Virtual Undergraduate Cancer Genomics Course

Enroll in this free, two-week course to learn foundational concepts in the field of cancer genomics and engage directly with biomedical researchers and clinicians who work in the field.

This course is designed for undergraduate students who are enrolled at a US-based two- or four-year college or university and have completed at least one year of study. Learn more about the flexible format and levels of engagement below!

More information about the 2025 iteration of this course will be available in March 2025.

 

 

This virtual short course is intended for undergraduates who are interested in exploring the field of cancer genomics and learning the impact of genomics on cancer diagnosis and treatment. With a variety of topics covered, including cancer cell biology, genomic research, variant curation, human subjects research, personalized medicine, and cancer disparities, you will gain a comprehensive picture of cancer genomics during this course.

During one-hour, live sessions held on Zoom, you will learn how to interpret cancer genomics data and engage with cancer researchers and other professionals working in the field of cancer genomics. Students can opt to interact with peers virtually through course discussion boards, and students who want to engage on an even deeper level can complete an inquiry project. Through this project, students will apply their knowledge of cancer genomics and will work in groups to navigate online cancer genomics databases, determine variant clinical significance, and decide on the best path of treatment for a fictional patient. 

Participants will be able to apply knowledge gained in this course to:

  • Future university coursework
  • Future research experiences
  • Making informed choices about a career in cancer research or medicine
  • Decisions regarding the use of genetic and genomic testing in the healthcare system

This course is completely free and is open to undergraduate students who are enrolled at any US-based two- or four-year college or university and have completed at least one year of study.

Flexible Levels of Engagement

The course offers flexibility with three tiers of engagement. View the table below to determine which Tier to register for.

Tier Time Commitment  What You'll Do What You'll Get Registration Deadline
 I  6 hours
  • Attend six (6) one-hour live sessions at 1 p.m. Eastern Time throughout the duration of the course
  • Learn about different topics in cancer genomics and engage with researchers and clinicians
July 1, 2024
11:59 p.m. ET
 II  10 hours
  • Attend all live sessions (see Tier I)
  • Complete asynchronous assignments, including discussion board posts and knowledge checks
  • Learn about different topics in cancer genomics and engage with researchers and clinicians
  • Interact (virtually) with peers and course instructors
  • Receive a certificate of completion issued by The Jackson Laboratory
May 31, 2024
11:59 pm ET
 III 15 – 20 hours
  • Attend live sessions (see Tier I); and
  • Complete asynchronous assignments (see Tier II); and 
  • Attend synchronous small group sections and engage with peers to complete an inquiry project where you analyze gene variants on a fictitious cancer genomic tumor testing report and determine a personalized treatment for a patient
  • Learn about different topics in cancer genomics and engage with researchers and clinicians
  • Interact synchronously with peers and course instructors
  • Receive a certificate of completion issued by The Jackson Laboratory
  • Receive a digital badge from JAX via Credly. This micro-credential can be uploaded to LinkedIn or other social media platforms.

May 31, 2024
11:59 pm ET

 

What 2023 Participants Had to Say

“The most memorable part of the course was the opportunity to listen to the insightful and knowledgeable guest speakers. Their expertise and diverse perspectives provided valuable insights into various aspects of cancer biology, making the learning experience both enriching and enjoyable.”

“I found the course content to be truly fascinating. It helped me expand my understanding and knowledge of cancer and the cellular mechanisms involved.”

“I really enjoyed putting together the patient report and doing the research for the checkpoints because it allowed me to learn more about how different genes work and how variants can affect their function, as well as looking into the types of treatments and making a clinical recommendation.”

Past Events