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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:

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Course Information

Upcoming course periods

June 4 – August 16, 2024 | Apply now through May 14

September 3 – November 15, 2024 | Application opens May 15
January 14 – March 28, 2025 | Application opens August 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

Siyan Xu

Biostatistician, Novartis

“I’ve found all the courses to be tremendously helpful.”


Dr. Mariam Fida

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.”


Image of Eugenia Prohin

Eugenia Prohin

Clinical operations manager

“Everybody involved in clinical research would benefit from these courses.”


Matthew Tagliaferro

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.”