Programme Specification for the 2022/3 academic year
PGCert Genomic Medicine (online)
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | PGCert Genomic Medicine (online) | Programme code | PCT1EMSEMS12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Academic year | 2022/3 | |
| Campus(es) | St Luke's (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (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.
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;
Additional aims specific to this programme are:
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
Appreciate the ethical and social implications of Genomic Medicine on patients and the public
Have developed skills necessary to interrogate the publically available genomic databases
The programme has been designed to be flexible with for a range of options, including; Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma and MSc, that can be studied over one to three years. All learning will be supported by online resources and moderated activities on the University of Exeter’s electronic learning environment (ELE). There will be a mixture of teaching resources, including video, animations, reading lists and quizzes. Expert tutors will facilitate your learning in an appropriately diverse range of expertise from clinical and research backgrounds with emphasis on topics that are relevant to patients and the wider public. You will be supported by subject specific tutors and a general academic tutor. You will learn with your peers, discussing topics via online discussion forums and interactive webinars.
4. Programme Structure
The MSc Genomic Medicine (online) 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 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 (online) is also offered, consisting of 120 credits of taught modules.
The PGCert in Genomic Medicine (online) is also offered, consisting of 60 credits of taught modules.
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.
PGCert Genomic Medicine (online):
See the module table below. You can take any combination of the taught and research project modules to the total value of 60 credits required for this award. Please note you can only choose one of the Research Project modules.
PGDip Genomic Medicine (online), 2-year part-time:
See the module table below. You can take any combination of the taught and research project modules in Year 1 and Year 2 to the total value of 120 credits required for this award. Please note you can only choose one of the Research Project modules.
MSc Genomic Medicine (online)
Note: If you are a part-time MSc student, there is no restriction as to how you would like to split your modules by year.
Stage 1
Note: You can take any combination of the taught and research project modules to the total value of 60 credits required for this award. Please note you can only choose one of the Research Project modules - HPDM042 OR HPDM043.
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPDM082A | Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics | 15 | Yes |
| HPDM036 | Omics Techniques and their Application to Genomic Medicine | 15 | No |
| HPDM041 | Bioinformatics, Interpretation and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis | 15 | No |
| HPDM042 | Research Project - Data (See note above) | 60 | No |
| HPDM043 | Research Project - Literature (See note above) | 30 | No |
| HPDM037 | Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases | 15 | No |
| HPDM038 | Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment | 15 | No |
| HPDM039 | Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare | 15 | No |
| BIOM567 | Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease | 15 | No |
| HPDM045 | Counselling Skills for Genomics (Will require on-campus attendance) | 15 | No |
| HPDM044 | Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Applied Genomics | 15 | No |
| HPDM049 | Epigenetics in Human Health and Diseases | 15 | No |
| HPDM088 | Health Economic Evaluation in Genomics | 15 | No |
| HPDM046 | Advanced Bioinformatics | 15 | No |
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; | The course will be delivered online including:, web-based lectures, webinars, master-classes, specialist tutorials, resource gathering and in-depth reading, preparation and writing of assignments. The following optional modules will require on-campus attendance: HPDM045 HPDM143
| 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. Poster and flashcard presentation ILO1-5 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; | The course will be delivered online including:, web-based lectures, webinars, master-classes, specialist tutorials, 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; | The course will be delivered online including:, web-based lectures, webinars, master-classes, specialist tutorials, 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 combined mark of more than 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
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 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 arrange a virtual meeting with 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 which will be your primary source of information and resources for each module. 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
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
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
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
PGCert Genomic Medicine (online)
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 | 1/05/19 |
Date of last revision | 15/03/2021 |
|---|
