Genomic Medicine and Healthcare Postgraduate Diploma Course
Why Study Genomic Medicine with us?
Our Course
Postgraduate Diploma Delivered over one year, the online, part-time, distance learning Postgraduate Diploma course is specially developed for busy health professionals. Formatted in six modules, each of six weeks duration, the course is designed to be practical and clinically focused.
Diploma MSc 2
The Genomic Medicine and Healthcare course has been developed for healthcare professionals including Specialist Medical Practitioners, General Medical Practitioners, Allied Health Professionals, Nurses and Midwives, Genetic Counsellors and those with related undergraduate degrees or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience. It will be of interest to health professionals in the UK and internationally and will provide a solid foundation in the core concepts of genetics and genomics applied to modern medicine and healthcare. Although there are other courses covering the subject area, none are completely online so they are difficult and costly for global healthcare professionals to get involved. This course will reach an international audience in a cost effective, flexible and inclusive way, helping to develop a worldwide network of genomic medical and healthcare leaders. Our course is well timed given increasing public and professional interests in genetic and genome-level diagnostic and predictive testing for clinical management, disease risk evaluation, prevention of major complications and offering the prospect of improved prognosis. Personalised benefits include the option for reproductive choices and reducing lifetime medical or health risks by judicious use of new emerging preventive medicines and devices combined with lifestyle/behaviour modifications.
Diploma MSc 3
Genomic Medicine and Healthcare Postgraduate Diploma Course Modules
Our online one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Genomic Medicine and Healthcare is designed to be practical and clinically focused. The course will provide an integrated approach to Genomic Medicine and focus on applying scientific principles to direct patient care. The Postgraduate Diploma is worth 120 credits and comprises six modules of 20 credits each. The Postgraduate Diploma aims to equip graduates with critical knowledge and understanding of genomics medicine. Graduates will be able to apply knowledge for direct clinical benefit and future study. Our course caters to the educational needs of a primary and secondary care audience and is the only one of its kind that is completely accessible online. Module 1 - Principles of Medical Genetics and Genomics Core concepts - cell structure, Molecular and cell biology DNA, RNA, Structure and Function Traditional and non-traditional inheritance patterns Epigenetics and Epigenomics Diagnostic lab methods/ Clinical Bioinformatics/ Interpretation of results The future of Genetics and genomics - New advances (gene therapy/ genome editing) On completion of this module the student should be able to: Demonstrate an in depth knowledge of the core concepts of genomics from cellular to population level genomic variation. Critically appraise methods of laboratory analysis, interpretation and clinical utility of genomic data. Module 2 - Genetic Counselling Principles of genetic counselling Family History Genetic Risk Assessment Clinical Preparation & (genetic) service organisation Delivery of the counselling Consent, Confidentiality, Ethics On completion of this module the student should be able to: Critically apply the principles of genetic counselling to complex clinical situations Selectively apply relevant ethical, moral and legal issues to the diagnosis, testing and counselling of patients
Module 3 - Genomics and Society Population diversity and genomic variation Social culture and practices, beliefs including Consanguinity Psychological issues in genomic medicine/healthcare Public and media expectations and understanding Population and Public health aspects of genomics ELSI – Ethical, Legal, Social Implications of genomics and associated technologies On completion of this module the student should be able to: Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the social, cultural and economic implications of genomics. Critically appraise a variety of broader peripheral issues surrounding genomic applications. Module 4 - Practice of Clinical Genomics Epidemiology of genetic diseases/disorders Diagnostic tools/ Interpretation of laboratory reports Genetic Clinic Multi-disciplinary Team – including primary care and mainstreaming Specialist services including liaison with common conditions practitioners Audit in clinical genetic and genomics On completion of this module the student should be able to: Demonstrate the ability to incorporate in-depth knowledge of genetics to a variety of clinical practice situations. Critically evaluate and apply emerging genomic/ molecular pathology in targeted therapy for rare genetic diseases. Demonstrate expertise in the planning and delivery of a genomics led multi-disciplinary patient care plan.
Rutu Dave
Diploma MSc 4
"When I enrolled into the course I had no idea about the opportunities it would provide me with. Having my first paper published through this course helped me overcome my apprehensions of academic writing and made me more confident to pursue it further. " - Rutu Dave
Dr Kevin Fernando
Diploma MSc 5
"Little did I know that the MSc was going to be a significant stepping stone in my medical career! Both the diploma and MSc were invaluable in terms of expanding my knowledge and management, but also enhanced my critical thinking and writing skills." - Dr Kevin Fernando
Module 5 - Reproductive Genomics Fundamentals of reproduction in the context of genomic medicine Infertility Diagnostic tools – prenatal, foetal medicine including antenatal aneuploidy screening Treatment and Management including pre-implantation genetic diagnosis/ mitochondrial genetic disorders Specialised approaches- non-invasive prenatal testing and prenatal genomic arrays Ethical aspects of reproductive and foetal medicine On completion of this module the student should be able to: Critically evaluate genetic screening/ diagnosis, preventive and therapeutic methods before and during pregnancy. Demonstrate expertise in carrying out risk assessment, counselling and assisting in managing the high-risk pregnancy. Module 6 - Genomic Healthcare Introduction to omics research methods, new and emerging technologies and systems medicine including the 100,000 Genomes Project Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics Stratified Medicine including The 5 P’s Medicine (precise/preventive/predictive/personalised medicine, participatory) Implications for healthcare – new and emerging roles and models of service delivery and manpower (medical, nursing and allied healthcare) Health economics including Evidence-based genetic/genomic healthcare New therapeutic advances- gene therapy; targeted molecular therapy; genome editing On completion of this module the student should be able to: Critically debate the role of genomic applications in public health and preventive healthcare in the context of health services organisation and delivery. Critically appraise the role and limitations of interventions aimed at genetic/ genomic health risk management.
Diploma MSc 6
Assessment The course puts assessment at the heart of learning by using clinical scenarios to facilitate problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based care. The scenarios act as both the focus for learning and assessment thus embedding assessment within the learning process. Each of the 6 modules has the same assessment format. Due to the online nature of the course, students are expected to login and participate in the course regularly throughout the module (ideally on a daily basis). Students are split into groups of 10-15 students and are assigned a dedicated expert tutor who: Facilitates clinical case discussions with the group. Monitors, assesses and marks each student throughout the module. Students use the following skills gained during the lectures to engage with the different activities : Clinical Case-Based Scenarios and Discussion - 40% Reflective journal - 10% Module assignment - 20% Case based examination - 30% Teaching Methods Our courses are conducted entirely online through self-directed distance learning. However, you will receive guidance throughout with tutor-stimulated academic discussions, which are based on clinically-rich case scenarios. These usually occur within groups of 10-15 students, allowing you to clearly communicate with both your tutor and fellow students. You will participate in a combination of group and individual activities, which are recorded in a reflective journal. This innovative teaching method enables you to envisage the translation of your studies into your every day work and practice. Our dedicated Student Support Team are also available to help with any problems you may face. From navigating our online platform to advising you on deadlines, our team can assist with any questions or challenges you may have along the way. Online Induction Day Once you have secured your place on the course, you will be invited to an online Induction Day webinar. This will give you the opportunity to participate in study skills workshops on Harvard referencing, scientific and reflective writings, and levels of evidence in preparation for your studies. It is not compulsory for you to attend our Induction Day but it is recommended, as it'll provide you with a sturdy introduction to the course.
Postgraduate Diploma Entry Requirements
Diploma MSc 7
Health professionals working within a clinical setting, both UK and overseas, with a related Healthcare Science degree (including international qualifications) are eligible to apply for the PG Diploma course. Applicants without the above academic criteria but relevant/suitable experience can apply. Applications will be judged on the individual specifics of background and qualifications including ability to work at Postgraduate level (applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at Postgraduate level and demonstrate requisite clinical/professional knowledge). Applicants should submit copies of the following with their application: Qualification certificates One written reference English language qualification (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
What do our students think?
Since 2010, over 1000 students have progressed their medical career by enrolling in one of our qualifications. We ourselves have learned a lot during this time and continually seek to improve the student learning experience. Here is what some of our previous students have said:
"I found the online learning very interesting. It enabled me to save money and time." Dr Imad Eddin Rahamtalla, Doctor "I strongly recommend Diploma MSc to all those busy physicians who are working in remote areas and wish to upgrade their knowledge." Dr Junaid Zaffar, Diabetologist. "The learning was fun and enjoyable. The course was awesome and it increased my confidence." Dr Sankar Nath Jha, Assistant Professor "I found learning with Diploma MSc interesting, it helped to update my academic knowledge" Dr Prasanth Kinattupurayil, Doctor "I love that it was flexible and that I could log in at my convenience. I found this course to be very in-depth, informative, challenging and stimulating." Kerri-Ann Best PGDip, RD "I feel that the diploma MSc program helped me consolidate my practical knowledge of Diabetes and understand the global perspective of the disease as well. The PG Diploma has helped me grow professionally and helped me accomplish my dream of increasing patient education & awareness regarding the disease." Hemi Soneja PGDip MSc
Ty Bevan House, Cleeve Drive, Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5GF Tel: +44 (0) 29 2192 1312 email: admissions@diploma-msc.com
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