HMX Pro Genetics
Genetic Testing and Sequencing Technologies
Explore recent advances in genetic testing and learn about the implications for patient care.
The field of genetic testing is expanding and evolving at an incredible rate, thanks to our growing knowledge of genetic conditions, dropping costs, and higher demand.
This rapid expansion has dramatically changed how we diagnose and screen for genetic conditions, who we test, and how informative the results are. Learning about the recent advances in genetic testing and sequencing technologies has important implications for anyone working in health care and related sectors.
This course offers a unique way for professionals to learn about genetic testing and its applications from leading Harvard Medical School faculty.
Course Topics
Overview of Genetic Testing and Sequencing Technologies
- What is Genetic Testing?
- The Promise of Genetic Testing and Sequencing Technologies
Clinical Genetic Testing
- Overview of Genetic Testing
- Traditional Cytogenetics
- Microarray Diagnostics
- Biochemical Genetic Tests
- Diagnostic Genetic Testing
- Reproductive Genetic Testing
- Predictive Genetic Testing
- Clinical Linkage: Prenatal Genetic Testing
Sequencing Technologies
- Sequencing Approaches
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sanger Sequencing
- Sequencing by Synthesis
- Raw Data Analysis
- Variant Identification and Classification
- Variant Reporting Errors
- Clinical Linkage: Diagnostic Genetic Testing
Emerging Areas in Genetic Testing and Analysis
- Non-coding Variants
- DNA Methylation Testing
- Improving Variant Classification
- Complex Trait Variants
- Determining Risk in Complex Traits
- Long Read Sequencing
- Single Cell Sequencing
- Progress Towards Patient Customized Healthcare
- Clinical Linkage: Variant Classification and the EpiChroma Clinic
Wrap-up
- The Future of Genetic Testing and Sequencing Technologies
Download the course outline
Course Instructors
Caity Anderson, PhD
Research Associate in Genetics, Harvard Medical School
Curriculum Fellow in Online Learning
David Miller, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School
Medical Geneticist, Boston Children’s Hospital
More Information
Frequently asked questions
Who should take this course?
This course is appropriate for professionals in health care and life sciences whose work relates to genetic testing.
What do participants need to know to succeed in this course?
We recommend knowledge of basic chemistry, biology, and physics, as well as knowledge of the fundamentals of genetics. This is an advanced course; for those who require more background in key genetics concepts, we offer HMX Pro Genetics – Essentials.
Not sure if you’re ready for an advanced course? Gauge your knowledge of genetics by taking this short quiz.
What is the time commitment?
Most people can expect to spend around 15–20 hours total, but this depends on your baseline knowledge, how carefully you take notes, and how seriously you take the assessments. Lessons from the courses are released weekly and remain available until the courses end, so you can work at your own pace. There is a final exam at the end of each course that can be taken any time during the final exam period.
Can participants earn certificates from Harvard Medical School?
There are two certification levels, based on participant scores:
- Certificate of Achievement
- Certificate of Completion