This course will provide an introduction to genomic medicine and a better understanding of the issues associated with personal genomic information. While the advances in genomics promise to usher a new era in medical practice and create a major paradigm shift in patient care, the ethical, legal and social impact of genomic medicine will be equally significant. The information and potential use of genomic discoveries are no longer issues left for scientists and medical professionals to handle, but have become ones for the public at large.

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Rarely a day passes without a genomics-related story reported in the media. By the end of this course, students will be able to better understand the field of genomics; be familiar with various online databases and resources; and understand and appreciate the medical, social, ethical, and legal issues associated with the availability of personal genomic information.

Given the diversity of the topics and the specific expertise required to cover each, this is a unique cross-disciplinary course where faculty from different disciplines including genetics, computational sciences, bioinformatics, genetic counseling, bioethics, law, and business will participate in lecturing. We have assembled a team of experts from various departments at Georgetown University and other institutions, to teach this comprehensive online genomics course.

What you'll learn

- The basics of genetic abnormalities and disease

- What we can learn from genetic testing both pre- and post- birth, and in oncology

- The basic science behind how the genetic tests are done

- The ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic discoveries; the genetic counseling issues; and the new trends in direct-to-consumer marketing of genetic tests

- Critical information medical professionals as well as patients and their families need to know to be current in the field

- Available resources (education, patient support, general information, etc.)