Study information

Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year

PGDip Genomic Medicine (Data Science)

1. Programme Details

Programme namePGDip Genomic Medicine (Data Science) Programme codePDP2EMSEMS14
Study mode(s)Full Time
Level 1
 Academic year2024/5
Campus(es)St Luke's (Exeter)
 NQF Level of the Final Award7 (Masters)

2. Description of the Programme

This programme will focus on research-inspired education in the specialist area of genomic medicine in which the University of Exeter is world-leading and has a track record of demonstrable impact on clinical practice. The programme has been designed to respond to Health Education England’s initiative to implement Genomic Medicine Education in England.

‘Genomics at Exeter’ is a particular strength, being built on partnerships between colleges in the University and interactions between the multi-disciplinary staff and students.

You will learn at the forefront of evolving knowledge, understanding and clinical application in genomic medicine. The curriculum is based on that required by Health Education England and our innovative delivery format has been designed to provide a rich and varied approach towards learning, teaching and assessment; ensuring that the diverse needs of students from differing specialties and experience are addressed. This approach means that you will have the unique opportunity to make a personal and significant contribution though active engagement and appreciative enquiry.

Students following this Data Science pathway will receive programming and computational skills training, offering the opportunity to develop increasingly in-demand data science skills to use in the field of healthcare.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

  • To provide an education of high quality in a stimulating and supportive environment that is enriched by research and/or current practice in Genomics;
  • To provide training in scientific skills of problem analysis, research design, evaluation of empirical evidence and dissemination;
  • To provide a range of academic and key skills that will prepare you confidently for employment, future study, or training for professional practice;
  • To provide a thorough grounding in genomics, including Omics technologies, Bioinformatics and research design and methodology, as part of the curriculum defined by Health Education England for a Masters in Genomic Medicine.

In doing so, we aim to encourage you to develop into individuals who, on graduation, will:

  • Have a well-defined vocabulary and basic knowledge of Genomic Medicine
  • Have the critical evaluation skills to appraise the scientific literature in Genomics
  • Have developed skills necessary to interrogate the publicly available genomic databases
  • To provide data science training to enable students to develop the skills needed to unlock knowledge from complex health and life science data.

4. Programme Structure

The MSc Genomic Medicine (Data Science) programme is a 12 month full-time equivalent programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The MSc may be taken in one year full-time, or part-time over two or three years. The Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) is taken part-time over two years. The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) is taken over one year.

The programme is divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.

The MSc requires 180 credits, and depending on whether you will choose a 30-credit or 60-credit Research Project, you will need to take either 120 or 150 credits of taught modules.

The PGDip in Genomic Medicine is also offered, consisting of 120 credits of taught modules.

The PGCert in Genomic Medicine is also offered, consisting of 60 credits of taught modules.

 

5. Programme Modules

PGDip Genomic Medicine (Data Science)

See the module table below. You can take any combination of the taught and research modules to the total value of 120 credits required for this award. You must choose at least two of the Data Science modules (marked ‘a’) as part of the selection.

Stage 1

Optional Modules

Notes:

aAs a student on the Data Science pathway, you must choose at least two of the Data Science modules marked with an ‘a’.
bThis module will run subject to sufficient interest

 

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
HPDM082A Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics 15No
HPDM036 Omics Techniques and their Application to Genomic Medicine 15No
HPDM041 Bioinformatics, Interpretation and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis 15No
HPDM171 Coding in Python for Health and Life Sciences (a)15No
HPDM172 Computational Skills for Health and Life Sciences (a)15No
HPDM182 Statistics for Health and Life Sciences (a)15No
HPDM037 Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases 15No
HPDM038 Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment 15No
HPDM039 Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare 15No
BIOM567 Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease 15No
HPDM049 Epigenetics in Human Health and Diseases 15No
HPDM088 Health Economic Evaluation in Genomics 15No
HPDM046 Advanced Bioinformatics (b)15No

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Demonstrate a depth and breadth of awareness of knowledge that is at the forefront of the discipline and a critical understanding of application to own area of practice;
2. Select appropriate Omics technologies to address specific clinical and research needs;
3. Use appropriate statistical and bioinformatics methods with insight as to their interpretation and application to practice;
4. Demonstrate breadth of theoretical and conceptual knowledge of genomic medicine research by applying alternative models from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds;
5. Propose a feasible plan to implement and evaluate evidence-based practice based on an understanding of the influences of attitudes, behaviours and contexts;
6. Write Python code for the analysis of large data sets;
7. Highlight the differences between computational tools and how to combine them to analyse health data

The course will be delivered in a blended fashion including: face to face contact days, web-based learning, lectures, seminars, workshops, master-classes, specialist tutorials, practical sessions, resource gathering and in-depth reading, preparation and writing of assignments.

  1. Critical appraisal of relevant literature –ILOs 1+4
  2. Short answer test – ILOs 1-4, 7
  3. Analysis and interpretation of statistical and/or bioinformatics data – ILOs 2+3
  4. Case based studies ILO 5
  5. Portfolio – ILOs 1-5
  6. Objective structured genomic examination – ILOs 1+2+4+5
  7. Research proposal – ILOs 1-5
  8. Dissertation (supervised project) – ILOs 1-5
  9. Coding assignment – ILOs 6,7

 

 

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Apply analytical skills to investigate and test new hypotheses;
2. Integrate information from a variety of sources to construct a coherent thesis on a scientific topic;
3. Construct hypotheses pertinent to the experimental exploration of topical questions in the field of medical genomics;
4. Evaluate the significance of experimental results in the context of previous work;
5. Summarise and disseminate information including test results in oral and written forms to colleagues, patients and the public;
6. Critically evaluate the published literature with respect to the patient and carer perspective of genomic medicine.

The course will be delivered in a blended fashion including: face to face contact days, web-based learning, lectures, seminars, workshops, master-classes, specialist tutorials, practical sessions, resource gathering and in-depth reading, preparation and writing of assignments.

  1. Critical appraisal of relevant literature –ILOs 2+3+4+6
  2. Short answer test – ILOs 1+4+5
  3. Case based studies ILO 5
  4. Poster and flashcard presentation ILOs 1-6
  5. Portfolio – ILOs 1-6
  6. Objective structured genomic examination – ILOs 1-6
  7. Research proposal – ILOs 1-6

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Critically appraise and analyse the scientific literature on relevant subject and the ability to judge and interpret findings;
2. Engage and communicate effectively with diverse communities including the lay public and professionals involved in research and clinical practice;
3. Exercise initiative and personal responsibility;
4. Make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations;
5. Learn independently as part of a commitment to continuing professional development.

The course will be delivered in a blended fashion including: face to face contact days, web-based learning, lectures, seminars, workshops, master-classes, specialist tutorials, practical sessions, resource gathering and in-depth reading, preparation and writing of assignments.

  1. Critical appraisal of relevant literature –ILOs 1+5
  2. Short answer test – ILOs 5
  3. Analysis and interpretation of statistical and/or bioinformatics data – ILOs 2+5
  4. Case based studies ILO 1-5
  5. Poster and flashcard presentation ILOs 1-5
  6. Portfolio – ILOs 1-5
  7. Objective structured genomic examination – ILOs 1-5
  8. Research proposal – ILOs 1-5
  9. Dissertation (supervised project) – ILOs 1-5

7. Programme Regulations

The maximum number of credits that can be condoned on this programme is 45. Condonement will be applied at the awarding stage.

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook.

Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

Each module will include both formative and summative elements (please refer to the module descriptors). Formative assessment will involve opportunities for discussion and feedback from peers and tutors. The summative assessment element for each module will provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate achievement of the intended learning outcomes. Elements of assessment will include:

  • Development of Knowledge and Understanding
  • Cognitive and Intellectual skills
  • Key/Transferable Skills

Detailed and specific marking criteria for each assignment will be made available through the University’s electronic learning environment (ELE, http://as.exeter.ac.uk/it/systems/ele/ ) and will be clearly articulated to students throughout the modules. The overall pass mark for all modules is 50% (including the Research Projects). Where module assessment involves more than one element of coursework, a student is required to achieve a minimum combined mark of 50.

It is compulsory for students to complete the Academic Honesty and Plagiarism module before receiving marks for assessed coursework.

Classification

The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following marks:

Postgraduate Degrees

Distinction   70%+

Merit            60-69%

Pass            50-59%

 Full details of assessment regulations for UG programmes and PGT programmes assessment regulations can be found in the Teaching Quality Assurance Manual (TQA) on the University of Exeter website.  Generic marking criteria are also published here.

 Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance. 

Classification

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Resources : A Programme Handbook will be provided which includes information about the structure of the programme, learning resources available, assessment methods, criteria, and regulations and student support services. All modules will be supported by the University of Exeter’s ‘Exeter Learning Environment' (ELE). Each module has an ELE page and discussion board for information, announcements and resources. ELE also hosts library links, including a list of electronic journals held by the University of Exeter. There is a page called Library and Research Skills, where you will find a whole host of additional resources to support you in the development of your writing skills, reading skills, generic research skills and study strategies.

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

10. Admissions Criteria

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

0

18. Final Award

PGDip Genomic Medicine (Data Science)

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

20. NQF Level of Final Award

7 (Masters)

21. Credit

CATS credits ECTS credits

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Origin Date

30/04/2024

 Date of last revision