• University of Exeter

Genomic Medicine and Research: A Community Approach

Learn how translational research in genomics can deliver health, social, and scientific benefits to communities.

2,020 enrolled on this course

Amish Barn and Buggy
  • Duration

    3 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours

Explore the benefits of a community approach to genomic medicine and research

Translational research has shown the benefits of using a community-focussed approach to healthcare. This course shares these benefits and raises awareness of community genetics as a field of medicine. Amish communities and families affected by inherited disorders are given as an example.

On this course, you will explore the skills needed for translational research work and understand the meaning of community genetics. You will also learn the value of whole genome sequencing in the community context and the importance of community-specific medical research to patients.

What topics will you cover?

  • A range of rare inherited diseases, and their genetic basis
  • What we mean by the term ‘Community Genetics’
  • Mechanisms and methodology for investigating the genetic basis of rare diseases in a community setting
  • The use of whole genome analysis in the clinical management of patients within a community setting
  • The importance of understanding a patient’s ethnicity, family history and cultural beliefs and practices, in formulating a differential diagnosis and for ensuring equality of health care and special educational needs provision
  • Mechanisms for dissemination of research findings to ensure maximum community, and international, impact and benefits

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Describe what a translational research project looks like
  • Describe examples of rare inherited diseases and their genetic basis
  • Develop an understanding of what is meant by the term “Community Genetics"
  • Describe current approaches used to identify new genes for rare monogenic recessive diseases within communities
  • Design approaches for undertaking translational genomic research in a community setting
  • Reflect on the importance of understanding a patient’s ethnicity, family history and their culture, beliefs and practices in formulating a differential diagnosis
  • Describe the value of whole genome sequencing in reaching a specific diagnosis for aiding the clinical management of patients with inherited disease
  • Identify patients with rare inherited disease for whom genomic research studies would be appropriate
  • Identify the mechanisms for translating research findings into direct benefits for communities and patients worldwide
  • Develop an understanding of the unique scientific insights provided by the study of rare monogenic disease

Who is the course for?

This course is for research teams, clinicians and allied health and special educational needs workers and diagnostic facilities that work with families affected by inherited diseases.

Who will you learn with?

Dr Emma Baple
Consultant Clinical Genetics
Senior Lecturer in Genomic Medicine

Professor Andrew Crosby
Professor of Human Genetics
Wellcome-Wolfson Research Institute, University of Exeter Medical School.

Genomic Counselling STP Trainee

Who developed the course?

University of Exeter

The University of Exeter is a Russell Group university. It combines world-class research with very high levels of student satisfaction.

Endorsers and supporters

supported by

Medical Research Foundation logo

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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