Table 2 Comparison of existing genomics courses in Germany
Course | Analyze your personal genome (Hasso Plattner Institute, HPI) | Genomic medicine (Technical University of Munich, TUM) |
|---|---|---|
Student population | Second year Digital Health Master’s students | Medicine and Master’s/PhD students of other life and health sciences (different years; see Table 4, question 2) |
Course size | 16 | 12–25 |
Genetic testing strategy | Voluntary genotyping at the Life & Brain research Center, University Hospital Bonn, using the Illumina Infinium Global Screening Array (GSA) v3-MD | Voluntary genotyping (blood withdrawal) at the Institute of Human Genetics (TUM), molecular genetics laboratory, using the Illumina Infinium Global Screening Array (GSA) 24 v1.0 |
Course design | Four theoretical sessions of 3 h within two months, followed by a five-day block course with alternating theoretical and practice sessions including discussion rounds. Only a small fraction of personal genetic data was provided during the block course, raw data upon request after the course | 3–4 full days block course with alternating theoretical and practical sessions including discussion rounds. Only a small fraction of personal genetic data was provided during the block course, raw data upon request after the course |
Course content | Fundamentals of human genetics and molecular biology Clinical value and ethical implications of genetic testing Computational analysis of large-scale and individual genotyping data | Gain knowledge on interpreting and analyzing genetic variants based on public databases Gain knowledge to understand direct-to-consumer genetic testing options and the associated benefits and risks Fundamentals of human genetics and molecular biology Clinical value and ethical implications of genetic testing Direct-to-consumer-testing products Ancestry analyses Interpretation of genetic variants |
Pedagogical approaches | Frontal education Computational exercises using the openSNP dataset to determine genetic ancestry and calculate a simple genome-wide association study and polygenic risk scores Small individual projects and presentation on genetic variants and disorders Panel discussion Multiple-choice exam | Frontal education Computational exercises to determine genetic ancestry using the openSNP dataset Guided analyses of genetic variants Student presentations on individual genetic variants and genetic disorders Discussion rounds Role play (simulated genetic counseling and adoption of different roles for discussion rounds) |
Distinguishing features | Focus on computational analysis of array data using PLINK and additional resources | Focus on direct-to-consumer testing, interpretation of genetic variants, communication of genetic results to patients, and ethical aspects |