Genomic Medicine (Taught)

This course is only open to those who have successfully completed and passed the Postgraduate Certificate in Genomic Medicine with The University of Cambridge, Institute of Continuing Education.

The PGDip (Flex) in Genomic Medicine is a continuation of the Postgraduate Certificate [PGCert] in Genomic Medicine and provides a progression route to the one-year Masters [MSt] in Genomic Medicine. It is a 9 month, part-time Master’s-level course resulting in 60 FHEQ Level-7 credits and the University of Cambridge award.

The course is part of the suite of postgraduate courses in Genomic Medicine and designed to educate suitably qualified NHS healthcare professionals from across the multi-professional team to prepare for the future adoption of genomic technologies and the increasing use of genomic information as part of the diagnostic and treatment pathway.

The programme has been developed by the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education and Cambridge University Hospitals in partnership with Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences, and EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute.

The PG Diploma (flexible) is a nine month course in which students must complete an additional four modules (which have not already been studied as part of the PG Certificate year) chosen from a range of modules, some of which are core and some of which are optional. There is additional between-module reflection, study and assignment work.

Students will choose four modules (core and optional modules). Indicative modules are listed below:

Core modules:

An Introduction to human genetics and genomics - compulsory module completed in PgCert
Omics techniques and the application to genomic medicine
Molecular pathology of cancer and application in cancer diagnosis, screening, and treatment
Genomics of common and rare disease
Bioinformatics, interpretation, and data quality assurance in genome analysis Application of genomics to infectious disease
Pharmacogenetics and stratified healthcare Option modules:
Advanced bioinformatics – from genomes to systems Counselling skills for genomic
Epigenetics and epigenomics Workplace based module
Research and statistical skills for Genomic Medicine
Each module includes approximately five days of teaching via a mixture of lectures, classes, practicals and seminars.

Students are assessed formatively (work that does not contribute to the degree, but helps students develop) throughout the taught modules of the programme using a variety of techniques and interrelated strategies including evidence of regular reflection, demonstration of active participation in the programme will also be required. There may also a requirement for the students to take part in peer review of other students.

For each of the four taught modules comprising the Postgraduate Diploma, students must complete summative (work that directly contributes to the award) assignments of 2,500 to 3,500 words each.

Each module includes approximately five days of teaching via a mixture of lectures, classes, practicals and seminars.