Semester:
Spring
Offered:
2024
Course description
Every day, patients are tested for disease-causing genetic variants or treated with anti-cancer medications based on the identification of actionable mutations. The foundation for much of this clinical genomic testing comes from the basic science laboratory. As researchers, it is important to keep in mind the clinical relevance of our work and how our findings may ultimately help diagnose and treat patients.
This introductory nano-course will encourage participants to create links between foundational and clinical science and potentially explore how the genomic data from their own research could benefit patients. In these 2, 3 hour hands-on sessions, participants will work together in small groups to determine the clinical impact of genomic data utilizing publicly available online tools such as CIVIC, OncoKB, COSMIC, ClinGen, PolyPhen and GnomAD. During the session, participants will also learn about the transition from a research background to possible clinical careers.
Course objectives
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Determine the factors that are involved in the decision to perform clinical genomic testing.
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Identify clinical significance of a genetic variant in relation to cancer risk and treatment.
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Effectively search for research trials related to genomic data.
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Get introduced to clinically-oriented careers for Ph.D. level scientists such as the Directors of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics clinical laboratories.
Session dates, times, and location
Session I: April 11th, 2024, 9 am – noon
Session II: April 12th, 2024, 9 am – noon
Room number will be provided upon registration.
Milestone credit
In order to receive a Milestone, students must:
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Attended both sessions for the entire time.
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Complete 2 in-class assignment (there is no additional homework).
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Complete a course evaluation final survey.
More information about Milestone Credit can be found here.
Course directors/instructors
Cynthia Morton, PhD
Director of Cytogenetics, Pathology Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Richard Haspel, MD, PhD
Vice Chair for Education, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Chair, TRIG Working Group
Curriculum Fellow
If you have any inquiries regarding the nanocourse, please feel free to contact Dr. Lorenzo Gesuita of the Harvard Genetics Department.
Enrollment limit
A maximum of 20 students will be allowed. Priority will be given to Harvard graduate students taking the course for credit. Harvard Postdocs can register too, and they will be granted access to the course as space allows.
Registration link & deadline
Please register using this link by Monday, April 1st, 2024