MSc in Genomic Medicine

The course is designed to equip students from diverse academic and workplace backgrounds with knowledge of the fundamental principles, technologies and basis of genomic science and how this can be translated for the benefit of human health, economics and broader society.

The course seeks to promote:

• rigorous scientific training to understand the complexities of genomic data;
• the concept of ‘gene to patient’ in its broadest sense, encompassing fundamental genomics research, bioinformatics pipelines, clinical trials, drug development, translational genomics, education and training for healthcare practitioners, patients and the wider public; and
• a multi-disciplinary approach providing the awareness and skill sets needed to engage with relevant specialists and technologies for the future development and delivery of genomic medicine.

Course structure

Core modules

The following four modules are taken by all students in the first term:

• Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics
• Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases
• Omic Technologies and their Application to Genomic Medicine
• Bioinformatics and Statistics for Genomic Data Interpretation

Elective modules

In the second term, you will take three elective modules from the following six options, with the option to attend further modules that are not formally assessed.

You will select two modules from set A:

• A1 Molecular Pathology and Precision Medicine
• A2 Advanced Quantitative Methods (Bioinformatics and Statistics)
• A3 Genome Engineering and Gene-based Therapeutics
• A4 Single-Cell and Spatial Omics for Precision Medicine

You will select one module from set B:

• B1 Genomics in Clinical Practice
• B2 Application of Genomics for Therapeutics, Vaccinology and Industry

Research project

The final term will focus on a research project undertaken for a twelve to fourteen week period. Projects will be offered by academic research groups and affiliated clinical supervisors in Oxford. You will have a named supervisor with experience in supervision of postgraduate students. You will produce a written dissertation based on your research project of 10,000-12,000 words. During your research project, you will be embedded within the research groups in the Centre for Human Genetics (CHG) and other institutes, giving you the opportunity to work alongside experienced post-graduate and post-doctoral research staff.

Academic and research skills

This module will run throughout the course helping you develop skills in academic writing, scientific communication and good research practice, alongside topics such as career support. It will also include bespoke computational and statistics training as a foundation for the core module ‘Bioinformatics and Statistics for Genomic Data Interpretation'.

Teaching format

Modules will comprise a mix of lectures, small-group tutorials, structured learning, individual and group-based assignments, practical wet-lab and computational sessions and independent learning. You will be expected to spend approximately 30-40 hours studying per week, with the balance of contact teaching hours and self-directed learning being approximately equal. In the first term, a student-focussed seminar series will feature expert guest speakers discussing cutting-edge research in genomic medicine and its clinical application.

Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to attend a wide range of training, seminars and journal clubs.

Attendance

Resources to support your study

The MSc in Genomic Medicine has dedicated teaching space within the Centre for Human Genetics (CHG), a research institute of the Nuffield Department of Medicine at the University of Oxford. It is located on the Old Road Campus in Headington, one of the largest concentrations of biomedical research expertise in the world. The course has strong links with the renowned DPhil in Genomic Medicine and Statistics (also based at CHG) as well as the other MSc courses offered by the Nuffield Department of Medicine.

You will have access to a wide range of journals, books and electronic resources through the University libraries including the Knowledge Centre on the Old Road campus, the Cairns Library at the John Radcliffe Hospital and the Radcliffe Science Library, the University’s main teaching and research science library.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Nuffield Department of Medicine and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. A supervisor may be found outside the Nuffield Department of Medicine.

All MSc students will have an individual named Academic Advisor assigned on enrolment who will provide guidance in choice of research project and plans, support any specific training needs and also provide pastoral support. They will usually meet with you at least twice per term. In addition, you will have formal and informal supervision from your host group during your research project.

Termly graduate supervision reporting will be completed in Michaelmas and Hilary term by the Academic Advisor and in Trinity term by the research project supervisor.

Assessment

Summative assessment of the course

Core module content is assessed by written assessments with a mix of question types, taken at the start of the second term and contributing 30% of the final course mark. Towards the end of the second term, elective modules are assessed by written assessments or oral presentations, with each chosen module (three in total) contributing 10% of the final mark. The research project is assessed by a dissertation contributing 40% of the final mark.

You will be required to pass the summative assessment elements for both core and elective modules, and you will have one opportunity to retake/revise each component if needed.

Formative assessment of the course

All modules will include formative assignments devised to test the ability to understand, apply and extend the learning from the module in a variety of formats and through a mix of group/individual work. Formative assessment in the first term will be carefully designed to prepare students for the core module exam papers. Successful completion of these will ensure all students have attained a sufficient level of understanding of fundamental material to complete the elective and research elements of the course. Formative assessment of the research project will include submission of a project proposal during the second term and an oral presentation reporting on progress eight weeks after starting the project.

Graduate destinations

This course will help train the next generation of expert practitioners and leaders in genomic medicine by:

• providing critically important skills and knowledge for specialist health care professionals;
• equipping students to apply for doctoral research and academic careers; and
• offering career development opportunities for industry professionals.

There are routes to tailor the course to individual interests and future career trajectories, which are carefully woven into the overall course.

College preference

The following colleges accept students on the MSc in Genomic Medicine: