MSc Precision Medicine: Genomic Data Science

Year 1

(Award available for year: Master of Science)

Learning outcomes

On completion of the year/ programme students should have:
- Developed an integrated and comprehensive understanding of the role of genomics and data analytics in facilitating precision medicine;
- Demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the current science underpinning the range of high throughput technologies that are being used to interrogate the human genome and its functions including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and genetic epidemiological data;
- Successfully applied computational tools and quantitative methods including bioinformatics, python and R to analyse and interpret large biomedical data sets;
- Demonstrated knowledge of machine learning methods and predictive analytics and how these are contributing to precision medicine;
- Demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of the way in which genotypic and phenotypic data sets are informing the growing knowledge of the aetiology of and therapeutic possibilities for a range of diseases;
- An awareness of the ethical implications and requirements for handling large scale data sets relevant to precision medicine.
- Proactively formulated ideas and hypotheses to solve biological problems and developed, implemented and executed plans by which to evaluate these;
- Designed, planned and executed an independent and in-depth research project in an area of genomics and data analytics;
- Developed advanced ability to communicate information and defend ideas in writing and verbally evidenced through the production of written reports, oral presentations and a major written dissertation;
- Taken a proactive and self-reflective role in working to develop professional relationships with others including the ability to work in teams.

Transferable (key) skills

Students will have had the opportunity to acquire the following abilities, as defined in the modules specified for the programme: - The skills necessary to undertake a higher research degree and/or for employment in a higher capacity in the genomics and data analytics field as applied to precision medicine;
- Evaluating their own achievement and that of others;
- Self direction and effective decision making in complex and unpredictable situations;
- Independent learning and the ability to work in a way which ensures continuing professional development;
- Critically to engage in the development of professional/disciplinary boundaries and norms.

Assessment

Achievement for the degree of Master (taught programme) will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year/programme and will include:
- Evidencing an ability to conduct independent in-depth enquiry within the discipline;
- Demonstrating the ability to apply breadth and/or depth of knowledge to a complex area within the field of genomics and data analytics as applied to precision medicine;
- Drawing on a range of perspectives on an area of study;
- Evaluating and criticising received opinion;
- Making reasoned judgements whilst understanding the limitations on judgements made in the absence of complete data.