Medical Genomics

Our Program

The fast-paced nature of this field is creating a widening knowledge gap between cutting-edge genomics research and current clinical practices, and this has created an emerging need for laboratory professionals and clinicians to generate, integrate, and interpret genetic and genomic data. The Master of Health Science (MHSc) in Medical Genomics is meeting this need head on, training the next generation of genomics experts who are helping to drive a new era of healthcare and patient management, and a vibrant academic healthcare system.

This is a 9.0 FCE* fast‐paced, content‐dense degree program, housed within the Department of Molecular Genetics, consisting of a core set of lecture, discussion, and project-based courses across two years (five terms). Enrolling students in either a laboratory professional stream or a clinical stream, the program provides medical trainees, clinicians, research scientists, and laboratory professionals with the theory and practical knowledge necessary to incorporate genomics data into research, medical practice and business.

In addition to lecture-based learning, students participate in a hands-on, stream-specific capstone practicum during the final academic term of the program. During the practicum, students engage in dynamic placements with a huge breadth of available project topics, including clinical genomics research, clinical diagnostics, bioinformatics, public health policy, commercial development, and communications, and working with groups in hospitals, academic institutions, industry, and government agencies, among many others.

Courses

Year One

MMG 3001Y (Advanced Human Genetics)
MMG 3002Y (Biological Statistics)
MMG 3003Y (Genomic Methodologies)
MMG 3201H (Medical Genomics Graduate Professional Development)
MMG 3202H (Next-Generation Sequencing - Data Generation Laboratory)
MMG 3203H (Next-Generation Sequencing - Data Analysis and Interpretation)

Year Two

MMG 3004Y (Communication of Genetic Information)
MMG 3005Y (Ethical and Legal Implications)
MMG 3007/3008Y (Capstone Practicum) AND
MMG 3204H (Practical Applications of Genomic Analysis) OR
MMG 3205H (Research Topics in Medical Genomics)

Medical Genomics students gather at the front of a classroom for a photograph

Alumni Profile

Sierra Scodellaro, MHSc

I am currently a Pharmacogenomics Data Analyst at SickKids Hospital, which is a role that links pharmacology and genomics. When I started, pharmacology and genome diagnostics were very isolated from each other; my work helps to bridge the gap between them. I am passionate about finding new ways to use whole genome sequencing data to optimize medication safety. I am excited to continue to my professional growth, perhaps with a more patient-facing role in the future, consulting with patients and their healthcare providers on their pharmacogenomics profiles.

As a graduate student, I focused on creating opportunities to gain experience in pharmacogenomics, both in and out of the classroom. This initiative led to my Capstone Practicum project at SickKids, where I gained valuable experience working with a variety of medical and scientific experts, including pharmacists, clinicians, genetic counsellors and company stakeholders. I encourage you to reach out, make connections and pursue the ideas that fascinate you. Expand your horizons, see what different genomics fields are like, learn how the field is progressing and figure out how to enter it.

Potential Career Paths

Laboratory Stream

Genetic tests are a growing component of the data used to guide clinical treatment and research discovery in both research and clinical laboratories. These tests have rapidly progressed from single genes and panels of multiple genes to whole-genome data, with concomitant increases in the complexity of understanding and communicating results.

Graduates of our program will be ideally suited for employment in clinical and research science labs implementing the tools of genomic medicine. They will also be highly attractive to publicly funded enterprises or private companies producing and interpreting genomic data for the health professions and direct-to-consumer testing laboratories. This degree will distinguish graduates, enhance existing professional practice, and enable new career paths.

Clinical Stream

Medical genomics is beginning to touch many different aspects of clinical care. We are moving rapidly towards a system that can be a real value-add in the job market for a clinician who is not a clinical geneticist to have specialized knowledge in genetics and genomics.

Additionally, the growing availability and visibility of direct-to-consumer genetic testing mean that physicians, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals are now at the front lines of assisting patients in interpreting genetic data. Comprehension of genomic data and the ability to interpret and work with genetic results will place our graduates at the forefront of practicing healthcare providers and clinical researchers.

By the Numbers

20

Average class size.

34

Number of Capstone Practicum projects.

91%

Percentage of graduates employed immediately after graduation.

*Full course equivalent. A typical 0.5 FCE is over one term (13 weeks), meeting 1-2 times per week. A typical 1.0 FCE is over two terms (26 weeks), meeting 1-2 times per week.