Teaching
The Postgraduate Diploma (flexible) in Genomic Medicine is a one-year, part-time M-level programme resulting in 60 additional FHEQ Level-7 credits and the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Diploma award.
The Postgraduate Diploma (flexible) in Genomic Medicine can be taken as a stand-alone Postgraduate Diploma award or as a platform for further study of the Master of Studies in Genomic Medicine.
For the The Postgraduate Diploma (flexible) in Genomic Medicine, students must complete an additional four modules (which have not already been studied as part of the PG Certificate year) chosen from a range of modules, some of which are core and some of which are optional. There is additional between-module reflection, study and assignment work. The list of core and optional modules is announced by the Degree Committee for the Faculties of Clinical Medicine and Veterinary Medicine by the end of the Easter term preceding the examination, stipulating which modules are core and which are optional.
The following is a list of likely modules, but as noted above, the list of core and optional modules is not announced by the Degree Committee until the Easter Term preceding the examination. Not all of the modules below will necessarily be offered in any one year:
- An introduction to human genetics and genomics (compulsory module; completed in PGCert)
- Omics techniques and the application to genomic medicine
- Genomics of common and rare disease
- Molecular pathology of cancer and application in cancer diagnosis, screening, and treatment
- Application of genomics to infectious disease
- Pharmacogenetics and stratified healthcare
- Bioinformatics, interpretation, and data quality assurance in genome analysis
- Ethical, legal and social implications in applied genomics (ELSI)
- Counselling skills for genomics
- Research and statistical skills for genomic medicine
- Advanced bioinformatics – from genomes to systems
- Epigenetics and epigenomics
- Workplace-based module
Each module generally requires submission of an assignment of 2500-3500 words or equivalent, and modules are equally weighted, providing 15 FHEQ-7 credits if successfully completed.
A student who has successfully completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Genomic Medicine who wishes then to complete the Postgraduate Diploma will, if admitted (which would normally need to be within two years of completing the Postgraduate Certificate), have the need to complete four modules waived, and will be required to complete four additional modules chosen from the list of core and optional modules, in one year.
The Postgraduate Diploma subsumes the Postgraduate Certificate; if a student holding the Postgraduate Certificate progresses to the Postgraduate Diploma or returns to complete the Postgraduate Diploma at a later date, then, on successful completion, any prior award of the Postgraduate Certificate is withdrawn in favour of the award of the Postgraduate Diploma.
| One to one supervision |
None. |
|---|---|
| Seminars & classes |
The programme is delivered through a combination of in-person teaching sessions and asynchronous approaches provided via the course virtual learning environment. Examples of the type of teaching methods used include, but are not limited to, live and pre-recorded lectures, seminars, group discussions, online readings, quizzes, data handling exercises, group activities and discussion forums. Peer-to-peer learning forms an important element of course teaching. |
| Lectures |
Each module includes approximately five days of face-to-face teaching via a mixture of lectures, classes, practicals and seminars. |
| Practicals |
Each module includes approximately five days of face-to-face teaching via a mixture of lectures, classes, practicals and seminars. |
| Small group teaching |
Each module includes approximately five days of face-to-face teaching via a mixture of lectures, classes, practicals and seminars. |
| Taught/Research Balance |
Entirely Taught
|
Feedback
Students will receive formative (does not contribute to final mark) feedback throughout the course, along with tutor provided feedback on the submitted summative (will contribute to final mark) assignments.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
There is no thesis required for this course.
Essays
The programme will contain items of formative (not counting towards the final mark) and summative (counting towards the final mark) assessment. Formative assessment will receive tutor and/or peer feedback and is designed to facilitate completion of the summative assessment. Summative assessment will consist of tasks appropriate to the discipline of study and may include, but not be limited to, essays, reports, presentations, posters, critical reviews, data handling and analysis, and group activities.
Students are assessed formatively throughout the taught modules of the programme using a variety of techniques and interrelated strategies including evidence of regular reflection; demonstration of active participation in the programme will also be required. There may also be a requirement for the students to take part in the peer review of other students.
For each of the four taught modules comprising the Postgraduate Diploma (flexible), students must complete summative assignments of 2500-3500 words or equivalent.
Written examination
There are no written examinations.
Practical assessment
Practical assessment techniques may be used, where required, for certain modules of the programme, for example, the development of a visual aid for the Counselling Skills module.