Undergraduate Certificate in Genetics

Lectures focus on how genetic variation is created and how genes are passed from generation to generation. As well as a broad introduction to the subject, the course aims to promote discussion about the current and future application of the human genome project, genomic data and genomic editing in the medical field.

What will I be studying?

The course is taught through three units, each having its own topic.

Unit 1: DNA, the stuff our genes are made of

4 Day Schools on Saturday 15th October 2022, Saturday 29th October 2022, Saturday 12th November 2022 and Saturday 26th November 2022

This unit aims to introduce the core concepts of what genes are and how they work, enabling students to appreciate the transfer of information from DNA to living cells.

Unit 2: From genes to genomes

4 Day Schools on Saturday 14th January 2023, Saturday 28th January 2023, Saturday 11th February 2023 and Saturday 25th February 2023

The second unit explores some of the areas of active whole genome research which followed on from the Human Genome Project and led to an unprecedented transformation in our understanding of human diseases and medical practices. We explain how genetic variation across the human genome can be used to study susceptibility to diseases and the role of epigenetics in gene expression and disease. We focus particularly on cancer and explain how we are currently using genome editing technologies to edit the genome of cells grown in the lab, in the hope of curing hereditary diseases in the future.

Unit 3: Genetics: past, present and future

4 Day Schools on Saturday 15th April 2023, Saturday 29th April 2023, Saturday 13th May 2023 and Saturday 20th May 2023

This unit introduces the theory of evolution and the science behind the inheritance of specific characteristics, by considering how genes are passed on from generation to generation and how characteristics are influenced by genes and the environment. It discusses the potential of genetic manipulation.

What can I go on to do?

If you wish, you may develop your studies by taking the Certificate in Evolutionary Biology, which can be combined with the Certificate in Genetics to make the award of the Certificate of Higher Education in Genetics and Evolution. We also have a Certificate in Infectious Diseases and Certificate in Immunology. Alternatively, you may choose to deepen your study by taking the Diploma in Genetics or the Diploma in Evolutionary Biology. 

Credit awarded by the Institute can be transferred into the degree programmes of some other higher education providers. The amount of credit which can be transferred into degree programmes varies from institution to institution and is always at the discretion of the receiving institution.

Entry requirements

There are no formal academic entry requirements for this course but as it is taught at university level applicants should be able to read, write and speak English fluently.

English language requirement: If English is not your first language, you need to be able to prove you meet the University of Cambridge English language requirements on application. Please refer to our English language requirements pages for further information. 

Technical requirements 

For the 2022-2023 Academic Year this course is being taught remotely. This means there will be no face-to-face teaching and you will not need to be present in person in Cambridge, although there is an expectation that you will attend synchronous teaching sessions. The course content will be delivered, and the learning outcomes met, through the use of video-based teaching platforms and a dedicated course Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). 

You will therefore need to have access to: 

• the internet via a computer, laptop, tablet or other smart device.  
• speakers or headphones in order to hear any pre-recorded material 
• a webcam and microphone for any interactive sessions which may be available 

Once you are logged into the VLE you can familiarise yourself with the learning environment. There is also guidance about how to access course materials and activities.  

The tuition fee for the course is £2,500.  

You can pay in two ways:

• in full on enrolment by credit or debit card 
• in three equal instalments by credit/debit card: the first on enrolment, the second on 1 January and the third and final instalment on 1 April. The exact dates will be confirmed in the student’s individual booking details.

Please note, your place on the course is not secured until payment is received by the Institute of Continuing Education accompanied by any necessary documentation, i.e. proof of English language proficiency.

ICE Cancellations and Refunds policy 

Information on sources of funding, bursaries and Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) 

This course will require a minimum number of students in order to run. Applicants for this course will be notified one week after the application deadline if the course is not going to be running at which point students will be offered to transfer their application to another course or receive a refund of the fees they have paid so far (please see our ICE Cancellations and Refunds policy). 

Applying

Please apply via the link at the top of this page. Your application will be assessed and you will be notified of the outcome by email. If you are offered a place, you will receive instructions as to how to register and pay. Please note that places are limited and on a first-come first-served basis.

Closing date for applications

Applications for this course can be received until midday (12 noon) on Monday 5 September 2022. If you are offered a place on the course, we will ask you to complete your booking within a limited time and to pay the fees or if paying fees by instalments, the first instalment of fees to secure your place.

If you would like an informal discussion on academic matters before making your application, please contact the Course Director, Dr Tom Monie: tpm22@cam.ac.uk.