The Public Health Genomics program is organized as a series of three, theme-based on campus sessions presented over a nine month calendar year: 3.5 days in March, one week in June, and 3.5 days in September for a total of 12 days required on campus. (click here for current schedule). Classes generally run from 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. with morning and afternoon breaks. Breakfast and lunch are served each day.

Program Requirements

To earn a certificate from the program, each student is required to:

1. Attend all modules
2. Read required articles (provided) in advance of each campus session
3. Prepare for classroom exercises
4. Submit a completed capstone project.

Students are required to finish all requirements within 18 months of entry to the Public Health Genetics/Genomics program.

Students may enroll in the program any time during the calendar year. Many students complete the program in 9-12 months from their start date. Others may take additional time to complete their capstone project.

Program Modules and Capstone Project

The program modules provide a variety of content and maximum flexibility. They feature:

• A combination of didactic and case-study methods to explore concepts and applications
• An interdisciplinary approach to topics with faculty providing students with multiple perspectives on the course material
• Pertinent issues—clinical, policy, ethical, legal, social and epidemiologic—and their direct application to practice
• Controversies, challenges and differing perspectives within these fields
• Coverage of essential laws, regulations and administrative processes
• A professional career component with job search information, and experts who discuss career opportunities within the field

Modules

Introduction to Public Health Genetics/Genomics:
The Principles Underlying the Intersection of Public Health and Genetics

The true potential of the Human Genome Project lies in its translation to information that can improve health and prevent disease. This module reviews the foundations of public health and genetics/genomics and theory and illustrates challenges to their effective integration. It also presents an overview of the certificate program and reviews the activities planned to achieve the program goals and objectives.

Note: The Introduction to Public Health Genetics/Genomics is a one time requirement of students when they begin the certificate program. It is offered on Wednesday evening prior to the March and September sessions and on Monday morning of the June session. The session runs for three hours.

I. Genetic/Genomic Research: Issues and Informatics

(Thursday, Friday, Saturday; approximately the last week in March)

The "era of genomic medicine" has been heralded by rapid advances in scientific research. However, research that occurs in laboratories and is conducted by highly-trained experts is just one aspect of the much broader research agenda many have recognized as essential if advances in science are to be made meaningful at the population level and in specific communities. Contents of this module include:

• Community-Based Participatory Research: Decision-Making, Definition of Risk, and Cultural Issues
• Genetics and Research: Unique Issues and Conflicts
• Perspectives on Genetic Variation: Substance and Practice

The module concludes with an exploration of informatics tools used in genetic/genomic research.

II. Genetic Testing and Screening

(Monday – Friday; approximately the first week in June)

This module explores the different types of screening programs and the implications the evolving field of genomics and the organization of health care services have for screening of both individuals and populations. Topics include:

• Genetic Epidemiology: Theory and Practice
• Application of Genetic/Genomic Testing Technologies
• Translation of Genomics into Public Health Practice
• Implications of Screening: Newborn Screening
• Genetic Identity and Advocacy

The session also highlights roles of professionals in this arena, including their essential functions of safeguarding the public and educating consumers, providers and the population.

III. Public Health Genomics: Practice and Policy

(Thursday, Friday, Saturday; approximately the last week in September)

It is important that the sequence findings of the human genome project be translated into information that will have clinical application and improve public health. Discussion topics for this module are:

• Role of Public Health Genetics Genomics in Emergency Preparedness and Mass disaster Recovery
• Genomics in Common Complex Diseases
• Direct to Consumer Marketing of Genetic Testing
• Federal Initiatives Determining Utilization of Genetics & Genomics

Capstone Project

The capstone project is a culminating intellectual and skill-based project that integrates the material covered in the certificate program curriculum. Between on-site modules at Sarah Lawrence, students will be in consistent contact with a faculty advisor as they design, develop, and carry out their capstone projects.

Students are encouraged to develop a capstone that emerges out of and/or connects them to a work-place setting, and that can be of use to them as they develop their career directions. They will receive guidance throughout the project from program faculty.

Suggested projects are: developing a public health education strategy on a genomics topic targeted for a specific audience—policy-makers, consumers, minority populations; developing an education program/initiative to address a specific need or learning objective for your organization/workplace; developing a case study on a public health genomics issue; interning with a state public health agency involved in genomics; developing an annotated bibliography on a topic in public health genomics responsive to needs of your workplace; interning with policy-makers at the federal, state or local level.

View examples of Capstone Projects completed by Public Health Genetics/Genomics students»