Genomic Medicine (M.Sc.)

This M.Sc. aims to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to generate, evaluate and use genomic data, covering analytical, technological and biomedical aspects. Understanding the importance of genomic variation and its impact on biology opens the possibility of advanced diagnostics and precision treatments, as well as an improved fundamental understanding of disease mechanisms and the effects of environmental exposures. Such developments will in turn lead to further, more specific therapeutic opportunities.

The M.Sc. in Genomic Medicine aims to provide students with a cutting-edge overview of the theory and practical applications of genomics in the health sciences. Including:

• The contribution of ancient and present-day genomic variation to human health and diseases.
• Critical processes in molecular and cell biology translating genomics to health outcomes.
• The impact of genomics on disease processes such as cancer and common polygenic and rare monogenic conditions.
• Personalised and precision medicine: the ability to individualise treatments based on a person’s genetic constitution.
• The use of an individual’s genome to predict disease risk such as cancer and common inflammatory conditions.
• The role of genomics in drug discovery and target validation.
• Evaluating the importance of host and environment interactions – for example the impact of the microbiome on health.
• Appreciating the ethical and legal framework governing the conduct of health science and genomics research.
• How genomic research is carried out using contemporary genetic analysis techniques and know-how to analyse genetic data using computational methods.
• How to conduct genomic and epidemiological studies in large populations.
• Evaluating critically the scientific literature and communicating effectively in oral and written formats, formulating research hypotheses, designing experiments and conducting quality scientific research.