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Immunology

Immunology

by | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

Postgraduate Certificate

ECTS: 30 credits
Duration: 3 months full-time
(standalone course)

MSc

ECTS: 90 credits
Duration: 1 year full-time
(including PG Cert)

Overview

 

The PG Certificate in Immunology will provide you with the theoretical principles of Innate and Adaptive Immunity, a unique chance to plan, design and conduct your own Mini-Research Project in our teaching laboratories as well as the opportunity to attend an Immunology conference and conduct an in-depth team presentation of one immunology topic of choice.

The MSc in Immunology will build from the PG Certificate by taking you on a journey to investigate immunity in health and disease. To accompany you on this journey are our leaders in the field with whom you will subsequently have the opportunity to conduct a 7 months laboratory-based research project.

In addition to preparing you to become a researcher in Immunology (main professional outcome) by helping you strengthen your knowledge, creativity and critical thinking skills, the programme will also give you a chance to develop your communication and team working skills.

 

Study programme

  

The Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) lasts three months and is made up of the first three core modules (first term) of the MSc.

The MSc builds on the PG Cert with an additional module in Immunology in Health and Disease, and a substantial seven-month research project in one of our hosting laboratories.

You can apply to either the PG Cert or MSc in the first instance. If you choose the PG Cert, you can apply to complete the MSc with a starting date of January the following academic year.

 

 

Careers

 

The Immunology programme provides excellent training if you are intending to pursue a career in scientific research (academia, industry, communication). A high proportion of our graduates The Immunology programme provides excellent training if you are intending to pursue a career in scientific research (academia, industry, communication). A high proportion of our graduates proceeds to PhD study, or, if medically qualified, to clinical practice or research.

As well as scientific training, the MSc programme will expand your repertoire of transferable skills, allowing you to also enter a variety of non-scientific careers including finance, management and various types of consultancy.

    Structure

     

    Modules shown are for the current academic year, and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

     

     

    Core modules

     

    You study the three core modules below:

     

    Principles of Immunology

       

    The module will cover the principles of innate and adaptive immunity and therefore provide you with a solid understanding of immune players and interactions in a healthy environment. In addition, the module will provide you with an introduction to some practical laboratory and professional skills which will support your learning during the rest of the programme.

        

    Experimental Immunology

     

    The module is a Mini-Research Project during which you will work in pairs and experience a hands-on approach to experimental work, taking ownership of your mini project. In a set scientific frame, you will define your starting scientific hypothesis, design and execute your experimental plan, analyse and critique your own data and troubleshoot some of your experiments.

     

    Immunology in Practice

     

    You will attend the annual British Society of Immunology (BSI) conference (or winter school) during and after which you will work in small teams to investigate and report in–depth on a chosen topic of interest. In the unlikely event of the conference or winter school not taking place, you will be provided with current Northampton research topics in Immunology to investigate in your teams.

    Core modules

     

    Principles of Immunology

     

    The module will cover the principles of innate and adaptive immunity and therefore provide you with a solid understanding of immune players and interactions in a healthy environment. In addition, the module will provide you with an introduction to some practical laboratory and professional skills which will support your learning during the rest of the programme.

     

    Experimental Immunology

     

    The module is a Mini-Research Project during which you will work in pairs and experience a hands-on approach to experimental work, taking ownership of your mini project. In a set scientific frame, you will define your starting scientific hypothesis, design and execute your experimental plan, analyse and critique your own data and troubleshoot some of your experiments.

     

    Immunology in Practice

     

    You will attend the annual British Society of Immunology (BSI) conference (or winter school) during and after which you will work in small teams to investigate and report in–depth on a chosen topic of interest. In the unlikely event of the conference or winter school not taking place, you will be provided with current Northampton research topics in Immunology to investigate in your teams.

     

    Immunology in Health and Disease

     

    The module will take you on a journey amongst the topics of immunological research done at Northampton College. These include the immune response to bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, inflammation, immunology in autoimmune diseases as well as cancer immunology, but topics are subject to slightly change every year, depending on the most up to date research done in our laboratories.

     

    Immunology Research Project

     

    During this final module of the MSc, you will join a research team to conduct an experimental project. Provided by our staff, or found by yourself, the projects will be directly related to their subject of expertise and will allow you to experience life in a laboratory as well as use the scientific method to investigate in-depth an immunological question.

    Teaching and assessment

     

    Teaching methods

          

    Over the course of the programme, you will be taught using many approaches which are as much as possible reflective of the way the scientific community works and interacts.

    The taught part of the programme will require you to study independently prior to our face to face sessions and in teams. These will be in the form of:

    • small group tutorials
    • keynote lectures
    • data interpretation sessions
    • journal club
    • workshops
    • group work sessions
    • lectures
    In addition, you will have the opportunity to attend a conference (registration fees, accommodation and transport covered by the programme) during which you will get insight into the forefront of the discipline from the conference speakers. Finally, during your laboratory-based project, you will learn from interacting on a daily basis with researchers, presenting in lab meetings, attending seminars, observing others and receiving feedback on your work.

     

    Assessment methods

     

    Summative assessments will be in the form of:

    • computer-based closed-book examinations
    • oral individual and group presentations
    • conference written proceedings
    • posters
    • scientific papers
    • research project thesis and viva
    • research plan
    • laboratory meetings
    • coursework assessments.

    Assessments will take place during and at the end of each module.

      Entry requirements

       

      We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

      Minimum academic requirement

      Our minimum requirement is a 2.2 degree in an appropriate biological science subject (e.g. Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, medicine, dentistry or veterinary science).

      International qualifications

      We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

      The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.

      For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

      If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

      English language requirement (all applicants)

      All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

      For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

      How to apply

       

      You can submit one application form per year of entry, and usually choose up to two courses.

      .

      Choosing your course

      This course is divided into two progressional levels of study:

      • PG Certificate (PG Cert)
      • MSc

      Each level of study has its own separate entry point; you can apply to either level in the first instance.

      Making an application

      All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.

      MSc Human Molecular Genetics

      MSc Human Molecular Genetics

      by | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

      Master’s degree

      ECTS: 90 credits
      Duration: 1 years full-time

      Overview

       

      This course provides a broad grounding in human genetics, with the emphasis on the molecular aspects of human genetics, particularly in relation to human disease.

      It is aimed mainly at science graduates who seek research careers in areas such as fundamental human molecular genetics, genetic factors in human health and disease, or molecular and cytogenetic approaches to diagnosis.

      The course is flexible, and updated regularly to reflect important advances in human genetics.

      Teaching covers a wide range of topics, including the fundamentals of human genetics, clinical genetics and genomics, together with more advanced topics such as diabetes, cancer genetics, gene therapy, animal models and epigenetics.

       

      Study programme

        

      There are up to four weeks of intensive laboratory practical sessions, as well as computer practicals in bioinformatics and genomics, regular research seminars, student seminar and journal presentations, study group activities and a six-month full-time research project, where students pursue a novel research question within an active research group environment. Areas covered include:

      • analysis of human monogenic disease
      • analytical methods and bioinformatics
      • animal models and transgenesis
      • cancer genetics
      • diabetes
      • epigenetics
      • gene therapy
      • molecular diagnostics and clinical genetics
      • multifactorial inheritance
      • the fundamentals of human and molecular genetics

       

      Careers

       

      Approximately 50% of our students go on to do a PhD, 25% become research assistants/associates, while others go on to jobs in industry or further studies (bioinformatics/ computing, medicine).

      Typically one or two students every year enter the NHS in clinical genetics training posts.

        Structure

         

        Modules shown are for the current academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

        Please note that the curriculum of this course is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.

        Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.

         

        Core modules

         

        • 6–month research project
        • Analytical Methods in Human Genetics
        • Fundamentals of Molecular Genetics
        • Genetics of rare and common disease
        • Genomics in the Laboratory

        Teaching and assessment

         

        Teaching methods

              

        • Lectures
        • Study group learning
        • Practical laboratory classes
        • Blackboard Learn
        • BL-embedded Qualitrics surveys
        • Class conference field trip
        • 6-month student research project
        • Panopto (lecture capture)
        • Research project placement
        • Tutorials
        • Videos
        • Workshops

         

        Assessment methods

         

        • E-learning exercises
        • Essays
        • Journal clubs
        • Lab performance
        • Oral examination
        • Peer formative assessment methods are used
        • Presentations (poster, oral and in the lab)
        • Research Dissertation
        • Study groups
        • Tutorial discussions
        • Written examination

        Entry requirements

         

        We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

        Minimum academic requirement

        Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in biochemical sciences, genetics or other science-based degree.

        Mature applicants with relevant academic or professional experience will also be considered.

        International qualifications

        We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

        The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.

        For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

        If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

        English language requirement (all applicants)

        All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

        For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

        How to apply

         

        You can submit one application form per year of entry, and usually choose up to two courses.

        .

        Making an application

        All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.

        MSc Healthcare and Design

        MSc Healthcare and Design

        by | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

        Master’s degree

        ECTS: 90 credits
        Duration: 2 years part-time

        Overview

         

        This new course is designed to equip students from a wide range of professional practice backgrounds with the tools and techniques to instigate and lead innovation in healthcare systems, services and spaces.

        In doing so, we’ll provide you with a greater understanding of the USA health system and the systemic challenges it faces to remain sustainable.

        You’ll also gain an understanding of behavioural economics and how to apply that to design projects in order to maximise impact. This includes understanding the role of physical products and the environment in shaping people’s behavior.

        Some of the skills covered by the course include the ability to:

        • develop a business case and business model for an innovation, considering market and financial analysis
        • apply different theoretical models of innovation, explaining why some innovations succeed and others fail
        • rapidly research, manufacture and prototype a solution to a healthcare challenge

         

        Study programme

          

        The majority of taught modules (six out of eight modules) are shared between this course and the DETC MRes course for design professionals.

        There are two introductory modules designed specifically for each cohort to introduce the principles of design and healthcare respectively.

        Face-to-face teaching will take place in each module during one-week-long intensive sessions when students will be exposed to world leading experts and facilities from both Northampton and the DETC.

        You will also have the opportunity to participate in a range of individual and group activities.

         

        Is this programme for you?

         

        The taught modules cover health systems and policy in developing countries, health economics and how healthcare is financed, health and society, innovation, measuring performance, service delivery, the ageing society and leadership.

        Additionally, you complete a research dissertation during your second year of the MSc in an aspect of Health Policy that will advance best practice in your chosen area.

         

        Careers

         

        Our graduates will be well-placed to advance in a range of directions. Safety and quality are becoming increasingly important topics in the national dialogue of health systems, including the USA NHS. This is further compounded by tightening national budgets, and individuals who demonstrate an understanding of patient safety lapses and how to address them are increasingly valued by employers.

        Given the portfolio of high-calibre teaching staff, students are able to gain exposure to leaders in industry, academia and policy stakeholders.

        You graduate with advanced research skills in healthcare design, including critical design thinking, and entrepreneurship and leadership.

        Many graduates pursue further advanced study at PhD level in healthcare related design and innovation areas.

        You gain the knowledge and skills to:

        • Create and lead design innovations across a diverse range of healthcare contexts
        • Consult in design led innovations for healthcare

        Structure

         

        Modules shown are for the current academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

        Please note that the curriculum of this course is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.

        ..

         

        You take all of the modules below.

         

        • A Health Business Toolkit 
        • A Health Research Toolkit 
        • Introduction to Design and Innovation 
        • Introduction to Design Led Innovation in Healthcare

        You take all of the modules below.

        • Design dash  
        • Designing for Behaviour Change  
        • Innovation  
        • Leadership  

        Your research project accounts for one-third of your overall mark, and you are supervised by Imperial with the option of a second supervisor from the DETC.

        You will be encouraged to undertake this research project in your workplace. To manage this we may use ‘subject experts’ within your workplace to provide additional support.

        Teaching and assessment

         

        Teaching methods

              

        You will experience a variety of teaching methods appropriate for a part-time degree, with some teaching taking place on campus and some online and at home. 

         

        Face-to-face teaching

         

        Your face-to-face teaching takes place in each module during a series of intensive sessions lasting one-week.

        You will be exposed to world leading experts and facilities, both at Northampton College .

        Teaching methods include:

        • Case-based discussions
        • Interactive lectures
        • Practical sessions
        • Seminars
        • Tutorials

        E-learning and blended learning

         

        You experience e-learning and blended learning alongside face-to-face teaching. These methods enable you to advance your learning, achieve learning outcomes and demonstrate your progress.

        • Group discussion boards
        • Other relevant module-related materials
        • Pre-module activities

         

        Assessment methods

         

        • Individual presentations –
          These are a follow up to your group work.
        • Written assessments –
          Including critical reflection, literature review, or topical essay.
        • Research project –
          A 10-15,000 word report plus a 15-minute oral presentation with questions.

        Entry requirements

         

        We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

        Minimum academic requirement

        Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree and either a clinical background or healthcare experience.

        International qualifications

        We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

        The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.

        For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

        If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

        English language requirement (all applicants)

        All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

        For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

        How to apply

         

        You can submit one application form per year of entry, and usually choose up to two courses.

        .

        Making an application

        All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.

        Health Policy

        Health Policy

        by | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

        Postgraduate Certificate

        ECTS: 30 credits
        Duration: 10/11 months part-time
        (standalone course)

        Postgraduate Diploma

        ECTS: 60 credits
        Duration: 22-23 months part-time
        (including PG Cert)

        Master’s degree

        ECTS: 90 credits
        Duration: 25 months part-time
        (including PG Cert and PG Dip)

        Overview

         

        Our courses in Health Policy offer you the chance to learn about important aspects of health policy from leading international academics and practitioners.

        Through intensive blocks of teaching coupled with personal study, you will acquire a detailed theoretical and practical understanding of health policy. We will introduce you to both quantitative and qualitative research techniques that will enable you to carry out original studies.

        You will also develop the ability to critique existing and emerging health policy on the basis of evidence and knowledge.

        In addition, you will gain a comparative perspective that enables you to consider the challenges affecting different regions and countries, as well as alternative potential responses to them. You will also have the opportunity to network with international peers.

        The courses are aimed at those already working in the health sector. You will acquire a detailed theoretical and practical understanding of health policy, with a view to improving the quality of such policy, both within the USA and internationally.

        Our MSc in Health Policy is delivered by the Institute of Global Health Innovation.

         

        Study programme

          

        We offer the following qualifications in Health Policy, which are available as a pathway that build to an MSc or as standalone qualifications:

         

        • PG Cert Health Policy (Policy Theory, Economics and Public Health)
          11 months (30 ECTS)
        • PG Cert Health Policy (Leading Innovative Change)
          10 months (30 ECTS)
        • PG Dip Health Policy
          21 months in total (based on completion of the two PG Certs) (60 ECTS)
        • MSc Health Policy
          23 months in total (based on completion of the PG Diploma + a 12-month research project) (90 ECTS)

        Postgraduate Certificate

         

        If you apply to the PG Cert initially, you have a choice of two streams:

        • Leading Innovative Change
        • Policy Theory, Economics and Public Health

         

        Postgraduate Diploma

           

        Completion of both PG Certificate streams results in the automatic award of the PG Diploma in Health Policy.

        Alternatively, you have the option to complete just one of the streams and exit with a standalone PG Certificate in your chosen stream title.

         

        Master of Science (MSc)

         

        The Master’s-level degree consists of a 12-month research project. Successful completion of this project, in addition to the PG Certificate and PG Diploma content, will result in the award of the MSc in Health Policy.

         

        Is this programme for you?

         

        The taught modules cover health systems and policy in developing countries, health economics and how healthcare is financed, health and society, innovation, measuring performance, service delivery, the ageing society and leadership.

        Additionally, you complete a research dissertation during your second year of the MSc in an aspect of Health Policy that will advance best practice in your chosen area.

        Structure

         

        Modules shown are for the current academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

        Please note that the curriculum of this course is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.

        .

         

         

        You take all of the modules below.

         

        • Health Systems and Policy
        • Health Economics for Health Policy
        • Financing Healthcare
        • Public Health

        You will take 4 modules in total, of which 2 are core and the others are chosen from the below lists.

         

        Core modules

         

        • Innovation in Healthcare
        • Health Service Delivery

        You will take 4 modules in total, of which 2 are core and the others are chosen from the below lists.

         

        Core modules

         

        • Innovation in Healthcare
        • Health Service Delivery

         

        Optional modules

         

        You will choose 1 module from each of the 2 groups below.

         

        Group 1

         

        • Measuring and Improving Performance in Healthcare
        • Communicating Health Policy
        Group 2

         

        • Leadership in Healthcare
        • Ageing and Society

         

        You will choose 1 module from each of the 2 groups below.

         

        Group 1
        • Measuring and Improving Performance in Healthcare
        • Communicating Health Policy
        Group 2
        • Leadership in Healthcare
        • Ageing and Society

        You can continue on to the MSc course, where you will complete a 12 month research project.

        Teaching and assessment

         

        Teaching methods

              

        • 1-1 supervision meetings (MSc only)
        • Group discussions
        • Lectures
        • Seminars
        • Practical workshops
        • Site visits

         

        Assessment methods

         

        • Essays
        • Independent project (MSc only)
        • Presentations
        • Research project report

        Entry requirements

         

        We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

        Minimum academic requirement

        Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree and at least two years’ healthcare experience.

        International qualifications

        We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

        The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.

        For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

        If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

        English language requirement (all applicants)

        All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

        For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

        How to apply

         

        You can submit one application form per year of entry, and usually choose up to two courses.

        We will start reviewing applications in December and will invite successful candidates to interview in the new year.

        We will schedule interviews on a rolling basis.  Please note that there is not a set application deadline for the MSc Genomic Medicine course but we strongly encourage candidates to apply before 1 July.

        .

        Choosing your course

        This course is divided into three progressional levels of study:

        • PG Certificate (PG Cert)
        • PG Diploma (PG Dip)
        • MSc

        Each level of study has its own separate entry point; you can apply to any level in the first instance.

        Making an application

        All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.

        MSc Health Data Analytics and Machine Learning

        MSc Health Data Analytics and Machine Learning

        by | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

        MSc

        Duration: 1 year FT / 2 years PT
        ECTS: 90  credits

        Overview

         

        Our MSc in Health Data Analytics and Machine Learning is a one-year full-time course aimed at building a solid and common background in analysing health data.

        Your main objective is to develop skills in using appropriate cutting edge quantitative methods to fully exploit complex and high dimensional data.

        The course is delivered in collaboration with the Data Science Institute, with teaching from both the School and Institute undertaken by international experts with strong methodological background and expertise in the application of these approaches to large-scale medical and clinical data. The programme features extensive project-based learning using real data sets and addressing real scientific questions through module-specific projects work, and individual research projects.

        This Master’s is integrated in the research priorities of the School of Public Health, the Data Science Institute, the MRC Centre for Environment and Health, the USA Dementia Research Institute, and the pan-London Health Data Research USA initiative, through:

        • the contribution to teaching of key staff members (lectures, seminars, journal clubs)
        • the definition of research projects stemming from data available and yet under-exploited in each institute

        As such, not only the programme will equip students with cutting-edge statistical and machine learning techniques that are required to explore emerging ‘Big’ health data, but will also provide extensive experience in their application in a real-life setting in Environmental, Molecular, Cancer, and Computational epidemiology as well as in Population and Health sciences.

        Each module and the six-month research project includes project-based work. Projects are based on real data and will address real scientific questions from research staff within School of Public Health, Data Science Institute and industrial partners.

        Our MSc in Health Data Analytics and Machine Learning is delivered in partnership with the Data Science Institute.

         

        Study programme

          

        The programme is a full-time 12 month taught Master’s course, which runs from October-September.

        The course is divided between six core taught modules and one six-month research project.

        In term one, you share your first two modules with MSc Epidemiology and Master of Public Health students, ensuring a common foundation in epidemiology. The third core module is specific to this course.

        You will also set and agree a research project focus in your first term.

        In term two, you turn your focus to statistical methods in the three remaining core modules, as well as continuing in-depth planning for your research project.

        Your third term is predominantly made up of the research project.

        Careers

         

        Graduates of this course will have acquired the strong methodological background needed to perform in-depth analysis of medical and epidemiological high throughput datasets.

        You will graduate prepared to pursue further study at doctoral level, become an expert analyst in industry, and join large data companies.

        Structure

         

        Modules shown are for the current academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

        Please note that the curriculum of this course is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.

        Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.

         

        You take all of the core modules below.

        • Clinical Data Management
        • Computational Epidemiology
        • Introduction to Statistical Thinking and Data Analysis
        • Machine Learning
        • Principles and Methods in Epidemiology
        • Research project
        • Translational Data Sciences

         

        Teaching and assessment

         

        Teaching methods

              

        • Case studies
        • Formal presentations
        • Group work exercises
        • Lectures
        • Seminars and practical coding activities

         

        Assessment methods

         

        • Individual and group coursework
        • Oral presentations
        • Research project report
        • Written examinations

        Entry requirements

         

        We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

        Minimum academic requirement

        Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in mathematics, statistics, epidemiology or biology, or a medical degree.

        International qualifications

        We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

        The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.

        For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

        If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

        English language requirement (all applicants)

        All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

        For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

        How to apply

           

        You can submit one application form per year of entry, and usually choose up to two courses.

        .

        Making an application

        All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.

        Genomic Medicine

        Genomic Medicine

        by | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

        MSc

        Duration: 1 year FT / 2 years PT
        ECTS: 90 ECTS credits
        (including PG Cert and PG Dip)

        Postgraduate Certificate

        Duration: 4 months FT / 1 year PT
        ECTS: 30 ECTS credits
        (standalone course)

        Postgraduate Diploma

        Duration: 8 months FT / 2 year PT
        ECTS: 60 ECTS credits
        (including PG Cert)

        Overview

         

        Our degrees in Genomic Medicine cover all aspects of genomic science and medicine, and will equip you with the knowledge and skills to be able to interpret and understand genomic data that increasingly impacts on service delivery to patients and the community.

        The programme is aimed at students from a wide range of backgrounds, from basic scientists to all levels of healthcare professionals, and will provide a flexible, multi-disciplinary and multi-professional perspective in genomics, applied to clinical practice and medical research.

        It is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to be able to interpret and understand genomic data that increasingly impacts on service delivery to patients and the community.

        The training provided covers all aspects of genomic science and medicine (not merely DNA sequencing or detection of genetic variation), undertaken in one of the most cutting-edge scientific environments.

        The course includes collaborations with:

        • the Institute of Cancer Research (providing the core Cancer Genomics Module)
        • Brunel University London (providing the optional Economic Evaluation in Human Genomics Module)

         

        Study programme

          

        This course is made up of three progressional levels (PG Cert, PG Dip and MSc), and you can apply to any level in the first instance. Read more about how this works under ‘Choosing your course’ in the how to apply section.

        One of the core modules available within the Master’s degree (MSc) includes opportunities to access the emerging data from the 100,000 Genomes Project through the Genomics England Clinical Interpretation Partnership (GeCIP) training domains.

        Structure

         

        Modules shown are for the current academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

        Please note that the curriculum of this course is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.

        Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.

         

        As a preferred training provider for Health Education England, this course plays an important role in ensuring NHS staff have the knowledge, skills and experience required to stay at the forefront of this essential field. We have made minor improvements to the course content that will come into effect in October 2018 to ensure that our education continues to respond to the needs of modern healthcare practice.

        NHS and Public Health England employees can now apply for a HEE Genomics Education Programme scholarship to cover the tuition fees for individual modules, or longer programmes such as the PG Cert, PG Dip or the Masters. To find out more about this funding and apply please visit the HEE GEP website.

        Please note that due to funding restrictions there are limited HEE GEP-funded places available on the October intake. Success in the HEE GEP scholarship application does not guarantee an HEE-funded place at Northampton College .

         

         

        Core modules

         

        Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics

         

        Provides the basic genomic science knowledge required in later modules, including genomic architecture, regulatory systems, generic variation, function and how this impacts upon disease processes and clinical outcomes. 

         

        Omics Technologies and their Application to Genomic Medicine

         

        Provides an in–depth description of the genomic techniques that are used to assess genomic variation in clinical problems, allowing you to critically evaluate which techniques can be used and their limitations in analysing different disease states.

         

        Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease

         

        Explains how pathogen genomics inform the epidemiology of infections, impact drug development and resistance, lead to novel diagnostics/therapeutics/stratified healthcare, and provide insights into host susceptibilities to infection. 

         

        Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment

         

        Delivered by the Institute of Cancer Research. Explains the principles of cancer genomics, including predisposition, diagnosis, classification, treatment and patient monitoring with particular emphasis on how genomic analysis impacts these factors and ethical issues. 

         

        Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases

         

        Explains the different types of genetic variation, their contribution to rare and complex disease, and how they are detected (with emphasis on the 100,000 Genomes Project), interpreted and communicated.

         

        Bioinformatics, Quality Control, Analysis and Interpretation of Sequencing Data

         

        Provides the principles of computational DNA sequence analysis, including sequence alignment methods and statistical tests, to identify and correctly communicate pathogenic mutations and assess possible functions through database and network programs.

         

        Optional modules.

         

        Group 1

         

        You choose one optional module from below.

         

        Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Applied Genomics

         

        Explains the principles and subtleties of ethics in evaluating genetic/genomic data with an emphasis on emerging genomics technologies and the ways ethics issues are handled around the world. 

         

        Genomics and the Patient

         

        Concentrates on the identification and interpretation of final Next–Generation DNA sequencing reports with an emphasis on calculating genetic risk and ethical considerations (less computationally intense).

         

        Group 2

         

        You choose one optional module from below.

         

        Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Medicine

         

        Explains how genomic approaches can be used to understand the mechanisms of differential drug responses and reactions, and to inform patient stratification. An emphasis will be placed upon the current limitations and future prospects of pharmacogenomic studies. 

         

        Economic Evaluation in Human Genomics

         

        Delivered by Brunel University London. Explains the methods, assumptions, decision models, and interpretation of, cost estimate analysis, for health care interventions and health outcomes, with a particular emphasis on genomic medicine. 

         

        Genome-Based Therapeutics

         

        Covers key concepts in developing gene and nucleic acid-based therapies from genomic studies including efficacy and toxicity. 

         

        Professional and Research Skills

         

        An e-learning module. Teaches the differences between audit, research, qualitative, quantitative and systematic review methods, how to conduct literature searches, appraise published data, conduct appropriate statistical tests and understand the data management, ethical and reporting requirements in research studies, with a particular emphasis on the 100,000 Genomes Project and translational research.

         

        Research project

         

        You will complete a 14 week-full time or one-year part-time research project as part of the MSc. We offer four types of project:

        • laboratory-based
        • clinical-based
        • computer-based
        • literature-based

        Assessment is by written dissertation and an oral presentation.

        Core module

         

        Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics

         

        Provides the basic genomic science knowledge required in later modules, including genomic architecture, regulatory systems, generic variation, function and how this impacts upon disease processes and clinical outcomes.  

         

        Optional modules

         

        You choose three optional modules in total.

         

        Group 1

         

        You choose between one and three optional modules from below.

         

        Omics Technologies and their Application to Genomic Medicine

         

        Provides an in–depth description of the genomic techniques that are used to assess genomic variation in clinical problems, allowing you to critically evaluate which techniques can be used and their limitations in analysing different disease states. 

         

        Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease

         

        Explains how pathogen genomics inform the epidemiology of infections, impact drug development and resistance, lead to novel diagnostics/therapeutics/stratified healthcare, and provide insights into host susceptibilities to infection. 

         

        Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment

         

        Delivered by the Institute of Cancer Research. Explains the principles of cancer genomics, including predisposition, diagnosis, classification, treatment and patient monitoring with particular emphasis on how genomic analysis impacts these factors and ethical issues. 

         

        Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases

         

        Explains the different types of genetic variation, their contribution to rare and complex disease, and how they are detected (with emphasis on the 100,000 Genomes Project), interpreted and communicated.

         

        Bioinformatics, Quality Control, Analysis and Interpretation of Sequencing Data

         

        Provides the principles of computational DNA sequence analysis, including sequence alignment methods and statistical tests, to identify and correctly communicate pathogenic mutations and assess possible functions through database and network programs. 

         

        Group 2

         

        You can choose up to one optional module from below.

         

        Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Applied Genomics

         

        Explains the principles and subtleties of ethics in evaluating genetic/genomic data with an emphasis on emerging genomics technologies and the ways ethics issues are handled around the world. 

         

        Genomics and the Patient

         

        Concentrates on the identification and interpretation of final Next–Generation DNA sequencing reports with an emphasis on calculating genetic risk and ethical considerations (less computationally intense). 

         

        Group 3

         

        You can choose up to one optional module from below.

         

        Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Medicine

         

        Explains how genomic approaches can be used to understand the mechanisms of differential drug responses and reactions, and to inform patient stratification. An emphasis will be placed upon the current limitations and future prospects of pharmacogenomic studies. 

         

        Economic Evaluation in Human Genomics

         

        Delivered by Brunel University London. Explains the methods, assumptions, decision models, and interpretation of, cost estimate analysis, for health care interventions and health outcomes, with a particular emphasis on genomic medicine. 

         

        Genome-Based Therapeutics

         

        Covers key concepts in developing gene and nucleic acid-based therapies from genomic studies including efficacy and toxicity. 

         

        Professional and Research Skills

         

        An e-learning module. Teaches the differences between audit, research, qualitative, quantitative and systematic review methods, how to conduct literature searches, appraise published data, conduct appropriate statistical tests and understand the data management, ethical and reporting requirements in research studies, with a particular emphasis on the 100,000 Genomes Project and translational research.

        Core modules

         

        Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics

         

        Provides the basic genomic science knowledge required in later modules, including genomic architecture, regulatory systems, generic variation, function and how this impacts upon disease processes and clinical outcomes. 

         

        Omics Technologies and their Application to Genomic Medicine

         

        Provides an in–depth description of the genomic techniques that are used to assess genomic variation in clinical problems, allowing you to critically evaluate which techniques can be used and their limitations in analysing different disease states. 

         

        Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease

         

        Explains how pathogen genomics inform the epidemiology of infections, impact drug development and resistance, lead to novel diagnostics/therapeutics/stratified healthcare, and provide insights into host susceptibilities to infection. 

         

        Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment

         

        Delivered by the Institute of Cancer Research. Explains the principles of cancer genomics, including predisposition, diagnosis, classification, treatment and patient monitoring with particular emphasis on how genomic analysis impacts these factors and ethical issues. 

         

        Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases

         

        Explains the different types of genetic variation, their contribution to rare and complex disease, and how they are detected (with emphasis on the 100,000 Genomes Project), interpreted and communicated.

         

        Bioinformatics, Quality Control, Analysis and Interpretation of Sequencing Data

         

        Provides the principles of computational DNA sequence analysis, including sequence alignment methods and statistical tests, to identify and correctly communicate pathogenic mutations and assess possible functions through database and network programs.

         

        Optional modules

         

        Group 1

         

        You choose one optional module from below.

         

        Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Applied Genomics

         

        Explains the principles and subtleties of ethics in evaluating genetic/genomic data with an emphasis on emerging genomics technologies and the ways ethics issues are handled around the world. 

         

        Genomics and the Patient

         

        Concentrates on the identification and interpretation of final Next–Generation DNA sequencing reports with an emphasis on calculating genetic risk and ethical considerations (less computationally intense).

         

        Group 2

         

        You choose one optional module from below.

         

        Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Medicine

         

        Explains how genomic approaches can be used to understand the mechanisms of differential drug responses and reactions, and to inform patient stratification. An emphasis will be placed upon the current limitations and future prospects of pharmacogenomic studies. 

         

        Economic Evaluation in Human Genomics

         

        Delivered by Brunel University London. Explains the methods, assumptions, decision models, and interpretation of, cost estimate analysis, for health care interventions and health outcomes, with a particular emphasis on genomic medicine. 

         

        Genome-Based Therapeutics

         

        Covers key concepts in developing gene and nucleic acid-based therapies from genomic studies including efficacy and toxicity. 

         

        Professional and Research Skills

         

        An e-learning module. Teaches the differences between audit, research, qualitative, quantitative and systematic review methods, how to conduct literature searches, appraise published data, conduct appropriate statistical tests and understand the data management, ethical and reporting requirements in research studies, with a particular emphasis on the 100,000 Genomes Project and translational research.

        Teaching and assessment

         

        Teaching methods

              

        • Computer lab teaching
        • Data analysis sessions
        • Debates
        • Discussion sessions
        • Interactive content including video and module quizzes
        • Journal clubs
        • Keynote lectures
        • Laboratory teaching
        • Lectures
        • On-line discussion forums
        • On-line lecture materials
        • Problem-based group work
        • Seminars

         

        Assessment methods

         

        • Coursework
        • Practical
        • Research project (MSc only)

        Entry requirements

         

        We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

        Minimum academic requirement

        Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in a relevant medical, biomedical or healthcare subject.

        In special cases students may be admitted to this course with high-quality work experience in place of the above requirement.

        International qualifications

        We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

        The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.

        For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

        If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

        English language requirement (all applicants)

        All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

        For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

        How to apply

         

        You can submit one application form per year of entry, and usually choose up to two courses.

        We will start reviewing applications in December and will invite successful candidates to interview in the new year.

        We will schedule interviews on a rolling basis.  Please note that there is not a set application deadline for the MSc Genomic Medicine course but we strongly encourage candidates to apply before 1 July.

        .

        Choosing your course

        This course is divided into three progressional levels of study:

        • PG Certificate (PG Cert)
        • PG Diploma (PG Dip)
        • MSc

        Each level of study has its own separate entry point; you can apply to any level in the first instance.

        Making an application

        All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.