Program Overview

Program Overview

The Omics Techniques and Technologies and their Application to Genomic Medicine program is a 15-credit microcredential offered by the University of Birmingham. This five-day program aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of 'omics' techniques and technologies, including their interpretation and application in key areas of genomic medicine.

Course Details

• Duration: 5 days
• Start Date: October 2025
• Award: Microcredential (15 credits)
• Delivery Format: In person
• Campus: Birmingham (Edgbaston)

Entry Requirements

• A good honours degree (or alternative qualification) in a life sciences subject.
• Applicants with alternative qualifications and professional experience within the health service or other relevant background will be considered.
• It is recommended that students take the Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics module first or demonstrate equivalent knowledge and understanding.

Fees

• Home Microcredential Fee: £1,000

Course Content

The program explores current genomics techniques used for DNA sequencing and RNA sequencing, as well as bioinformatics approaches required for the analysis of genomic data. Topics covered include:

• Basis of genotyping and detection of genetic variation
• Whole exome and whole genome sequencing
• Overview of current methodologies for detecting single nucleotide variations, small insertions and deletions, copy number variants, or rearrangements
• Genomic testing strategies
• Current methodologies to assess the transcriptome
• Overview of the metabolome and proteome
• Methodologies to assess the metabolome and proteome
• Application of information from the transcriptome, metabolome, and proteome to the interpretation of genomic information
• Bioinformatics approaches to the analysis of genomic data
• Evaluation of pathogenicity of variants in the context of an NHS clinical report
• Functional studies applied to the interpretation of pathogenicity

Teaching Staff

• Dr. Samantha Butler (Principal Clinical Scientist, Familial Cancer and Molecular Pathology, West Midlands)
• Dr. Pauline Rehal (Principal Clinical Scientist, Molecular Pathology, West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory)

Application Process

• Applicants eligible for Home fees must apply a minimum of 6 weeks before the module start date.
• Applicants eligible for Overseas fees must apply a minimum of 3 months before the module start date.
• Once registered for the microcredential, students cannot swap for the non-credit short course version.