Masters Degrees in Genomics

The increasing impact of genetics in healthcare and the development of newer sophisticated technologies requires contributions from research scientists, clinical laboratory scientists and clinicians to investigate the causes of, and therefore permit optimal management for, diseases for which alterations in the genome, either at the DNA sequence level or epigenetic level, play a significant role. Collaboration between staff from the University of Glasgow and the NHS West of Scotland Genetics Service enables the MSc in Medical Genetics and Genomics to provide a state-of-the-art view of the application of modern genetic and genomic technologies in medical genetics research and diagnostics, and in delivery of a high quality genetics service to patients, as well as in design of targeted therapies.

Why this programme

◾This is a fully up-to-date Medical Genetics degree delivered by dedicated, multi-award-winning teaching and clinical staff of the University, with considerable input from hospital-based Regional Genetics Service clinicians and clinical scientists.
◾The full spectrum of genetic services is represented, from patient and family counselling to diagnostic testing of individuals and screening of entire populations for genetic conditions: eg the NHS prenatal and newborn screening programmes.
◾The MSc Medical Genetics Course is based on the south side of the River Clyde in the brand new (2015) purpose built Teaching & Learning Centre, at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospitals (we are located 4 miles from the main University Campus). The Centre also houses state of the art educational resources, including a purpose built teaching laboratory, computing facilities and a well equipped library. The West of Scotland Genetic Services are also based here at the Queen Elizabeth Campus allowing students to learn directly from NHS staff about the latest developments to this service.
◾The Medical Genetics MSc Teaching Staff have won the 2014 UK-wide Prospects Postgraduate Awards for the category of Best Postgraduate Teaching Team (Science, Technology & Engineering). These awards recognise and reward excellence and good practice in postgraduate education.
◾The close collaboration between university and hospital staff ensures that the Medical Genetics MSc provides a completely up-to-date representation of the practice of medical genetics and you will have the opportunity to observe during clinics and visit the diagnostic laboratories at the new Southern General Hospital laboratory medicine building.
◾The Medical Genetics degree explores the effects of mutations and variants as well as the current techniques used in NHS genetics laboratory diagnostics and recent developments in diagnostics (including microarray analysis and the use of massively parallel [“next-generation”] sequencing).
◾New developments in medical genetics are incorporated into the lectures and interactive teaching sessions very soon after they are presented at international meetings or published, and you will gain hands-on experience and guidance in using software and online resources for genetic diagnosis and for the evaluation of pathogenesis of DNA sequence variants.
◾You will develop your skills in problem solving, experimental design, evaluation and interpretation of experimental data, literature searches, scientific writing, oral presentations, poster presentations and team working.
◾This MSc programme will lay the academic foundations on which some students may build in pursuing research at PhD level in genetics or related areas of biomedical science or by moving into related careers in diagnostic services.
◾The widely used textbook “Essential Medical Genetics” is co-authored by a member of the core teaching team, Professor Edward Tobias.
◾For doctors: The Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians’ Training Board (JRCPTB) in the UK recognises the MSc in Medical Genetics and Genomics (which was established in 1984) as counting for six months of the higher specialist training in Clinical Genetics.
◾The Medical Council of Hong Kong recognises the MSc in Medical Genetics and Genomics from University of Glasgow in it's list of Quotable Qualifications.

Programme structure

Genetic Disease: from the Laboratory to the Clinic

This course is designed in collaboration with the West of Scotland Regional Genetics Service to give students a working knowledge of the principles and practice of Medical Genetics and Genomics which will allow them to evaluate, choose and interpret appropriate genetic investigations for individuals and families with genetic disease. The link from genotype to phenotype, will be explored, with consideration of how this knowledge might contribute to new therapeutic approaches.

Case Investigations in Medical Genetics and Genomics

Students will work in groups to investigate complex clinical case scenarios: decide appropriate testing, analyse results from genetic tests, reach diagnoses where appropriate and, with reference to the literature, generate a concise and critical group report.

Clinical Genomics

Students will take this course OR Omic Technologies for Biomedical Sciences OR Frontiers in Cancer Science.

This course will provide an overview of the clinical applications of genomic approaches to human disorders, particularly in relation to clinical genetics, discussion the methods and capabilities of the new technologies. Tuition and hands-on experience in data analysis will be provided, including the interpretation of next generation sequencing reports.

Omic technologies for the Biomedical Sciences: from Genomics to Metabolomics

Students will take this course OR Clinical Genomics OR Frontiers in Cancer Science.

Visit the website for further information

Career prospects

Research: About half of our graduates enter a research career and most of these graduates undertake and complete PhDs; the MSc in Medical Genetics and Genomics facilitates acquisition of skills relevant to a career in research in many different bio-molecular disciplines.

Diagnostics: Some of our graduates enter careers with clinical genetic diagnostic services, particularly in molecular genetics and cytogenetics.

Clinical genetics: Those of our graduates with a prior medical / nursing training often utilise their new skills in careers as clinical geneticists or genetic counsellors.

Other: Although the focus of teaching is on using the available technologies for the purpose of genetic diagnostics, many of these technologies are used in diverse areas of biomedical science research and in forensic DNA analysis. Some of our numerous graduates, who are now employed in many countries around the world, have entered careers in industry, scientific publishing, education and medicine.

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Research profile

Research in the Division of Genetics and Genomics aims to advance understanding of complex animal systems and the development of improved predictive models through the application of numerical and computational approaches in the analysis, interpretation, modelling and prediction of complex animal systems from the level of the DNA and other molecules, through cellular and gene networks, tissues and organs to whole organisms and interacting populations of organisms.

The biology and traits of interest include: growth and development, body composition, feed efficiency, reproductive performance, responses to infectious disease and inherited diseases.

Research encompasses basic research in bioscience and mathematical biology and strategic research to address grand challenges, e.g. food security.

Research is focussed on, but not restricted to, target species of agricultural importance including cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep; farmed fish such as salmon; and companion animals. The availability of genome sequences and the associated genomics toolkits enable genetics research in these species.

Expertise includes genetics (molecular, quantitative), physiology (neuroendocrinology, immunology), ‘omics (genomics, functional genomics) with particular strengths in mathematical biology (quantitative genetics, epidemiology, bioinformatics, modelling).

The Division has 18 Group Leaders and 4 career track fellows who supervise over 30 postgraduate students.

Training and support

Studentships are of 3 or 4 years duration and students will be expected to complete a novel piece of research which will advance our understanding of the field. To help them in this goal, students will be assigned a principal and assistant supervisor, both of whom will be active scientists at the Institute. Student progress is monitored in accordance with School Postgraduate (PG) regulations by a PhD thesis committee (which includes an independent external assessor and chair). There is also dedicated secretarial support to assist these committees and the students with regard to University and Institute matters.

All student matters are overseen by the Schools PG studies committee. The Roslin Institute also has a local PG committee and will provide advice and support to students when requested. An active staff:student liaison committee and a social committee, which is headed by our postgraduate liaison officer, provide additional support.

Students are expected to attend a number of generic training courses offered by the Transkills Programme of the University and to participate in regular seminars and laboratory progress meetings. All students will also be expected to present their data at national and international meetings throughout their period of study.

Facilities

In 2011 The Roslin Institute moved to a new state-of-the-art building on the University of Edinburgh's veterinary campus at Easter Bush. Our facilities include: rodent, bird and livestock animal units and associated lab areas; comprehensive bioinformatic and genomic capability; a range of bioimaging facilities; extensive molecular biology and cell biology labs; café and auditorium where we regularly host workshops and invited speakers.

The University's genomics facility Edinburgh Genomics is closely associated with the Division of Genetics and Genomics and provides access to the latest genomics technologies, including next-generation sequencing, SNP genotyping and microarray platforms (genomics.ed.ac.uk).

In addition to the Edinburgh Compute and Data Facility’s high performance computing resources, The Roslin Institute has two compute farms, including one with 256 GB of RAM, which enable the analysis of complex ‘omics data sets.

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Genomics Medicine and Healthcare Courses

The Genomic Medicine and Healthcare course has been developed for healthcare professionals including Specialist Medical Practitioners, General Medical Practitioners, Allied Health Professionals, Nurses and Midwives, Genetic Counsellors and those with related undergraduate degrees or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience. It will be of interest to health professionals in the UK and internationally and will provide a solid foundation in the core concepts of genetics and genomics applied to modern medicine and healthcare. Although there are other courses covering the subject area, none are completely online so they are difficult and costly for global healthcare professionals to get involved. This course will reach an international audience in a cost effective, flexible and inclusive way, helping to develop a worldwide network of genomic medical and healthcare leaders.

Our course is well timed given increasing public and professional interests in genetic and genome-level diagnostic and predictive testing for clinical management, disease risk evaluation, prevention of major complications and offering the prospect of improved prognosis. Personalised benefits include the option for reproductive choices and reducing lifetime medical or health risks by judicious use of new emerging preventive medicines and devices combined with lifestyle/behaviour modifications.

Diploma in Genomics Medicine and Healthcare Courses

Our online 1 year Postgraduate Diploma in Genomic Medicine & Healthcare is designed to be practical and clinically focused. The course will provide an integrated approach to Genomic Medicine and Healthcare and focus on applying scientific principles to direct patient care. The Genomics Diploma course is worth 120 credits and comprises 6 modules of 20 credits each.

The Diploma course aims to equip graduates with critical knowledge and understanding of genomics medicine. Graduates will be able to apply knowledge for direct clinical benefit and future study. Our Genomics Medicine Diploma course caters to the educational needs of a primary and secondary care audience and is the only one of its kind that is completely accessible online.

Our Genomic Medicine Diploma has been designed for General Medical Practitioners, Specialist Medical Practitioners (for example Paediatrics, General Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Medical Oncology), Allied Health Professionals (Clinical Psychologists, Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists), Nurses (Cancer, Cardiac, Paediatric, Neurology etc.) and Midwives. In addition, the course would be of interest to those with related undergraduate degrees (e.g. Dietetics, Biomedical Science, Pharmacy) or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience

On completion you will demonstrate:

- a systematic understanding of genetics and genomic factors in human diseases
- a critical awareness of current issues affecting the management of inherited human diseases
- an advanced knowledge of clinical genomics that will facilitate decision-making in unpredictable and/or complex situations
- an ability to critically evaluate current research in applied and translational genetics and genomics
- an ability to deliver management strategies for the investigation and treatment of patients with inherited human diseases
- a basic understanding of the scope and effect of genomics on treatments including horizon scanning of potential new targeted treatments for wider population

Course Structure

The online course lasts one calendar year and is a part time distance learning course. It consists of 6 modules per year, each of 6 weeks duration.

Module 1 - Principles of Medical Genetics and Genomics
Module 2 - Genetic Counselling
Module 3 - Genomics and Society
Module 4 - Practice of Clinical Genomics
Module 5 - Reproductive Genomics
Module 6 - Genomic Healthcare

Assessment

Online Diploma in Genomic Medicine and Healthcare

The course puts assessment at the heart of learning by using clinical scenarios to facilitate problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based care. The scenarios act as both the focus for learning and assessment thus embedding assessment within the learning process.

Each of the 6 modules have the same assessment format. Due to the online nature of the course, students are expected to login and participate in the course regularly throughout the module (ideally on a daily basis).

Students are split into groups of 10-15 students and are assigned a dedicated expert tutor who:

Facilitates clinical case discussions with the group.
Monitors, assesses and marks each student throughout the module.
Students use the skills gained during the lectures to engage with the different activities (see below).
Clinical case scenarios with case based discussion - 40%
Individual learning portfolio - 10%
Group/individual activity - 20%
Case based examination - 30%

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The advent of affordable rapid genome sequencing will produce enormous amounts of genetic data on both individuals and populations, and the challenge for scientists is to unlock the potential of this ‘big data’. Doing so requires a new generation of scientists who can combine genetics and bioinformatics to understand how genomic changes cause diseases such as cancer, thus enabling the development of novel treatments, through drugs and gene therapy, and prevention strategies. With the huge expansion in number of individual genomes being sequenced, this is one of the fastest growing areas of biomedical science as we embrace the era of personalised medicine.

See the website http://www.brookes.ac.uk/Courses/Postgraduate/Medical-Genetics-and-Genomics/

Why choose this course?

- This is a 12 month full-time course, with part-time places available.

- Aimed at graduates (UK/ EU, International) wishing to develop skills and knowledge in human genetics and genome analysis for employment in the medical biotechnology/pharma and genomics sector, and those wishing to go on to do research degrees.

- This course will prepare you for entry into a career in medical genetics and genomics.

- Our lecturers conduct first-class research, with over 95% of Biological Science research internationally recognised in the 2014 REF.

- You will be taught by Oxford Brookes staff, with specialist lectures provided by staff of other partners in the Oxford Academic Health Sciences Centre, and will have a range of project opportunities using human genome data.

- The Faculty will invest over £8M in Bioscience facilities from 2015, with funding from HEFCE.

- Projects may be linked to specific needs and interests in the work-place, at Brookes or within other genomic laboratories under Brookes supervision. We also have strong links with local industry.

- We develop your transferable skills, particularly communication, organisation and research planning, which will assist you when carrying out your research project and can provide a basis for application for a research degree or career in genomics research.

Teaching and learning

The taught programme will be available with options for full-time and part-time MSc (180 credits), as well as individual CPD modules. Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma qualifications are also possible, requiring 60 and 120 credits, respectively.

Approach to assessment

Assessment methods used within the course are varied and are designed to be stimulating as well as academically rigorous. They are based on your learning needs, individual aims and the academic standards expected for the course.

You will receive unparalleled support from tutors and have access to state-of-the-art learning technologies via our Moodle platform. Our tutors have reputations for excellence and have established links with colleagues, organisations and institutions at national and international levels.

Embedded throughout the curriculum are skills that are essential to achieve quality outcomes for genomic medicine in practice. This will develop skills culminating in the research project, which will enable students to undertake research and evaluate new findings to implement in patient diagnosis, treatment and care, problem-based learning, work-based learning and inter-professional learning to develop skills for working in specialist and interdisciplinary teams. The development of skills in bioinformatics and use of genomic data will be a key outcome so the programme has a large proportion of hands on experience.

How this course helps you develop

You will develop the in-depth knowledge and specialised skills required to apply genetics and genomics theory to practical problems in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, and to undertake research in genetics and genome analysis.

Students will acquire knowledge and skills for employment or PhD positions in the expanding fields of genomics, bioinformatics, or other medically-related research, and academia.

During the course of this programme you will develop a network of colleagues and experts from this field.

Careers

- Research Degree/ PhD
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Biomedical Industry
- NHS Scientist
- Medical Research
- Academia

Free language courses for students - the Open Module

Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.

Please note that the free language courses are not available if you are:
- studying at a Brookes partner college
- studying on any of our teacher education courses or postgraduate education courses.

Research highlights

RESEARCH EXCELLENCE FRAMEWORK (REF) 2014
- Top post '92 University Biological Sciences submission

- 95% of research internationally recognised

- Double the percentage 4* and treble the percentage 3* research compared to 2008, with 58% of research being world leading or internationally excellent

- 80% of impact rated 3* or 4*

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This course offers a thorough grounding in state-of-the-art biotechnology in combination with training in enterprise, commercialisation and intellectual property (IP) protection.

Biotechnology is rapidly becoming central to our lives. The use of plants, animals and bacteria, enhanced by areas such as genetics and genomics, gives rise to new food, fibre and chemical production routes, and new strategies for environmental protection and stewardship, all central requirements as the global population increases over the coming decades.

Genetics and Genomics

Advanced studies in current state of the art genomics and genetics techniques, from high throughput systems for analysing 'omic components to advanced bioinformatic components for large data set analyses and database searching.

Key features

Unique set of specialisations in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Environmental Biotechnology, Genetics and Breeding; and Genetics and Genomics. Offers a thorough grounding in state-of-the-art biotechnology in combination with training in enterprise and commercialisation. Utilises the expertise of world-leading research staff in the Faculty of Science and in the UWA Business School - along with Business ‘Angels’ and mentors in biotechnology spin-outs.

Course description, features and facilities

The Master of Biotechnology with a specialisation in Genetics and Genomics provides advanced studies in current state-of-the-art genomics and genetics techniques, from high throughput systems for analysing genomic components, to advanced bioinformatics components, for large data set analyses and database searching.

Career opportunities

The Master of Biotechnology is a cross-disciplinary degree, providing graduates with a unique combination of state-of-the-art science and business skills, in a subject area rapidly expanding as society faces increasingly significant population pressures.

Graduates will be ready to compete internationally in a range of roles – from large multi-nationals and spinout companies, to governmental organisations and international research laboratories – or start companies of their own.

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Core modules

• Introduction to programming for biology
• Introduction to statistical computing in R
• Algorithms for molecular biology
• Medical genomics I: genomics of rare and common diseases
• Medical genomics II: the cancer genome
• Genomics techniques I: sequencing library preparation
• Genomics techniques II: genomics data analysis

Optional modules

• Scientific visualization
• Probabilistic models for molecular biology
• Molecular and cell biology of cancer
• Advanced and applied immunology
• Stochastic processes
• Machine learning
• Applied statistics
• Advanced probability with applications
• Linear modeling
• Bayesian Modeling

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Core modules

• Programming for biology
• Overview of molecular biology/genetics concepts
• Statistical computing in R
• Algorithms for molecular biology
• Medical genomics I: genomics of rare and common diseases
• Medical genomics II: the cancer genome
• Genomics techniques I: sequencing library preparation
• Genomics techniques II: genomics data analysis

Optional modules

• Scientific visualization
• Probabilistic models for molecular biology
• Molecular and cell biology of cancer
• Advanced and applied immunology
• Stochastic processes
• Machine learning
• Applied statistics
• Advanced probability with applications
• Linear modeling
• Bayesian Modeling

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This masters course will bring you up to speed with the post genomic era. We are now in a scientific age that has followed the game changing breakthrough that was the sequencing of the human genome. But that was not the end, just the beginning. The “big” data being generated is coming out at an amazing rate. Personalised medicine is around the corner. We need skilled and talented biologists who are capable of analysing, processing and innovating. Gene therapy is hitting the headlines. Stem cell therapy may treat the previously untreatable. You can be part of this new golden age with a masters in medical genomics.

More about this course

We will be enhancing knowledge of genomic science from a health perspective. With our superb laboratory facilities we’re able to offer unique research project opportunities together with outstanding quality of teaching from research active staff.

We have access to guest lecturers at the highest levels of their profession who are collaborating with our staff (Barts, Imperial, Kings, UCL, St Georges, Brunel). In addition, we have a strong collaboration with the prestigious ACFIES in Columbia, which offers exciting international work exchange opportunities.
Students will be eligible to join the Royal Society of Biology with whom we are registering to be accredited.

We can offer unrivalled student learning support and our location means that the job market is on our doorstep. Connections with other prestigious universities mean that students will have the opportunity to meet and discuss their career options and secure work placements or apply for studentships.

You’ll be tested using a wide variety of assessment tools. We will ask students to write laboratory reports, give presentations, sit written exams, take part in debates, answer quizzes and experience virtual labs via asynchronous e-learning, make posters and defend their work aurally.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2016/17 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year 1 modules includes:
-Biomedical Informatics (core, 20 credits)
-Fundamentals of Medical Genetics and Genomics (core, 20 credits)
-Medical Genetics (core, 20 credits)
-Research Project for Medical Genomics (core, 60 credits)
-Scientific Frameworks for Research (core, 20 credits)
-Advanced Immunology (option, 20 credits)
-Bioinformatics and Molecular Modelling (option, 20 credits)
-Biomedical Diagnostics (option, 20 credits)
-Epidemiology of Emerging Infectious Disease (option, 20 credits)
-Ethical Issues in Biomedical Science (option, 20 credits)
-Molecular Oncology (option, 20 credits)

After the course

Genomics is important in both public and private domains. It is key for the NHS and via governmental initiatives (the 100,000 genome project). Thus there is a commensurate burgeoning of new genome centres in the UK and abroad: ie the Cambridge Genome centre. There are opportunities for people with degrees and training in human genetics. As genetic testing becomes part of many routine medical evaluations, more geneticists are needed to perform the tests. As genetics is recognised to be a basic part of all biological sciences, more teachers with expertise in genetics will also be needed. In India, genomics is growing through companies like Medgenome. It is indubitable that this is a currently growing area of the job market.

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There is currently a worldwide shortage in graduates qualified in Bioinformatics and the skills to interpret the data that is going to underpin advances in biology and medicine in 21st Century. With the advent of Personalised Medicine, the demand for specialists in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics will further increase. This gives you the opportunity to build your transferable skill set across a range of cutting edge technologies and start building a career in this central facet of modern biology.

Students completing the MSc course in Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics will have the necessary skills and knowledge to undertake research and development in industry (Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, Diagnostic companies), in medical research centres and in academic institutions worldwide.

Computational, statistical and machine learning methods form an integral part of modern research in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Public Health Care and in Medicine. The past decade has seen enormous progress in the development of molecular and biomedical technologies. Today’s high-throughput array and sequencing techniques produce data in the range of terabytes on a daily basis and new technologies continuously emerge. This will further increase the stream of data available for biomedical research. For this reason analyzing, visualizing and managing this huge amount of data is a challenging task. The Queen’s MSc course in Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics targets these data-driven challenges of modern science. The course is open to graduates in computer science, life sciences, physics or statistics.

The programme will consist of an Introductory short course (two weeks) in Cell Biology, followed by modules in:

• Genomics & Genetics
• Analysis of Gene Expression
• Scientific Programming & Statistical Computing
• Algorithmic Biology
• Statistical Biology
• Bioimaging Informatics
• Research project : MSc dissertation

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This course trains healthcare professionals in how to integrate genomic technology into patient care. We have developed this course with Health Education England (HEE) and Genomics England Ltd (GeL).

This course follows a syllabus specified by HEE to train National Health Service staff in genomic medicine. There is funding available for NHS staff to study genomic medicine at Newcastle.

This course will help you lead the holistic integration of genomic technology into patient care within the NHS. This includes the ambitious 100,000 Genomes Project at GeL.

The course is especially for NHS professionals to improve skills and support career progression. It is also suitable for healthcare professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, including those working, or wanting to work, in other healthcare systems. The course is suitable for non-healthcare professionals too. In developing your knowledge and skills in genomics, the course will prepare you for work or PhD study in:
-Genomics
-Bioinformatics
-Medical-related research in academia or the pharmaceutical industry
-The medical application of genomics
-Introducing genomics as a new technology into a healthcare system

As a Newcastle University student, you will learn from world-leading experts in genomics. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner.

The course begins with an introduction to genomics. You'll focus on the basics of DNA, genes and genetics. It will bring you up to speed with the current understanding of whole-genome information. We will introduce you to:
-The technologies for generating genome-wide data
-How to analyse and integrated the vast quantity of information generated
-How to produce meaningful information for those with inherited conditions or diseases like cancer

You will learn how to:
-Interrogate genomic data using bioinformatic tools
-Identify and investigate the pathogenicity of genetic variants and relate them to real-life case-studies.

Other core modules consider the role of genomics in infectious disease and pharmacogenomics, while optional modules explore the ethical, legal and social issues that surround genomic medicine, and counselling skills.

Delivery

You can study full time, part time, or by module for continuous professional development. The courses are available as flexible blended learning. This means that in each taught module you will have three to four study days, in addition to a distance learning component.

We will challenge and encourage you to think for yourself within a supportive environment. Your personal and welfare tutor will support you with both academic and welfare issues.

You can start your studies in September (full time and part time courses) or January (part time courses).

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Queen Mary University of London in collaboration with University College London, Public Health England, and Great Ormond Street Hospital

This is a flexible MSc course designed to provide healthcare professionals with a multi-disciplinary perspective on genomics and its application in medicine. You will be trained in state-of-the-art genomic platforms and informatics tools and how to apply them in the analysis and interpretation of whole genome sequence data from patients. The course is taught by a team of experts of international calibre in a stimulating research environment next to the Genomics England.

NHS professionals can apply for places sponsored by Health Education England (HEE)
See also http://www.genomicseducation.hee.nhs.uk/genomicsmsc/

Two intakes per year: September and January
- Full time taught “in house”
- Part time-distance learning

Advances in technology and informatics have fuelled an exponential growth in genomics research which in turn has transformed our understanding of disease biology and opening new avenues in drug discovery and patient treatment. Genomics has strong potential to impact patient care but will require highly trained professionals to implement it both at the level of the health care system, the pharmaceutical industry, and the broader biomedical sector.

The MSc Programme in Genomic Medicine is designed to provide healthcare professionals with a multi-disciplinary perspective on genomics and its application in medicine in particular rare genetic diseases, cancer and infection.

The overall aim of the programme is to offer participants the knowledge and training in genomics required to provide, develop and advance specialist scientific services around genomic medicine within healthcare systems. The programme will work closely with Genomics England to train students to analyse high quality genomic data and offer them the possibility to interact with international experts in this field. Working directly with patient data from the 100,000 genomes project will offer students hands on experience on how genomics may be applied to diagnosis and patient treatment. The course will offer opportunities for research and work experience projects in the participating NHS Trusts under UCL Partners.

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With whole genome sequences being available for numerous organisms across all kingdoms of life, numerous questions concerning genome evolution to gene function, phylogenetic relationships to genetic and metabolic networks, genotype to phenotype of complex traits, can be addressed through comparative genomics. Bioinformatic analysis of related genomes leads to testable hypotheses. Research available covers all of these areas and will use our expertise and resources on genome sequences to yeasts and fungi.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

After identifying which Masters you wish to pursue please complete an on-line application form
https://pgapps.nottingham.ac.uk/
Mark clearly on this form your choice of course title, give a brief outline of your proposed research and follow the automated prompts to provide documentation. Once the School has your application and accompanying documents (eg referees reports, transcripts/certificates) your application will be matched to an appropriate academic supervisor and considered for an offer of admission.

COURSE STRUCTURE
The MRes degree course consists of two elements:
160 credits of assessed work. The assessed work will normally be based entirely on a research project and will be the equivalent of around 10 ½ months full-time research work. AND
20 credits of non-assessed generic training. Credits can be accumulated from any of the courses offered by the Graduate School. http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/gradschool/research-training/index.phtml The generic courses should be chosen by the student in consultation with the supervisor(s).

ASSESSMENT
The research project will normally be assessed by a dissertation of a maximum of 30,000 to 35,000 words, or equivalent as appropriate*. The examiners may if they so wish require the student to attend a viva.
*In consultation with the supervisor it maybe possible for students to elect to do a shorter research project and take a maximum of 40 credits of assessed modules.

The School of Life Sciences will provide each postgraduate research student with a laptop for their exclusive use for the duration of their studies in the School.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/international-applicants/scholarships-fees-and-finance/scholarships/masters-scholarships.aspx

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Programme highlights:

- New course, covering the very latest tools and techniques in ecological and evolutionary genomics.
- Delivered by experts with active research programmes on a wide diversity of organisms and problems.
- An innovative group project, collaborating with peers to analyse genomic data.
- A six month individual thesis project in a current research area, with opportunities to collaborate with outside institutions and organisations

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Genomic Medicine MSc is suitable for doctors, healthcare professionals and other students with an interest in Genomic Medicine.

Overview

This course follows a curriculum designed by Health Education England and is suitable for healthcare professionals and other students with an interest in Genomic Medicine. As a jointly taught programme delivered by St George’s, University of London and King's College London, students will benefit from the breadth of expertise provided by both institutions.

Students will learn how recent technological advances have transformed how genetic data is generated, analysed and presented and its relevance to a range of clinical scenarios. This will be a flexible programme, structured to provide options for PGCert and PgDip awards as well as the MSc.

Funding is available from Health Education England (HEE) for NHS employees wishing to apply for the programme (and individual modules). Prospective students wishing to apply for this funding should do so before applying for the course.

Highlights

- Taught jointly by St George’s and King's
- Institutions with world-class research, clinical and teaching expertise across the full spectrum of Genomic Medicine
- Integrated within the South London Genomic Medicine Centre
- Both campuses are co-located with leading teaching hospitals
- Institutional expertise in multi-professional education
- St George’s scored 92% overall student satisfaction in Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2014
- King’s clinical research ranked third in the UK, eleventh in the world
- St George’s clinical research ranked 4th for impact
- Both institutions are ranked among the top 200 universities in the world according to the recent Times Higher Education World University Rankings

Modules

This MSc award will consist of 8 core modules with a selection of optional modules.

Core modules:
- Introduction to human genetics and genomics (15 credits)
- Omics techniques and their application to genomic medicine (15 credits)
- Genomics of common and rare inherited diseases (15 credits)
- Genomics in cancer pathology (15 credits)
- Pharmacogenomics and stratified healthcare (15 credits)
- Application of genomics in infectious disease (15 credits)
- Bioinformatics, interpretation, statistics and data quality assurance (15 credits)
- 60 Credit Research project or 30 Credit library-based dissertation

Optional modules
- Ethical, legal and social issues in applied genomics (15 credits)
- Counselling skills in genomics (15 credits)
- Cardiovascular genetics and genomics (15 credits)

Careers

This course is designed for students who wish to acquire training in genomic technologies and the interpretation of their findings within a medical context. An MSc in Genomic Medicine will provide career opportunities for a range of professions from laboratory based researchers to diagnostic and healthcare professionals.

Studying

Teaching will be delivered at both St George’s and King's sites and will include a variety of methods including lectures, seminars, workshops and online formats.

Progress throughout the course will be assessed through a variety of methods, including MCQ, written and oral presentations.

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Summary

Genomic technologies and information will transform practice across the clinical professions over the next decade. This MSc is a new programme commissioned by Health Education England, being offered alongside other centres across England to provide a multi-disciplinary, multi-professional course in genomics applied to clinical practice and medical research, enhancing knowledge and skills in this rapidly evolving field, and particularly focused on the 100,000 Genomes Project. This programme is suitable for health professionals working in the NHS, as well as students seeking to make the most of genomics as it applies to their current or future career.

Available full-and part-time and as a PG Dip and PG Cert.

Modules

Core modules: Introduction to Human Genetics and Genomics; Omic Techniques and their application to Genomic Medicine; Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases; Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis, Screening, and Treatment; Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare; Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease, Bioinformatics, Interpretation, and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis; and a Research Project.

Optional modules: Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Applied Genomics; Counselling Skills for Genomics; Health Economics; Workplace-based Learning; and Clinical Research Skills.

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