Study information

Programme Specification for the 2019/0 academic year

MSc Genomic Medicine (Full Time)

1. Programme Details

Programme nameMSc Genomic Medicine (Full Time) Programme codePTS1EMSEMS05
Study mode(s)Full Time
Part Time
Modular
 Academic year2019/0
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, interactions between the multi-disciplinary staff and students, as well as collaboration with other organisations (the NHS, Plymouth University, University of Bath and University of Bristol, as examples). 

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, so facilitating the transformational process that is required for the NHS workforce.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

The programme has been designed to be flexible and well-defined with seven integrated and core modules (each module is 15 credits and at Masters level), six optional modules, plus a research project (30 or 60 credits at Masters level) that can be studied on a part-time or full-time basis. A blended approach to learning will be achieved through distance learning, taught sessions, bespoke tutorials, laboratory visits and practical exercises. All learning will be supported by online resources and moderated activities on the University of Exeter’s electronic learning environment (ELE). Expert tutors and guest lecturers will represent an appropriately diverse range of expertise from clinical and research backgrounds that of patients and the wider public.

4. Programme Structure

Your Masters in Genomic Medicine is a one year (if studied full-time) or two to three years (if studied part-time) programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7. 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 15 credits being nominally equivalent to 150 hours of work, 30 and 60 credits being nominally equivalent to 300 and 600 hours of work respectively.

Students who successfully complete 120 credits may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Genomic Medicine. Students who successfully complete 60 credits may exit with a Postgraduate Certificate in Genomic Medicine.

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/medicine/genomicmsc/#Programme-structure

The fourth character of any module code signifies its NQF level, according to the following scheme:

Fourth Character

NQF level

1

4

2

5

3

6

M

7

Stage 1

Compulsory Modules

Choose either HPDM042 or HPDM043 Research Project

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
HPDM082A Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics 15Yes
HPDM036 Omics Techniques and their Application to Genomic Medicine 15No
HPDM041 Bioinformatics, Interpretation and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis 15No
HPDM042 Research Project - Data 60No
HPDM043 Research Project - Literature 30No

Optional Modules

You must take at least three out of the below four optional modules:

HPDM037

HPDM038

HPDM039

BIOM567

Choose remaining modules from:

HPDM045

HPDM044

HPDM047

HPDM048

HPDM046

HPDM049

HPDM088

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
HPDM037 Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases 15Yes
HPDM038 Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment 15Yes
HPDM039 Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare 15Yes
BIOM567 Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease 15Yes
HPDM045 Counselling Skills for Genomics 15No
HPDM044 Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Applied Genomics 15No
HPDM047 Work-based Learning 15No
HPDM048 Professional and Research Skills 15No
HPDM046 Advanced Bioinformatics 15No
HPDM049 Epigenetics in Human Health and Diseases 15No
HPDM088 Health Economic Evaluation in Genomics 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.

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

  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

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. Portfolio – ILOs 1-6

  5. Objective structured genomic examination – ILOs 1-6

  6. Research proposal – ILOs 1-6

  7. Dissertation (supervised project) – 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. Portfolio – ILOs 1-5

  6. Objective structured genomic examination – ILOs 1-5

  7. Research proposal – ILOs 1-5

  8. 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.

 

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 of 50% in each of these elements.

 

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

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.

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 Programme Director will have oversight of the types of support needed as you progress through the programme. 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. Academic tutors for each module will be available to support your studies and facilitate the distance learning elements of the module. 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 Committees enables students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs) but this is not currently applicable for this programme.

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges review the quality and standard of teaching and learning in all taught programmes against a range of criteria through the procedures outlined in the Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) Manual Quality Review Framework.

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

MSc Genomic Medicine (Full Time)

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

20/12/2015

 Date of last revision

24/07/2019