Whole Genome Sequencing

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. Find out more The course has been designed for healthcare professionals and science/medical students who have limited or no understanding of the who genome sequencing process and its many varied uses. 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. The course is designed in such a way that you can move as quickly or slowly as you wish; so, while some scientific knowledge will be beneficial, the course is open to anyone who wants to learn about whole genome sequencing and its impact in 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. You can use the hashtag #FLwgs to talk about this course on social media.

• 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.