Syllabus

Master of Biomedical Science

MBS 675: Applied Genomics

Credits - 3

Description

Genomics is a powerful tool that’s actively shaping the future of healthcare. This course is designed to provide preclinical students with a comprehensive understanding of the applications of genomics in medicine. The course covers fundamental principles of genomics, current technologies, and their clinical applications. Students will engage in clinical case studies and explore emerging issues in genetics and genomics relevant to practicing health professionals today, including primary care and general medicine, cardiology, oncology, rare disease, and other clinical applications.


This course has been designed as a partnership between UNE Online and The Jackson Laboratory. The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution founded in 1929 in Bar Harbor, Maine, dedicated to advancing precise genomic solutions for disease and improving human health worldwide. With nearly 3,000 team members across 11 global locations, JAX conducts groundbreaking research in areas such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and precision genetics, while providing essential resources like genetically specialized mouse models and genomic databases to the global biomedical community.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Materials

No required texts; materials will be provided in Brightspace.

 
 
 

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Course Outcomes:

Students will be able to:

  • Evaluate the benefits and limitations of genomic data in healthcare settings
  • Apply genomic information for clinical decision-making
  • Interpret genetic test results
  • Recognize the impact of ethical and equity considerations when using genomic data
 
 

Assignments

For all assessments and learning activities, see Brightspace for the full assignment descriptions and instructions. Read the prompts carefully and use the rubrics to confirm how assignments and discussions will be graded.

Learning Modules

Throughout this course, you will access a variety of content and learning materials directly from JAX Clinical Education (The Jackson Laboratory). These resources have been created and curated specifically for this course, but also provide an example of the kinds of continuing education modules common in clinical and biomedical research fields. Complete the entire learning module, including videos, case studies, and practice activities. Graded assessments will be completed in D2L Brightspace.

Weekly Quizzes

Each week has an end-of-week evaluation in the form of a short multiple-choice quiz. These quizzes are timed, closed book, and closed notes. You will have 20 minutes to complete each quiz. Taking these practice evaluations seriously and doing well on the quizzes will help prepare you for the final exam. You can only take each weekly quiz once; these assessments can be reviewed through Class Progress after completion.

Discussion Boards

Discussion forums are an essential part of the online course experience.  Discussion prompts build on course content and allow students to contribute to the learning experience through collaboration with the instructor and peers. In this course, discussions are designed to help with critical thinking skills and to identify any key misconceptions that students may have with the course material. Initial and response posts to the discussion prompts should be substantive, organized, and professional, and statements should be supported by references from course materials as well as outside sources. Read the prompts carefully and use the rubrics to confirm how discussions will be graded.

Final Project

Students will apply skills from throughout the course to research the clinical features and genetics and recommendations for testing and management. Students will select a genetic condition relevant to human medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine from a predefined list. Across the last four weeks of the course, components of the final report will be due.  

Final Exam

The final exam will have two parts: a multiple-choice component covering content from the entire course, and an oral/video component responding to specific case study examples. Both parts of the final exam will be proctored and timed, and must be taken closed notes and in accordance with the academic integrity agreement. You will have one hour to complete each component of the final exam. 

You will have two attempts for the multiple-choice component of the final exam. We strongly encourage students who score below 75% to retake that portion of the exam. You have only one attempt for the oral/video component. 

 

Grading Policy

Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:

Grade Breakdown

CategoryPointsPercentage
Academic Integrity Agreement151.5%
Discussions (4 @ 30 points each)12012%
Assignments (5 @ 35 points each)17517.5%
Weekly Quizzes (6 @ 15 points each)909%
Final Project (4 parts @ 100 points each)40040%
Final Exam (2 parts @ 100 points each)20020%
Total1000100%

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Schedule

Course Weeks

Week 1: Mar 12 – Mar 16
Week 2: Mar 17 – Mar 23
Week 3: Mar 24 – Mar 30
Week 4: Mar 31 – Apr 6
Week 5: Apr 7 – Apr 13
Week 6: Apr 14 – Apr 20
Week 7: Apr 21 – Apr 27

Throughout this course, you will access a variety of content and learning modules directly from JAX Clinical Education. These resources have been created and curated specifically for this course, but also provide an example of the kinds of continuing education modules common in clinical and biomedical research fields.

Complete the entirety of each learning module; graded assessments will be completed in D2L Brightspace. 

Week Topics Assessments Due
1

Foundations of Genomic Medicine

  • Module: Introduction to Applied Genomics
  • Module: Human Variation in Health and Disease
  • Module: Genetic Risk Assessment Using Family History and Inheritance Patterns
  • Week 1 Discussion: Introductions
  • Week 1 Quiz: Genome structure and function and inheritance patterns
  • Week 1 Assignment: The Role of Genetic Variation in Response to COVID-19
  • Discussion – Introductory post due by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Quiz due by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Assignment due by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET
2

Genetic Testing

  • Module: Genetic & Genomic Testing

  • Week 2 Discussion: Ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic testing
  • Week 2 Quiz: Interpreting genetic testing results
  • Discussion– Initial post due by Friday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Discussion– Response posts due by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Quiz due by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET
3

Pharmacogenomics

  • Module: Exploring Pharmacogenomic Testing
  • Week 3 Quiz: Pharmacogenomics
  • Week 3 Assignment: Pharmacogenomics (Lecture and Readings Response)
  • Week 3 Video Assignment: Pharmacogenomics Report and Patient Communication Activity
  • Quiz due by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Assignments due by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET
4

Cancer Genomics

  • Module: Genomics in Cancer
  • Supplemental Module: Genomics Tumor Board
  • Week 4 Case Study: Heredity and Somatic Genomics
  • Week 4 Quiz: Cancer Genomics
  • Week 4 Assignment: Final Project Part 1 (Topic Selection and Annotated Bibliography)
  • Quiz due by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Assignments due by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET
5

Cardiogenomics

  • Module: Genomics of Cardiovascular Disease
  • Week 5 Discussion: Genetic testing for individuals at risk of Sudden Cardiac Death
  • Week 5 Quiz: Cardiogenomics
  • Week 5 Assignment: Final Project Part 2 (Genetic Testing Recommendations)
  • Discussion– Initial post due by Friday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Discussion– Response posts due by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Quiz due by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET
6

Genomics in Rare Diseases

  • Module: Rare Disease
  • Week 6 Quiz: Genomic evaluation of rare disease
  • Week 6 Assignment: Journal Entry
  • Week 6 Assignment: Final Project Part 3 (Genetic Testing Results)
  • Quiz due by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Assignments due by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET
7

Future of Genomic Medicine

  • Module: Future of Genomic Medicine
  • Week 7 Discussion: Final Course Reflection
  • Week 7 Assignment: Final Project Part 4 (Communicating with the Patient)
  • Final Exam Part 1: Multiple Choice (Proctored)
  • Final Exam Part 2: Video Responses (Proctored)
  • Discussion – Initial post due by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Assignment due by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Final Exam due by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET
 
 
 

Student Resources

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Online Student Support

Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies.

UNE Libraries:

UNE Student Academic Success Center

UNE's Student Academic Success Center (SASC) offers a range of free online services to support your academic achievement. Writing support, ESOL support, study strategy and learning style consultations, as well as downloadable resources, are available to all matriculating students. To make an appointment for any of these services, go to une.tutortrac.com. For more information and to view and download writing and studying resources, please visit:

Accommodations

Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.

Online Peer Support

Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.

Information Technology Services (ITS)

Students should notify their Student Support Specialist and instructor in the event of a problem relating to a course. This notification should occur promptly and proactively to support timely resolution.

ITS Contact: Toll-Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673.

Career Ready Program

The College of Professional Studies supports its online students and alumni in their career journey!

The Career Ready Program provides tools and resources to help students explore and hone in on their career goals, search for jobs, create and improve professional documents, build professional network, learn interview skills, grow as a professional, and more. Come back often, at any time, as you move through your journey from career readiness as a student to career growth, satisfaction, and success as alumni.

Policies

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Use of Artificial Intelligence

Generative AI (GenAI) applications (like ChatGPT) have proven to be powerful and effective tools, and students are encouraged to become familiar with and use them. However, as with any tool, students must use GenAI in ways that support their roles as learners and professionals. The use of AI in academic work falls under our academic integrity agreement, ensuring that all AI applications are used in alignment with our commitment to honest and responsible learning.

In situations in which AI tools are used as a resource, students must:

  • Ensure that all submitted academic work adequately demonstrates student learning (i.e., that the student, rather than a machine, has met the learning outcomes related to the assessment).
  • Acknowledge, in written assessments and extra-curricular applications, the role played by AI tools in producing the student’s work (this can usually be done in a citation or by including a session transcript).
  • Take ultimate responsibility for accuracy of results, think critically about them, and never substitute them for professional human judgment.
  • Monitor GenAI output for bias and risks for vulnerable populations and underrepresented groups.

As GenAI continues to evolve, students should also stay abreast of best practices and changing risks and benefits.

Please note that individual courses or assignments may have specific guidelines regarding AI use — please refer to your faculty’s directions or assignment instructions for details.

Proctored Examinations

Your course may have proctored exams. You may use a built-in camera and microphone in your laptop for proctored exam sessions. Please see your course for full details, access, testing requirements, and guidelines.

Students must follow all proctoring requirements for their exams to be credited. Please contact your instructor for specific feedback.

AMA Writing Style Statement

The American Medical Association Manual (AMA) of Style, 11th edition is the required writing format for this program. Additional support for academic writing and AMA format is provided throughout the coursework as well as at the UNE Portal for Online Students.

Online resources: AMA Style Guide

Turnitin Originality Check and Plagiarism Detection Tool

The College of Professional Studies uses Turnitin to help deter plagiarism and to foster the proper attribution of sources. Turnitin provides comparative reports for submitted assignments that reflect similarities in other written works. This can include, but is not limited to, previously submitted assignments, internet articles, research journals, and academic databases.

Make sure to cite your sources appropriately as well as use your own words in synthesizing information from published literature. Webinars and workshops, included early in your coursework, will help guide best practices in APA citation and academic writing.

You can learn more about Turnitin in the guide on how to navigate your Similarity Report.

Technology Requirements

Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Graduate Programs: Technical Requirements

Course Evaluation Policy

Course surveys are one of the most important tools that University of New England uses for evaluating the quality of your education, and for providing meaningful feedback to instructors on their teaching. In order to assure that the feedback is both comprehensive and precise, we need to receive it from each student for each course. Evaluation access is distributed via UNE email at the beginning of the last week of the course.

Late Policy

Assignments: Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted.

Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.

Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor and your student support specialist if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.

Attendance Policy

6- to 8-week courses: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.

10+ -week courses: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.

Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures

The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.

UNE Online Student Handbook

UNE Course Withdrawal

Please contact your Enrollment and Retention Counselor if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. Tuition charges may still apply. Students are strongly urged to consult with Student Financial Services, as course withdrawals may affect financial aid or Veterans benefits.

Academic Integrity

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit UNE Plagiarism Policies.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

  1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
  2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
  3. Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
  4. Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
  5. Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.