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Master of Genomics and Health (MC-GENOHLT)
Masters (Coursework)Year: 2023 Delivered: On Campus (Parkville)
About this course
Principal Coordinator
Jan Hodgson
Overview
Award title | Master of Genomics and Health |
---|---|
Year & campus | 2023 — Parkville |
CRICOS code | 096349K |
Fees information | Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date |
Study level & type | Graduate Coursework |
AQF level | 9 |
Credit points | 200 credit points |
Duration | 24 months full-time or 48 months part-time |
The Master of Genomics and Health is designed to prepare a workforce that is knowledgeable and skilled in practical, ethical and socially responsible implementation of genomics in health-related, community and policy settings.
The rapid advances in genomics in the last decade are expected to bring about benefits in health care but are not without their challenges in terms of upskilling a workforce that is able to incorporate new ways of thinking about and applying genomics, as well as consideration of ethical and social issues.
This Master of Genomics and Health course is the first course of its kind in Australia and students will engage in discourse around the current and potential impact on health and medicine brought about by these advances in genomics and genomic technologies.
The Master of Genomics and Health will take a blended learning approach to delivery, combining online and face-to-face interactions. It requires completion of a total of 200 points of study and is structured to suit individual needs and study preferences. Students have the option of enrolling in a Master degree (200 points) or enrolling in or exiting with one of the nested awards Graduate Diploma (100 points), Graduate Certificate (50 points).
This course is designed to be available to students at different stages in their careers, including career starters and those who currently work and wish to further their knowledge, skills and qualifications. The coursework responds to students by allowing individual tailoring to find the optimal approach.
Note that the Master of Genomics and Health is not equivalent to a clinical Master of Genetic Counselling and will not fulfil the eligibility requirements by the Human Genetics Society of Australasia to undertake certification in genetic counselling.
Students who wish to transfer at any stage into the Master of Genetic Counselling must meet the course eligibility rules and successfully complete all of the compulsory subjects required for that stage of the Master of Genetic Counselling. This will only occur after approval from the Master of Genetic Counselling Curriculum Committee.
Entry requirements
1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must provide evidence of having completed:
a) an undergraduate degree, in a cognate discipline such as Science, Health Sciences, Social Work, Psychology, Medicine, or related discipline, with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%) or equivalent
and
pre-requisite studies with subject marks of at least 65% (H3) in: biology to first year undergraduate level, or equivalent and genetics to second year undergraduate level or equivalent
OR
b) six years of documented relevant work experience in a cognate discipline
and
pre-requisite studies with subject marks of at least 65% (H3) in biology to first year undergraduate level, or equivalent and genetics to second year undergraduate level, or equivalent
OR
c) an undergraduate degree in any discipline, or equivalent, with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%), or equivalent,
and
pre-requisite studies with subject marks of at least 65% (H3) in: biology to first year undergraduate level, or equivalent and genetics to second year undergraduate level or equivalent
and
at least two years of documented relevant work experience in a cognate discipline
AND
All applicants must include a statement of no more than 400 words that explains
- Reason(s) for applying for the Master of Genomics and Health including known or proposed career objectives
- How their education/background addresses the entry requirements
Applicants must attach relevant biology and genetics subject descriptions to this statement (not included in the word count).
Meeting this requirement does not guarantee selection.
2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
- prior academic performance; and
- relevant work experience; and
- the personal statement
3. Short listed applicants will be contacted for interview. The Selection Committee may conduct tests and may call for referee reports or employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.
4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for graduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 7 is required.
Notes
Students may choose to exit the course with a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Genomics and Health following successful completion of the first 50 or 100 credit points.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to providing support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website. http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
Intended learning outcomes
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
Knowledge
- Outline the ethical and legal frameworks relevant to the implementation of genomics in health
- Demonstrate expert knowledge of human genetics & genomics
- Illustrate the appropriate use of research methods within the healthcare setting
Skills
- Interpret and evaluate the application of genomic technologies into medicine and public health
- Display competence in communicating genetic and genomic concepts
- Analyse, appraise and synthesise research evidence relevant to the implementation of genomics in health
Application of knowledge and skills
- Contribute evidence-based genomics expertise within multidisciplinary settings
- Recognise and appraise factors influencing how advances in genomics can be implemented into diverse healthcare settings
- Apply comprehensive knowledge of genetics and genomics in a variety of health-related, community and policy settings
- Critically review and reflect on personal performance in the professional genomic and health environment
- Identify future learning needs in order to maintain expert genetic and genomic knowledge level
- Display socially and culturally appropriate behaviour in keeping with relevant ethical, legal and professional Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) standards
Generic skills
Graduates of the Master of Genomics and Health will:
- Be able to synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a range of disciplines
- Demonstrate advanced independent critical enquiry, analysis and reflection
- Reach a high level of achievement in writing, research or project activities, problem-solving and communication
- Be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning
- Have a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment
- Be able to initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces
Course structure
The Master of Genomics and Health will comprise 4 x12.5 pt, 6 x 6.25 pt, and 1 x 37.5 pt (year-long) compulsory subjects, totaling 125 pt AND elective subjects totaling 75 pt.
Electives cluster into the following areas:
- Research methods and project
- Bioinformatics and health informatics
- Biostatistics and epidemiology
- Public health, systems, policy and society
- Health program evaluation
- Economic evaluation
- Science communication
Important prerequisite information
GENE90001 Human Genetics and Genomics in Healthcare, with a result of at least 70%, is a prerequisite for GENE90002 Clinical Genomics.
GENE90002 Clinical Genomics, with a result of at least 70%, is a prerequisite for XXXX Frontiers in Genomics 1.
XXXX Frontiers in Genomics 1, with a result of at least 70% on Assessment Task 3 (Presentation) is prerequisite for GENE90024 Frontiers in Genomics 2.
GENE90026, Clinical Genome Variant Analysis 1, with a result of a least 70% in a prerequisite for GENE90025.
WELF90004 Principles of Counselling 1, with a result of at least 70%, is a prerequisite for WELF90005 Principles of Counselling 2.
HLTH90014 Healthcare Research-Principles & Design, with a result of least 70%, is a prerequisite for HLTH90011 Research Project in Human Genomics 1.
HLTH90011 Research Project in Human Genomics 1, with a result of at least 70%, is a prerequisite for Research Project in Human Genomics 2.
Compulsory subjects
Year 1
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
GENE90026 | Clinical Genome Variant Analysis 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
GENE90001 | Human Genetics & Genomics in Healthcare | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
POPH90226 | Societal Implications of Genomics | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
WELF90004 | Principles of Counselling 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
HLTH90014 | Healthcare Research-Principles & Designs | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
GENE90002 | Clinical Genomics | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
WELF90005 | Principles of Counselling 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
GENE90025 | Clinical Genome Variant Analysis 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
Year 2
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
GENE90027 | Frontiers in Genomics 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
GENE90024 | Frontiers in Genomics 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
HLTH90012 | No longer available |
Health Research stream
Compulsory subjects, plus:
Year 1
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
HLTH90011 | Research Project in Human Genomics 1 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
And one elective subject (in Semester 2 / second half of the year).
Year 2
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
HLTH90013 | Research Project in Human Genomics 2 | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
And two elective subjects (one in each semester / half of the year).
Non-Research stream
Compulsory subjects, plus:
Year 1
Two elective subjects (in Semester 2 / second half of the year).
Year 2
Four elective subjects (two in each semester / half of the year).
Electives
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
POPH90093 | Economic Evaluation 1 | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
POPH90209 | Comparative Health Systems | August (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
POPH90231 | Qualitative Research in Public Health |
Semester 1 (Online)
Semester 2 (Online)
|
12.5 |
SCIE90012 | Science Communication | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
SCIE90006 | Scientists,Communication & the Workplace | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
COMP90014 | Algorithms for Bioinformatics | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
INFO90001 | Health Informatics Methods | Semester 2 (Online) |
12.5 |
ISYS90078 | Structuring and Managing Patient Data | Semester 2 (Online) |
12.5 |
POPH90111 | Genetic Epidemiology | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
POPH90090 | Health Program Evaluation 2 | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
BINF90002 | Elements of Bioinformatics | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
COMP90016 | Computational Genomics | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ISYS90069 | Digital Transformation of Health |
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
July (Online)
|
12.5 |
POPH90013 | Biostatistics |
Semester 1 (Online)
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
POPH90014 | Epidemiology 1 |
Semester 1 (Online)
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
POPH90058 | Health Program Evaluation 1 | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
POPH90217 | Foundations of Public Health | February (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
POPH90020 | Health Promotion | September (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
POPH90206 | Health Policy | March (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
POPH90095 | Economic Evaluation 2 | February (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
POPH90270 | Bioethics in Practice | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
POPH90201 | Community Engagement for Health Impact | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
SCIE90005 | Ethics and Responsibility in Science | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
SCIE90013 | Communication for Research Scientists |
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Winter Term (Online)
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
POPH90205 | Social Determinants of Health Inequality | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MGMT90031 | Project Management |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Last updated: 1 December 2023