HMX Pro Genetics
Gene Therapy
Advance your career with a Harvard Medical School certificate – online.
In recent years, close collaboration between multiple scientific disciplines has rendered gene therapy a viable treatment option for some genetic conditions, and a promising pursuit for many others. As of today, there are numerous clinical trials underway for gene therapy treatments of various cancers, blood disorders, neurological diseases, and inherited retinal disorders to name a few. Advancements in vector science, gene editing technologies, and our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of disease continue to pave the way for the development of additional gene therapy treatments aimed at improving patient quality of life and prolonging lifespan. As this field continues to expand, so too will the number of genetic conditions that can be treated and possibly even cured with gene therapy making this an exciting time to delve into this field.
This advanced course offers a unique way for professionals to learn from leading Harvard Medical School faculty about gene therapy and about the advances happening in this field that are ultimately helping to improve the treatment of certain genetic diseases.
Get more information on this online certificate course:
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 Gene Therapy
- The History of Gene Therapy
- The Promise of Gene Therapy
Introduction to Gene Therapy
- Overview of Gene Therapy
- Gene Therapy Vectors
- Vector Considerations
- Vector Design and Preparation
- Gene Editing
- Gene Therapy Challenges
- Clinical Linkage: Introduction to Inherited Retinal Disorders and Adrenoleukodystrophy
Ex Vivo Gene Therapy
- Ex Vivo Gene Therapy Indications
- CAR T Cell Therapy
- Vectors for Ex Vivo Gene Therapy
- Conditioning
- Insertional Oncogenesis
- Clinical Linkage: Adrenoleukodystrophy
In Vivo Gene Therapy
- In Vivo Gene Therapy Indications
- Vectors for In Vivo Gene Therapy
- Delivery of In Vivo Gene Therapy
- Overcoming Challenges
- Clinical Linkage: Inherited Retinal Disorders
Wrap-up
- The Future of Gene Therapy
Download the Gene Therapy course outline
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 gene therapy.
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
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.”