HMX Pro Genetics
Cancer Genomics and Precision Oncology
Advance your career with a Harvard Medical School certificate – online.
“I found the visualization and explanation really helpful.”
Pi-Chuan Chang
Google Health
Growing knowledge of human genetics is changing the way physicians and researchers approach diagnosis of cancer risk as well as treatment.
Anyone whose work intersects with cancer needs to understand the vital role that genetic information has begun to play in the field of oncology.
HMX Pro Genetics – Cancer Genomics and Precision Oncology is a unique online certificate course led by Harvard Medical School faculty, covering key cancer genetics concepts and cutting-edge clinical applications through engaging, self-paced lessons.
Get more information on this exciting learning opportunity:
Course Information
Upcoming course periods
January 14 – March 28, 2025 | Apply now through January 6
April 15 – June 27, 2025 | Apply now through April 7
June 3 – August 15, 2025 | Application opens March 26
September 2 – November 14, 2025 | Application opens May 14
Course length
The course period is 10 weeks long. New lessons are released weekly, and material remains available until the course closes. Expect to spend a total of 15-20 hours for this course.
Course cost
US$995 for an individual course
Think others at your company would be interested? We offer group discounts and direct enrollment options – contact us to learn more.
Course Topics
Overview of Cancer Genomics
- What is Cancer?
- The Promise of Precision Oncology
The Genetics of Cancer
- Germline and Somatic Mutations
- Cancer as a Genetic Disease
- Cancer Mutations
- Cancer Progression
- The Hallmarks of Cancer
- Cancer Gene Functions
- Clinical Linkage: The Genetics of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST)
- Interactive: Cancer Pathways
Cancer Genomics and Tumor Sequencing
- Sequencing Sample Types
- Sequencing Approaches
- Sequencing Analysis
- Variant Allele Frequency
- Interpreting Variation
- Mutational Signatures
- Clinical Linkage: Tumor Sequencing
- Interactive: Cancer Mutations
Precision Oncology
- Cancer Therapeutics
- Kinase Inhibitors
- Monoclonal Antibody Treatments
- Active Immunotherapies
- Drug Resistance
- Clinical Linkage: Clinical Trials for GIST
- Interactive: Molecularly Targeted Treatments
Wrap-up
- The Future of Precision Oncology
More Information
Frequently asked questions
Who should take this course?
This course is appropriate for science, business and medical professionals whose work intersects with cancer research and treatment – those in R&D, product management, sales, marketing, and more will benefit from understanding this emerging topic.
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.
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
HMX Learner Testimonials
Siyan Xu
Biostatistician, Novartis
“I’ve found all the courses to be tremendously helpful.”
Mariam Fida
Medical geneticist
“It was amazing the way all the animations were conducted, and how they show concepts in a very basic, nice way.”
Eugenia Prohin
Clinical operations manager
“Everybody involved in clinical research would benefit from these courses.”
Matthew Tagliaferro
Account executive, Ambry Genetics
“Being able to hear from the doctors and clinicians themselves about the different treatments and disease states, I think it gives such a good perspective.”