Genomic Medicine (M.Sc.)

Overview

Course Overview

This M.Sc. aims to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to generate, evaluate and use genomic data, covering analytical, technological and biomedical aspects. Understanding the importance of genomic variation and its impact on biology opens the possibility of advanced diagnostics and precision treatments, as well as an improved fundamental understanding of disease mechanisms and the effects of environmental exposures. Such developments will in turn lead to further, more specific therapeutic opportunities.

The M.Sc. in Genomic Medicine aims to provide students with a cutting-edge overview of the theory and practical applications of genomics in the health sciences. Including: 

• The contribution of ancient and present-day genomic variation to human health and diseases.
• Critical processes in molecular and cell biology translating genomics to health outcomes.
• The impact of genomics on disease processes such as cancer and common polygenic and rare monogenic conditions.
• Personalised and precision medicine: the ability to individualise treatments based on a person’s genetic constitution.
• The use of an individual’s genome to predict disease risk such as cancer and common inflammatory conditions.
• The role of genomics in drug discovery and target validation. 
• Evaluating the importance of host and environment interactions - for example the impact of the microbiome on health.
• Appreciating the ethical and legal framework governing the conduct of health science and genomics research.
• How genomic research is carried out using contemporary genetic analysis techniques and know-how to analyse genetic data using computational methods.
• How to conduct genomic and epidemiological studies in large populations.
• Evaluating critically the scientific literature and communicating effectively in oral and written formats, formulating research hypotheses, designing experiments and conducting quality scientific research.

Is This Course For Me?

The programme is aimed at participants from a range of backgrounds, from basic scientists to clinicians and those involved in the life science/ pharmaceutical industry and related fields.

Career Opportunities

The course provides participants with the knowledge and skills to generate, evaluate and apply genomic data, covering analytical, technological and biomedical aspects. Graduates have upskilled in the area of genomic medicine and have pursued an array of academic, clinical and industrial career paths.

Course Structure

The programme is offered full-time (one year) or part-time (two years), options encompassing 60 ECTS of taught and self-directed learning, and 30 ECTs for an original research project. It includes multi-disciplinary training on a range of topics, from genomics and cell biology to analytical techniques and medical applications catering from basic to advanced levels. 

Course Content

Students take four mandatory modules Research Skills (Ethics, Literature Reviews, Journal Club, and Lab Practicals). Introduction to Computation and Genomic Data Handling I: Core Concepts in Programming and NGS Data Processing. Precision Medicine: “Genomic and Translational Aspects”. Research Integrity and Impact in an Open Scholarship Era.

Optional modules allow participants to tailor the programme to best suit their state of knowledge and professional aspirations. Students can choose six electives from the following: Introduction to Computation and Genomic Data Handling II; Advanced Programming and NGS Data Analysis; Statistical Methods for Genomics; Introduction to Genetics and Development; Population Genomics; Genomics Technologies; Molecular Oncology; Microbial Genomics in Health and Disease; and Cellular Biology and Cell Signalling Mechanisms.

Our lecturers are predominantly research active or clinical scientists who lecture in their areas of expertise and the course content is constantly reviewed and updated.

Click here for further information on modules/subjects.