective on genomics and its application in medicine. The program's objectives include:
- Providing participants with a strong foundation in the structure and variation of genetic material
- Equipping participants with critical analysis skills and understanding of genomics technologies, informatics tools, and their application to disease diagnosis and management
- Equipping participants to interpret high-quality genomic data and evaluate its relevance to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients The program adopts a blended learning approach, combining flexible online e-learning modules with intensive face-to-face workshops. The optional modules enable participants to delve deeper into specific areas of interest, such as economic models and human genomics, ethical, legal, and social issues in genomic medicine, genetics and genomics counselling, professional and research skills, and expanding the content of the MSc in Genomic Medicine with workplace-based modules. The program schedule consists of:
- Eight compulsory modules delivered via online learning platforms with interactive exercises and assessments
- Five optional modules with additional flexibility in selecting and scheduling based on individual preferences
Bioinformatics, Interpretation, and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis
This module emphasizes the importance of data analysis and interpretation in genomic medicine. It equips participants with the skills required to handle sequence files from exome and/or whole-genome sequencing.
Genomics of Common and Rare Diseases
This module investigates the genetic basis of common and rare diseases, focusing on the identification of the genes responsible for developmental defects and the application of genomics in diagnostics.
Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis
This module explores the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression. It covers the application of genomic technologies in cancer diagnosis and the use of cutting-edge technologies for molecular diagnostics in the clinical setting. It explores the use of pharmacogenomics in tailoring drug treatment to improve patient response and minimize adverse effects.
Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease
This module examines the application of genomic principles in understanding and preventing infectious diseases. It covers the use of genomics in tracking and managing outbreaks, studying microbial diversity, and antimicrobial resistance.
Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues in Genomic Medicine
This module explores the ethical, legal, and social implications of using genomic information in healthcare settings. It delves into issues like privacy, consent, and the potential for genomic discrimination.
Optional Modules:
Economic models and human genomics
This module explores the economic implications of genomic medicine, considering cost effectiveness and potential benefits for patients.
Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Genomic Medicine
This module examines the ethical, legal, and social implications of using genomic information in healthcare settings.
Assessment: The program employs a comprehensive assessment strategy to evaluate participants' understanding and application of the acquired knowledge and skills. The assessment methods vary across modules and can include:
- Tutorial work: This involves analyzing case studies, participating in group discussions, and completing written assignments related to the module topics.
- Submitted assignments: These assignments may involve essays, research reports, data analysis tasks, or critical reviews of scientific literature.
- Practical reports: Participants may be required to submit reports detailing their results and interpretations from practical work conducted during the face-to-face workshops.
- Short examinations: These examinations assess participants' understanding of key concepts and principles covered within each module. The weighting of each assessment method varies depending on the module and specific learning outcomes. Participants must achieve a passing grade in all assessed components to successfully complete the program.
Teaching: The program boasts a dedicated team of academics and researchers with extensive experience in genomics research and its clinical applications. The teaching staff delivers interactive lectures, seminars, and workshops that promote active learning and encourage critical thinking.
Key features of the program's teaching approach include:
- Blended learning: Combining online learning flexibility with intensive face-to-face workshops allows participants to balance professional commitments while receiving valuable theoretical and practical instruction.
- Interactive sessions: Lectures and seminars incorporate discussions, case studies, and group work to facilitate deeper understanding and application of theoretical concepts.
- Hands-on experience: Participants gain practical experience with genomic technologies and data analysis through dedicated laboratory sessions during workshops.
- Expert faculty: The program is delivered by leading academics, researchers, and clinicians in genomics, providing participants with access to cutting-edge knowledge and insights.
- Guest speakers: Experts from various fields related to genomics are invited to share their experiences and perspectives, broadening the participants' understanding of the field's diverse applications.
Careers: This program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to pursue diverse career paths in genomics and its application to healthcare. Potential career opportunities include:
- Clinical geneticist: Providing genetic counselling and diagnostic services to patients affected by genetic disorders.
- Genomic researcher: Conducting research to discover new genetic markers and pathways involved in disease development.
- Bioinformatician: Analyzing and interpreting genomic data to identify disease-causing mutations or develop personalized treatment strategies.
- Pharmacist/prescriber: Utilizing pharmacogenomics to optimize drug therapy based on a patient's genetic profile.
- Science communicator: Educating the public and healthcare professionals about genomics and its implications. The program graduates are equipped with the necessary qualifications and expertise to make significant contributions to the field of genomics and improve patient care.
Other:
- Funding opportunities: To support students, the program offers scholarships and bursaries.
- Career support: The program provides dedicated career support services to assist graduates in their job search.
- Lifelong learning: After completing the program, graduates can access ongoing professional development opportunities through the university's alumni network and professional bodies. This program presents an exceptional opportunity for healthcare professionals to gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills in genomics, enabling them to advance their careers and make a tangible impact in the field of genomic medicine.
