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Genomic Technologies in Clinical Diagnostics: Molecular Techniques

Learn how molecular genetic techniques are used to identify the genetic factors that contribute to the development of disease.

25,332 enrolled on this course

Genomic Technologies in Clinical Diagnostics: Molecular Techniques

25,332 enrolled on this course

  • 3 weeks

  • 5 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Intermediate level

Find out more about how to join this course

Powerful new technologies have been driving forward immense and exciting changes in clinical practice.

The days of peering down the microscope to detect chromosome abnormalities are gone, replaced by chromosome analysis at the genomic level. Invasive Down syndrome tests in pregnancy have made way for the evaluation of fetal DNA in maternal blood. And instead of laborious gene-by-gene targeted sequencing, we can now sequence all of our genes in parallel in a single experiment.

The course has been approved for distance-learning continuing professional development (CPD) by the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath): for 15 CPD credits.

Understand and apply molecular genetic techniques

This postgraduate-level course, in combination with Genomic Technologies in Clinical Diagnostics: Next Generation Sequencing Technologies, will help you understand these new and established genetic technologies, and their application to clinical practice.

This course focuses on molecular techniques. By the end, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and applicability of the molecular principles behind:

  • array comparative genomic hybridisation (array CGH);
  • karyotyping;
  • fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH);
  • Southern blotting;
  • multiplex ligation probe amplification (MLPA);
  • polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing;
  • quantitative fluorescent PCR (QF-PCR);
  • single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping and genome wide association studies (GWAS);
  • and the extraction and analysis of cell free fetal DNA, including non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT).

Through practice exercises each week, you will evaluate which laboratory investigations are most suitable for a given clinical scenario.

Continue studying with St George’s, University of London

Both Genomic Technologies in Clinical Diagnostics courses draw on the experience of experts in clinical genetics and education at St George’s, University of London.

The two courses will provide you with the teaching component of module 1 of the PGCert in Interpretation and Clinical Application of Genomic Data (PGCert ICAG) from St George’s. To apply for the PGCert ICAG, you must be employed as a genetics trainee within the UK, and hold a national training number (NTN) in clinical genetics.

If you upgrade and complete both courses on FutureLearn and earn a Certificate of Achievement for each, you will have completed the teaching component of the module, should you apply to study at St George’s.

What topics will you cover?

  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
  • Sanger sequencing
  • Southern blotting
  • Multiplex ligation probe amplification (MLPA)
  • Array comparative genomic hybridisation (array CGH)
  • Karyotyping
  • Fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH)
  • Quantitative fluorescent PCR (QF-PCR)
  • Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping and genome wide association studies (GWAS)
  • The extraction and analysis of cell free fetal DNA, including non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT).

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

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...

  • Demonstrate knowledge and applicability of the molecular principles behind PCR/Sanger sequencing; Next Generation Sequencing; MLPA/MS_MLPA; Southern blotting; array CGH; FISH; karyotyping; the extraction and analysis of cell free fetal DNA and QF-PCR
  • Evaluate which laboratory investigation(s) is(are) most suitable for a given clinical scenario
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the methodology of at least four molecular genetic techniques

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for scientists and healthcare professionals with an interest in obtaining a postgraduate-level understanding of molecular genomic techniques.

If you are new to the field, we recommend that before you start this course, you complete The Genomics Era: the Future of Genetics in Medicine.

Who will you learn with?

I'm a Consultant and Reader in Clinical Genetics. In addition to my clinical role, I am engaged in genomic research and am committed to improving medical education.

I'm a consultant cancer geneticist at St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. My research involved using next generation sequencing technology to identify genes associated with cancer.

Who developed the course?

St George's, University of London

St George’s is the UK’s only university dedicated to medical and health sciences education, training and research.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$109/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 18 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

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Learning on FutureLearn

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  • 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

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  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
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  • 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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