College of Graduate Studies

Translational genomics is a field of study that involves the application of genomic knowledge to improve human health. It involves the integration of genomic data with clinical and biological information to develop new diagnostic tools, therapies, and preventive screening measures for various diseases. By translating genomic findings into useful applications that can help patients, translational genomics aims to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical practice. Translational genomics is an emerging field with enormous promise to transform to revolutionize healthcare by providing personalized medicine tailored to an individual's genetic makeup.

Aim: This course aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of translational genomics, empowering them to evaluate and apply its principles in clinical settings. By exploring the intersection of genetics and healthcare, participants will gain insights into the transformative potential of translational genomics in improving diagnosis, treatment, and disease prognosis.

The course will cover the following topics:

·       The human genome

·       The different types of genetic variations

·       Genetic variations and their involvement in mendelian and complex diseases

·       Identification of genetic variations and interpretation of their clinical value

·       Genetic testing and interpretation of their results

·       Pharmacogenetics and its applications

·       Cancer genomics and personalized medicine

·       Genetic-based risk stratification of CVDs.

·       Genomic-based approaches for cancer stratification

·       Personalized cancer therapeutic vaccines

·       Ethical and legal aspects of translational genomics

Description of teaching methodology:

 The teaching methods will be a blended combination of theoretical presentation and discussion of the topics of interest. The discussion and analysis of the different application will be based on presenting and analyzing a seminal paper associated with each topic of interest. In each presentation, the students will be divided into two groups (2 members/group).

Intended learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

·       Explain the fundamental structure of the human genome, elucidating the diverse forms of genetic variations and their implications for health and disease.

·       Differentiate between various techniques employed in identifying and studying genetic variations, assessing the strengths and limitations of each approach.

·       Illustrate real-world examples of translational genomics applications, engaging in comparative discussions that contrast traditional medical paradigms with the emerging frontier of personalized medicine.