Whole Genome Sequencing: Decoding the Language of Life and Health
Learn how whole genome sequencing works and what it could mean for the future of healthcare with this free online course.
Duration
3 weeksWeekly study
3 hours
Whole Genome Sequencing: Decoding the Language of Life and Health
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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 begin to make sense of the vast amount of information that whole genome sequencing provides? And what does this new technology mean for the future of healthcare and personalised medicine?
Learn how genome sequencing works
This course will take you behind the scenes to explore this emerging technology and its promises to revolutionise healthcare around the world. You will be given a unique insight into modern genetics laboratories and state of the art sequencing facilities, led by clinical scientists who are using whole genome sequencing to shape decisions about patient care and appropriate treatments.
You will be introduced to the fundamental basics 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 and life decisions. You will be introduced to England’s pioneering 100,000 Genomes Project and its potential impact on how we understand and care for patients with rare diseases and cancer. You will also discover how genomics is being used in epidemiology and helping us tackle infectious diseases.
What topics will you cover?
- 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.
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 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.
Who is the course for?
The course is aimed at healthcare professionals who have limited or no understanding of the sequencing process and the many varied uses of whole genome sequencing. Science undergraduates and 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. It is designed for anyone who wants to learn about whole genome sequencing, how it operates and the impact it is likely to have on 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.
What do people say about this course?
"Wonderful course! Something that every patient and clinician should at least find some time to do!"
"I've gained a much better appreciation of what genome sequencing is, the complexities of interpretation, and the moral decisions surrounding this advancing technology."
Who will you learn with?
I am the Associate Scientific Director of Health Education England's Genomics Education Programme. I am also a Consultant Clinical Scientist in Genomics at the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust.
I am the Associate Director, Learning and Training at Wellcome Connecting Science. I have a PhD in genetics education and have worked 13+ years developing and delivery genetics and genomics education.
I am a Principal Clinical Scientist in Familial Cancer and Molecular Pathology at the West Midlands Regional Genetics Service in Birmingham and am an educator for the Whole Genome Sequencing course.
I am Content Producer in the Wellcome Genome Campus Public Engagement team where I coordinate a range of projects to engage different audiences with genomics and the research on campus.
Who developed the course?
NHS England
The Workforce, Training and Education (WT&E) directorate of NHS England (NHSE) ensures the NHS in England has a sufficient and inclusive workforce with the knowledge, skills, values and behaviours to deliver compassionate high-quality health and care to the people it serves.
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Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
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Map your progress
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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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