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. Students also gain experience in lab work, data interpretation and presentation and the course includes visits to local research institutions to learn more about the practical side of research.

Watch a short video featuring tutor Dr Maya Ghoussaini.

What will I be studying?

The course is taught through three termly units, each having its own topic. The Saturday day-schools take place in Cambridge, with the first taking place at Madingley Hall, the headquarters of the Institute of Continuing Education, on 7 October 2017 and the remaining sessions at the Science Education Centre, the Pharmacology Department and the Strangeways Research Laboratory. 

The course guide, giving information about course-content, objectives, assessment and teaching venues, is given below.

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

Teaching will take place on 5 Saturday day-schools: 7 October, 21 October, 4 November, 11 November and 25 November 2017

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. Practical work in the laboratory will allow students to observe cell structure and to appreciate how DNA can be handled and manipulated in the laboratory.

Unit 2: From genes to genomes

Teaching will take place on 4 Saturday day-schools: 20 January, 27 January, 3 February and 17 February 2018

The second unit explores some of the many 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.

A fieldtrip will take place around the end of Unit 2 or early in Unit 3: date to be confirmed.

Unit 3: Genetics: past, present and future

Teaching will take place on 5 Saturday day-schools: 21 April, 5 May, 12 May, 26 May and 2 June 2018

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. It also discusses the potential of genetic manipulation and examine the benefits and dangers of manipulating the human genome and human reproductive processes through gene therapy.

There are no formal entry requirements for this course but as it is taught at university level, applicants should be able to read, write and speak English fluently. If English is not your first language, you will need to send us evidence of your competence in the English language when you apply for a place..

ICE English language requirements

Applicants will be expected to show evidence of this level of fluency in English in their applications and may be asked to provide a short piece of written work before the offer of a place can be made.

This programme does not meet immigration requirements for entry to the UK as a short-term student or under Tier 4. Non-EEA nationals are unlikely to be able to undertake this programme unless they hold a visa in another category which permits study. Further information can be found on our Information for International Students webpage 

The fee for the course is £2,000 and you can pay in one of two ways:

• in full on enrolment (by cheque payable to the University of Cambridge or by credit or debit card)
• in four instalments (credit/debit card only): the first on enrolment, the second on 1 November 2017, the third on 1 February 2018 and the fourth on 1 April 2018.

ICE fees and refunds policy

Please note that students are normally responsible for their own travelling costs to the different teaching venues.

Online application is recommended and you will find the link to the online application form at the top of this page.

The closing date for receipt of all applications is Monday 4 September 2017. Applications for this course can be received until midday (12 noon British Summer Time) on 4 September 2017. 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 fee (£2,000) or if paying the fee by instalments, the first instalment of the fee to secure your place.

This course will require a minimum number of students in order to run. Applicants for this course will be notified by 11 September 2017 if the course is not going to be running at which point students will be offered a refund of the fees they have paid so far (please see our Refund and Cancellation policy).

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