Foundations in Cancer Genetics and Genomics

Course Overview and Description

Course Overview

This course offers a rigorous and intellectually exciting introduction to human genetics and genomics, viewed through one of medicine’s most urgent and fast-moving frontiers: cancer. You explore how genetic variation shapes biological risk, how tumours evolve at the molecular level, and how genomic insight is now transforming diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection.

What you gain here is not simply vocabulary. You learn to read the genome as a scientific language: a system of variation, regulation, and biological consequence. You are guided to interpret evidence carefully, to connect genomic mechanisms to clinical decision-making, and to recognise the ethical weight of genomic medicine in an era where data can influence not only care, but identity, access, and opportunity.

By the end of the course, you should be able to engage with cancer genomics as an emerging scientific field with real translational power, and to approach genomic data with both confidence and responsibility.

Course Description

This module explores the architecture of the human genome and the functional consequences of genetic variation, with a dedicated focus on cancer genetics and molecular oncology. You examine how inherited and somatic mutations alter gene regulation, cellular behaviour, tumour development, and response to treatment.

The course includes:

The structure and regulation of the human genome, including genes, non-coding DNA, regulatory elements (enhancers and silencers), and epigenetic control
Key forms of genomic variation (SNPs, indels, copy number changes, and structural rearrangements) and why their biological effects differ
Cancer-relevant mutations in oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes, and how these shape clinical pathways and risk stratification
Principles of genotype–phenotype relationships, including penetrance, variable expressivity, and the complexity of prediction
Landmark genomic initiatives and contemporary breakthroughs, including genome-scale sequencing, functional interpretation, and emerging therapeutic platforms such as gene editing and RNA-based interventions

Throughout the course, you learn to treat genomics as a living discipline, shaped by evolving evidence and ongoing clinical translation. You are also encouraged to reflect on the uncertainties that persist and why they matter in real-world healthcare and research.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

Describe the fundamental structure of the human genome and identify key genomic features and regulatory elements
Analyse major forms of genetic variation and explain how they influence cancer biology and disease susceptibility
Understand the principles of gene regulation and epigenetic control in healthy and malignant cells
Explain how genomic data can contribute to cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning
Use selected public genomic resources to interpret basic genomic data, where appropriate
Evaluate how global genetic diversity influences health, disease risk, and the design of equitable genomic medicine

Program Structure

At Afer*Nova, each programme is shaped by evidence-informed educational design, combining academic depth with real-world relevance. The structure is cross-disciplinary and designed to support learners across the health sciences, life sciences, and data-driven innovation.

Self-Paced Foundation Modules

Programmes begin with flexible modules that build a strong conceptual base through:

Faculty-led teaching delivered by experienced educators and scientific practitioners
Curated readings and case materials
Interactive quizzes and reflective tasks

This phase supports independent learning while building confidence in core concepts.

Live, Case-Based Learning (Where Offered)

Learners may take part in facilitated sessions that strengthen applied reasoning, including:

Genomics-informed case challenges
Group problem-solving and guided discussion
Structured feedback designed to improve scientific communication

Session formats may vary depending on cohort design and programme delivery.

Responsive Curriculum Design

Content is refreshed periodically to reflect scientific advances, clinical standards, and emerging ethical debates in genomic medicine, helping the programme remain future-relevant and academically credible.

Teaching and Assessment

At Afer*Nova, teaching is designed to help you develop both technical literacy and intellectual responsibility. You are supported to interpret evidence carefully, communicate uncertainty honestly, and understand why genomics must be approached with ethical seriousness.

Teaching is delivered through case-based masterclasses, guided reading, applied learning tasks, and reflective discussion. Assessment is designed to deepen learning and may include:

Structured reflections and short critical responses
Literature reviews and evidence synthesis
Genomic interpretation tasks and translational case analyses
Short presentations or recorded oral explanations
Optional portfolio work aligned to your interests

Final outputs often form part of a portfolio that demonstrates scientific understanding, translational reasoning, and clear academic communication.

What Sets this Program Apart

A Research-Informed Foundation That Builds Real Genomic Thinking

This course takes you beyond definitions and into the deeper logic of genomics. You learn how variation becomes consequence, how tumours evolve through mutation and selection, and how molecular insight can guide therapy. The emphasis is not on oversimplified certainty, but on developing the kind of scientific judgement that is essential in genomics and oncology.

Academic Guidance That Strengthens Confidence and Analytical Skill

Learners receive structured academic support designed to strengthen their ability to interpret genomic evidence, build coherent scientific arguments, and communicate complex ideas clearly. Where mentoring is included, it is designed to foster deeper reasoning and academic development.

Mentorship format and level of individual feedback may vary depending on cohort design.

Clinically Relevant Learning Without Losing Scientific Depth

You explore how genomic data informs real clinical pathways, including inherited risk, tumour profiling, and emerging precision oncology approaches. Importantly, you also consider what genomic data cannot yet do, and why responsible practice requires humility, transparency, and ethical oversight.

Optional Portfolio Pathways (Discretionary)

Learners may undertake structured analysis or research-style projects using public datasets and tools, where appropriate. These projects can help build a strong academic portfolio and may support future applications.

Any opportunities for dissemination, inclusion in curated collections, or reference letters are discretionary outcomes and are not guaranteed.

Programme Highlights

Students may:

Develop a research-style review or analysis report on cancer genetics, tumour evolution, or genomic interpretation
Explore curated public datasets and genomic tools, where appropriate, to strengthen translational literacy
Engage with real-world case studies linking genomic evidence to clinical reasoning and therapeutic design
Receive structured academic feedback designed to strengthen scientific writing and interpretive skill
Earn a programme-issued certificate recognising completion of course requirements

Programme Notice

Mentoring format and level of individual feedback may vary depending on cohort size, availability, and programme design. Any opportunities for dissemination, curated collections, or academic reference letters are discretionary and are not guaranteed.