Whole Genome Sequencing: Decoding the Language of Life and Health

Online Course

Future Learn
Whole Genome Sequencing: Decoding the Language of Life and Health

What is the course about?

Whole Genome Sequencing: Decoding the Language of Life and Health
The course Whole Genome Sequencing: Decoding the Language of Life and Health is an online class provided by Health Education England through Future Learn. It may be possible to receive a verified certification or use the course to prepare for a degree.

Learn how whole genome sequencing works and what it could mean for the future of healthcare with this free online course.

Course description
  • 3 weeks
  • Whole genome sequencing is a relatively new technology that allows us to ‘read’ a person’s or organism’s entire genetic code. But how does it work and what does it mean for all of us? How do scientists and clinicians begin to make sense of the vast amount of information that whole genome sequencing provides? And how will this new sequencing technology be used for the benefit of patients in the new NHS Genomic Medicine Service in England?
  • Learn how genome sequencing works
  • This course will take you behind the scenes to explore this technology and its power to revolutionise healthcare around the world. You will be given a unique insight into modern genomics laboratories and state of the art sequencing facilities, led by the doctors and scientists who are regularly using whole genome sequencing to shape decisions about patient care and appropriate treatments.
  • You will be introduced to – or have a recap on – the fundamentals of DNA and genetic variation, before exploring the process of whole genome sequencing and the ways in which the resultant data can be analysed and used to benefit patients. Leading scientists and genomics experts will explore the potential and limitations of this new technology, and the ethical questions that arise when we can ‘read a person’s genome’.
  • Explore how whole genome sequencing affects healthcare
  • Throughout the course you will be introduced to a range of case studies and scenarios where whole genome sequencing is having a profound impact on healthcare, including in the fields of cancer, rare disease and infectious disease. You will also be given the most up to date information about the transition to the new NHS Genomic Medicine Service in England and the way in which the pioneering 100,000 Genomes Project has paved the way for this exciting new service.
  • The composition, structure and function of a genome.
  • The process and the importance of DNA replication.
  • Genomic variation and its connections with health and disease.
  • The evolution of genome sequencing.
  • The advent and the possibilities of next generation sequencing.
  • The preparation and processing of DNA samples in whole genome sequencing.
  • The interpretation of genomic information for clinicians and patients.
  • The limitations and challenges faced by current sequencing technologies.
  • Additional, incidental and secondary findings from whole genome sequencing.
  • The ownership, storing and sharing of genomic data.
  • The impact of whole genome sequencing on healthcare in the future.
  • Describe the fundamentals of genomics: what is DNA, what is a genome and how do they influence our health?
  • Describe how whole genome sequencing works: its principles, processes, limitations and possibilities.
  • Describe a range of concrete cases and scenarios where whole genome sequencing is having a profound impact on healthcare.
  • Engage in the debate surrounding the future of whole genome sequencing.
  • Describe the scope of the UK government’s 100,000 Genomes Project and its potential impact on how we understand and care for patients with rare diseases, cancer and infectious diseases.
  • The course has been designed for healthcare professionals and science/medical students who have limited or no understanding of the who genome sequencing process and its many varied uses. Non-specialists who want to learn more about sequencing and genomic medicine are also very welcome.
  • You don’t need an in-depth knowledge of genetics, as this course will provide a recap on the basics. The course is designed in such a way that you can move as quickly or slowly as you wish; so, while some scientific knowledge will be beneficial, the course is open to anyone who wants to learn about whole genome sequencing and its impact in healthcare.
  • If you’re a healthcare professional, you may find it useful to upgrade this course to support your continuing professional development (CPD). By upgrading, you’ll be able to take this course at your own pace and revisit the material at any time in future. Once you complete the course, you’ll receive a Certificate of Achievement as evidence of your CPD. This includes details of what you learnt and the number of learning hours required.
  • Health Education England
  • Health Education England (HEE) support the delivery of excellent healthcare and health improvements to the patients and public of England.

Prerequisites & Facts

Whole Genome Sequencing: Decoding the Language of Life and Health

Course Topic

Biology and Biotechnology, Healthcare & Medicine, Medical Technology, Science, Engineering & Maths

University, College, Institution

Health Education England

Course Skill Level

Course Language

English

Place of class

Online, self-paced (see curriculum for more information)

Degree

Certificate

Degree & Cost

Whole Genome Sequencing: Decoding the Language of Life and Health

To obtain a verified certificate from Future Learn / Health Education England you have to finish this course or the latest version of it, if there is a new edition. The class may be free of charge, but there could be some cost to receive a verified certificate or to access the learning materials. The specifics of the course may have been changed, please consult the provider to get the latest quotes and news.
Health Education England
Whole Genome Sequencing: Decoding the Language of Life and Health
provided by Future Learn

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School: Health Education England
Topic: Biology and Biotechnology, Healthcare & Medicine, Medical Technology, Science, Engineering & Maths