The Genomics Era: the Future of Genetics in Medicine Course - St George's, University of London FutureLearn

Get an introduction to the growing role of genomics in healthcare, for patient diagnoses, treatment and disease prevention.

This course is part of the Genomics in Healthcare programme which will enable you to study genomics at the postgraduate level, for CPD or as a gateway to further study.

This free online course will provide healthcare professionals with a basic grounding in genomic medicine. It will introduce you to new genomic technologies, which are revolutionising medicine and will, in time, provide the mainstay of patient diagnosis, treatment and disease prevention.

Discover the potential of genetics in healthcare

The course will give you an awareness of genomic technologies and the data they generate. With ready access to genomic data promised by transformational NHS initiatives such as the 100,000 Genomes Project, genomic data will be integral to all sectors of medicine.

By the end of the course, you will understand the power and the challenges associated with these new technologies and data, enabling you to make appropriate referrals and evidence-based management decisions and use genomic results for patient benefit, without compromising patient safety.

Learn with experts in clinical genetics and education

The course draws on the experience of experts in clinical genetics and education at St George’s, University of London, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Genomics Education Programme from Health Education England.

As clinical geneticists who undertake diagnosis and care of patients with genetic conditions on a regular basis, the course educators are able to explain the relevance of novel technologies to clinical practice both now and in the future.

Demonstrate your continuing professional development (CPD)

The course has been approved for distance-learning continuing professional development (CPD) by the:

Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath): for 10 CPD credits.

To qualify for these CPD credits, you will need a Certificate of Achievement as evidence of completing the course. This online course was created in May 2015 and has been revised regularly.

Continue learning with the Genomics in Healthcare program

This course is the first of three in the Genomics in Healthcare program from St George’s, University of London. Completing all of the courses will enable you to study genomic technologies at a postgraduate level, whether for CPD or as a gateway to further study.

When would you like to start?

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts.

• Available now

Who will you learn with?

Kate Tatton-Brown

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.

Katie Snape

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.

Shereen Tadros

​I have a paediatric background and am a Registrar in Clinical Genetics based at Great Ormond Street Hospital. I have an interest in medical law and ethics and hold a Masters degree in Medical Law.

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.

St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

With nearly 8,500 dedicated staff caring for patients around the clock, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the largest healthcare provider in southwest London.