Genomics of Common and rare disease (for credit)

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The deadline for booking a place on this course has passed. Please use the 'Ask a Question' button to register your interest in future or similar courses.

The number of rare monogenic disorders is estimated to be greater than 7000, but only in approximately half of these are the underlying genes known. Common conditions such as intellectual disability, diabetes and schizophrenia are thought to arise from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors but deeper understanding of the genetic and mechanistic basis of these conditions is necessary for clinical translation.

The module offers a comprehensive overview of the traditional and current strategies and techniques used to identify genes responsible for both common multifactorial and rare inherited diseases, focusing mainly on the latter. This module will initially explore the clinical presentation and course of a range of common and rare inherited diseases. The principles and practise of medical genetics, and the management and treatment of probands and their families will be discussed. In addition, the role of genomics in a care pathway will be examined including the patient and family perspective. Building on knowledge gained in MOD2 (Omics techniques and the application to genomic medicine), students will further explore the analytical challenges in genomics as applied to rare inherited diseases.

Information on other modules can be accessed here

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Overview

All Genomic Medicine modules run as one week teaching sessions (>30 contact hours), followed by a further four weeks of guided study using a Virtual Learning Environment during which time students complete a formal assessment of 2500-3500 words.

The modules each carry 15 FHEQ Level 7 credits (equivalent to 150 hours of learning).

Module delivery: In person teaching

Progression

Below are the options for transfer forward of credit/modules into a Cambridge award:

1 module at 15 credits may be transferred forward into the PG Certificate
2 modules at a total of 30 credits may be transferred forward into the PG Diploma or Masters [MSt]

NB: The transferring of modules towards an award can only be brought forward from modules studied at The University of Cambridge in the previous Academic Year.

For transfer of credit towards non Cambridge awards, you are advised to consult the University where you wish to study as different criteria may apply.

Key dates

Apply by: Friday 11 April 2025

Module dates: Monday 12 to Friday 16 May 2025

Assignment deadline: Tuesday 17 June 2025

Entry Requirements

Academic requirement

Applicants are normally expected to a hold a 2i degree or higher from a UK university or an equivalent from an overseas university.

Language requirement

All applicants are required to demonstrate competency in English at a high level before commencing the programme; students whose first language is not English must be able to satisfy the requirements below.

IELTS Academic: Overall score of 7.0 (a minimum of 7.0 in Listening, Writing and Speaking; 6.5 in Reading)
TOEFL Internet: Overall score of 100 (a minimum of 25 in each individual component)
CAE: Grade A or B (with at least 193 in each individual element) plus a Language Centre assessment
CPE: Grade A, B, or C (with at least 200 in each individual element)

Note that: International students must ensure they have the appropriate immigration status to undertake the course, and this will need to be checked by the University. Students who do not hold an immigration status that permits study and work in the UK will be based overseas and attendance on modules can be supported as a visitor to the UK. There are restrictions on using the visitor route for study and this may restrict the number of modules that can be undertaken across one year.

Fees and funding

The fee for 2024-25 will be £1,393 for home students and £3,623 for overseas students.

Participants will be expected to cover the costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence incurred during teaching sessions in Cambridge.

HEE funding is available for NHS staff wishing to apply to study Genomic Medicine at The University of Cambridge. It is available for study of individual modules or modules as part of a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or part-time Masters in Genomic Medicine. Limited funding is also available for those wishing to extend their study from a Postgraduate Certificate or 4 modules to a Postgraduate Diploma or MSt.

HEE funding is limited and subject to HEE approval.

Prospective students wishing to apply for HEE funding should apply for their course place in the first instance. If you are eligible for Health Education England [HEE] funding then your application for funding is made via the University and not directly to HEE.

If you receive a conditional offer of a place, we (the University) will confirm the amount of HEE funding we can offer. With your permission we will then share your details with HEE so that they can progress and approve your funding allocation.

For full details of eligibility, the application procedure and FAQs, please refer to the HEE website here. Click on a module, read the information on the tabs titled, ‘Funding rules’ and ‘FAQs’ tabs. At the bottom of the ‘Funding rules’ tab click the link to view the ‘the application process for CPPD module(s) or postgraduate certificate’ to view a useful flowchart showing the application procedure.

How to apply

Applications will be accepted until 11 April 2025

Your application must include:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Copies of relevant qualification certificates and transcripts
Language proficiency (if required)
Contact details of two referees who will be contacted on your behalf
Evidence of funding (if applicable)

Additional guidance on completing your application (including restrictions associated with the use of AI) can be found here

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Course dates

12 May 2025 to 16 May 2025

Course duration

1 Week

Apply by

11 Apr 2025

Course fee

Home: £1,393
Overseas: £3,623

Course director

Dr Kenneth Langlands

Academic director

Dr Emma English

Module lead

Dr Evan Reid

Academic Directors, Course Directors and Tutors are subject to change, when necessary.

Venue

Cambridge Biomedical Campus

Hills Road

Cambridge

CB2 0QQ

United Kingdom

Qualifications / Credits

15 credits at Master of Studies

Course code

MOD3CR