Free bioinformatics course: unlocking genomics in healthcare

Explore the world of clinical bioinformatics and its important role in the patient journey

On Monday 26th June the University of Manchester will be delivering its free online course on the Future Learn platform exploring the role of clinical bioinformaticians and genomics in healthcare.

The course will illustrate how the discipline of clinical bioinformatics provides an important bridge between the cutting-edge science of genomic technologies and the delivery of genomic medicine in clinical practice. Through a range of case studies and interviews, the course allows learners to experience the world of a clinical bioinformatician and brings sequencing techniques and data analysis processes to life.

Making a difference in healthcare

Led by Dr Angela Davies and Professor Andy Brass, the course has been developed in conjunction with colleagues from the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health and the Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine.

Week 1 of the course will explore what is meant by clinical genomics and how genomic sequencing technologies are transforming patient care, particularly for patients with rare diseases. It will delve into the world of a clinical bioinformatician, to understand their role in the patient’s journey, what is challenging, why they enjoy it and how they feel they are making a difference in healthcare.

Join the course

Enrolment is free and the course is open to all healthcare professionals who are interested in learning more about clinical bioinformatics, and will also be applicable to people with an interest in the application of genomics in healthcare. It is not essential to have previous experience or knowledge of bioinformatics or genomics, although medical terminology is used.

The course starts this week and will run for five weeks, with a new set of learning resources made available each week. For more information or to join, visit the Future Learn website