Certificate in Cancer Genetics (Foundational–Applied)
Program Overview
The Certificate in Cancer Genetics is a focused, foundational program designed to provide students with a strong conceptual and applied understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of cancer. The program emphasizes how molecular alterations, genomic variation, and mutational mechanisms drive cancer initiation, progression, and heterogeneity.
This Certificate serves as:
- A standalone credential in cancer genetics, and
- The entry phase of the progressive pathway leading to the Diploma in Medical Genetics and the Research Diploma in Medical Genomics (AI Track).
Program Objectives
By the end of the Certificate, students will be able to:
- Understand molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cancer
- Interpret genomic variation and mutational patterns in cancer
- Distinguish between germline and somatic alterations
- Explain the genetic basis of different cancer types
- Read and interpret cancer genetics literature with confidence
- Build a strong foundation for medical genetics and precision oncology
Program Benefits
The program is particularly suitable for students planning to apply for summer internships, research roles, or advanced training in oncology, genomics, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical research. Aligns better with summer internship timelines as most summer internships:
- Open between January and February
- Shortlist candidates by February–March
- Start in June
- You can apply while actively enrolled
- You can demonstrate ongoing applied training
- You can become internship-ready
Certificate in Cancer Genetics (Phase 1)
1A. Molecular Biology - Part A
1A. Molecular Biology - Part A
1A. Molecular Biology - Part A
- Understand cell structure, organelles, and their functions
- Explore cell communication, signaling pathways, and cell cycle
- Learn mechanisms of cell division, differentiation, and apoptosis
1B. Molecular Biology - Part B
1A. Molecular Biology - Part A
1A. Molecular Biology - Part A
- Study DNA and RNA structure, replication, transcription, and translation
- Learn gene regulation and epigenetic modifications
- Understand molecular mechanisms underlying genetic variation
2. Human Genomics
1A. Molecular Biology - Part A
3. Mutations & Mutational Analysis
- Learn genome organization, sequencing technologies, and annotation
- Understand human genetic variation and population genomics
- Explore functional genomics and gene expression profiling
3. Mutations & Mutational Analysis
3. Mutations & Mutational Analysis
3. Mutations & Mutational Analysis
- Identify types of mutations and their molecular causes
- Study mutational impacts on protein function and disease
- Learn laboratory and computational methods for mutation analysis
4. Cancer Genetics
3. Mutations & Mutational Analysis
4. Cancer Genetics
- Understand the genetic basis of cancer and oncogenes/tumor suppressors
- Explore cancer-associated mutations and their role in disease progression
- Learn laboratory and computational approaches for cancer genomics analysis
Applied Training
3. Mutations & Mutational Analysis
4. Cancer Genetics
Students in the Certificate receive parallel applied training starting from Day 1, focused on:
- Reading and interpreting cancer genetics literature
- Understanding mutation relevance
- Writing clear scientific summaries
- Preparing structured scientific slides
This applied training is essential for students who want to apply for internships while studying, rather than after completing all 9 months.
Certificate in Cancer Genetics (Phase 1)
Duration: 3 Months (March – April – May) Program Fee: $459
What this fee covers
The Certificate fee covers:
- Enrollment in the Certificate in Cancer Genetics
- Teaching, assessments, and academic support for 4 foundational courses
- Access to structured learning materials and evaluations
- 👉 Students who complete this phase may exit with a Certificate or progress to the Diploma