Genomic Medicine Induction

Welcome to Genomic Medicine: I am Dr. Claire Morgan, and I am your programme director.

The academic and pedagogic philosophy underpinning the Genomic Medicine course is to equip you with an appreciation and education in genomics and genomic technology.

You will be introduced to the fundamentals of human genetics and genomics along with techniques required for DNA and RNA sequencing to study genomic variation observed in the clinical setting. You will also be introduced to the bioinformatic approaches required for the analysis of genomic data.

Subsequent study will build on these foundations. Specific modules will focus on the application of genomics to Cancer, Application of Genomics in Infectious Diseases, and Common and Rare Inherited Diseases.

Employability is key to this programme. This course has been designed to provide you with an increased knowledge and understanding of Genomic Medicine, and the skills and knowledge you need to apply your learning to professional practice.

Genomics will be intrinsic in all aspects of health meaning an international requirement for highly trained professionals to implement it in the healthcare system, the pharmaceutical industry, and the broader biomedical sector.

In developing your knowledge and skills in genomics, the course will prepare you for work or further study including, Ph.D. research and academic careers, Graduate Entry Medicine, Genetic Counselling MSc, NHS scientist and clinical scientist training programme, Medical and Scientific writing, and Genomics Education roles, to name a few.

Thus, our aim is to ensure that your learning experience meets the programme outcomes as well as your individual learning needs by promoting your personal and professional development.

I hope you're looking forward to the experience. From myself and the rest of the genomic medicine teaching team, we wish you a warm welcome.

Claire

Each module is designed to give the student the latest information regarding the use of genetics and genome sequencing to improve and inform diagnosis and treatment. The programme will be delivered by researchers, clinicians, clinical geneticists and medical scientists, experts in the field of genomics, with all topics based upon evidence-based learning and practice.

Principle teaching staff for the Genomic Medicine programmes are:

• Programme Director: Dr Claire Morgan
• Dr Kate Champan
• Dr Angharad Davies
• Dr Anna Derrick
• Dr Paul Facey
• Dr Wendy Francis
• Dr Laura Roberts
• Dr Aidan Seeley
• Professor David Lamb

Throughout our degree programmes the Medical School work to provide our students with opportunities in and around the Medical School, the city with our industry partners and sign-post for international opportunities available to you. Our focus for you is ready you for the world of work. 

To find out about the opportinities you will have in the Medical School check out our student opportunities and employability webpage

As a student at Swansea University, you will have the opportunity to engage with industry, take on placement opportunities and complete work experience, so that you are fully equipped for the world of work when you leave us. This process is facilitated by the Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) which aims top provide careers advice and employment opportunities all under one roof.

You can contact the Swansea Employability Academy Team here 

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal academic mentor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

• Academic writing
• Maths and statistics
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Digital skills
• Presentation skills
• Note taking
• Revision, memory and exam techniques
• English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying atSwansea University.

Your Disability Link Tutor is Dr Jess Fletcher

As a Postgraduate Taught student you will be given a Academic Mentor. This is a member of teaching staff in the Faculty or School who acts as your key point of contact while you are at Swansea University.

You should meet with your Academic Mentor one-to-one at least once every Semester.  You may also be invited to group meetings or workshops with your Academic Mentor

Your Academic Mentor will guide and support you with your academic, professional and personal development.  They can help you with:

• Reviewing your academic progress
• Accessing academic and personal support e.g. with welfare issues
• Understanding the exam and assessment system
• Academic references for placements / job applications
• Answering any other questions you may have or recommend where to best seek advice

Mentors may also have ‘office hours’ when you can see them as well.  You can email your Academic Mentor if there is something you want to discuss and/or to arrange a meeting.

Click here for more information about Academic Mentoring 

Please note- You will be required to purchase your own lab coat. You will not be able to participate in any practical session unless you have a lab coat.

Practical laboratory sessions provide students with hands-on experience of various scientific techniques that are crucial to future employment. Whilst undertaking laboratory investigations, it is highly probable that you will come into contact with hazardous materials which could post a risk to your health and safety.

It is therefore essential that both staff and students adhere to our guidelines for safe working in the laboratory. 

As part of induction and before your first laboratory class you will be asked to sign a student agreement that you have read and understood the below SUMS Laboratory Code of Conduct and will agree to comply with this at all times:

Laboratory code of conduct for students

Practical sessions provide students with hands-on experience of laboratory investigations, and so the teaching laboratories may contain hazardous materials which could pose health and safety risk’s to users. All sessions will have been appropriately assessed for risk and approved copies of the risk assessment and COSHH assessment forms will be available in the respective teaching sessions.

In addition to formal assessments, and to ensure a safe and healthy teaching environment, the SUMS Laboratory Code of Conduct has been developed. It is important that all laboratory users comply to this set of guidelines. All students will receive a copy of this, which must be signed and returned before participating in any laboratory work. A copy of this should also be kept by the student for reference.

 All rules must be followed by all laboratory users to ensure the safety of all. Any persons found in breach of the guidelines and rules will be subject to the disciplinary actions as outlined at the bottom of this document.

General lab guidelines/safety rules:

• Students may only enter laboratory under the supervision of academic staff.
• Students must arrive on time for laboratory sessions, not too early but not late. There will be strictly NO ADMITTANCE to the laboratory for late students.
• Students MUST wear the appropriate PPE as instructed. This is outlined in the specific Risk Assessments carried out for each session and will be available throughout the practical class.
• All written and verbal instructions must be followed carefully. If you are unsure of any instructions you must ask an appropriate individual i.e. technician, academic staff or demonstrator before proceeding.
• A student who needs attention must stay in their workspace and put their hand in the air to gain attention. Students must not leave their workspace and walk around the laboratory unless instructed to do so.
• Any pre-lab activities must have been completed (if applicable).
• Waste must be disposed of in the appropriate waste collection containers, as instructed.
• Apparatus and substances must be returned to the correct place and cleaned where appropriate.
• All spills / broken equipment and glassware MUST be reported to the technicians immediately.
• Reagents, chemicals and laboratory equipment must not be removed from the laboratory.
• Walkways must be kept clear at all times.
• All personal effects (bags/coats/mobiles/tablets etc.) must be stored in the designated areas and must not be accessed whilst wearing PPE.
• Students are asked to bring the minimum required equipment to practical classes.
• All injuries and near misses sustained in the course of work, however small, must be reported immediately to a member of staff. Any pre-existing injuries or conditions that would affect participation must be made known to the supervisor so that any appropriate adjustments may be made.
• Wash hands before leaving the laboratories as well as before and after toilet breaks.
• Lab coats and PPE MUST be removed and left at the workspace before leaving the laboratory, and put back on immediately on return.

 During practical classes:

1. No eating or drinking, this includes gum chewing.
2. Students must not leave their allocated workspaces unless instructed to.
3. Sensible footwear/clothing must be worn:
1. Only full-length trousers may be worn (no tights, shorts, skirts etc.)
2. No bare skin on legs/ankles/feet (this includes ripped jeans which expose the skin)
3. No open toe shoes or sandals. Footwear should be flat and comfortable, covering the whole foot.
4. No loose clothing which protrudes out of PPE i.e. hoodies. These must either be removed or tucked in.
4. Headscarves, if worn, must be made of natural fibres (cotton, silk or viscose) and must be tight around the head to not obscure vision.
5. Hats may not be worn.
6. Long or loose hair must be tied back and not obscure vision. Tucking behind safety glasses is not acceptable.
7. No smoking/vaping/applying cosmetics.
8. Lab coats and eye protection to be worn at all times in the laboratory. These should be used as intended – Coats must be fully fastened and sleeves must not be rolled up.
9. Personal items such as bags, coats, mobile phones, tablets and music devices are to be left in your bags, this includes headphones

Laboratory Penalties:

 Failure to follow these guidelines will result in the following;

• Late arrival – refusal of entry to the laboratory
• Use of mobiles/music devices – Confiscation by technical staff/demonstrators (returned after 18:00)
• Incorrect use of PPE– removal from laboratory
• Abusive/Inappropriate behaviour towards Academics/Technical staff or unprofessional conduct – Immediate removal from laboratory, referred to personal academic mentor
• Untidy bench / failure to clean up after experiment - Experiment will be stopped on the grounds of safety. Experiment only to be restarted once the supervising staff member is satisfied the working environment is safe.

Student agreement

I have read and understood the SUMS Laboratory Code of Conduct and agree to comply to this at all time.

Fulton Outfitters are now stocking white lab coats. They will be sold for £18 and are available in S, M, L, XL.

Students can order in person, or through their website https://fultonoutfitters.co.uk/ and collect when they arrive, however, there is a 4 week lead time. 

Specification: White, long sleeve, stud/popper fastening, pockets.

Other usefull websites...

Lab coats:

Men/unisex: £12:30 inc VAT

https://www.foodsafetydirect.co.uk/clothing/hygiene-clothing/lab-coats/white-men-s-unisex-lab-coat.html

Ladies: £11.99 inc VAT

https://www.foodsafetydirect.co.uk/clothing/hygiene-clothing/lab-coats/ladies-white-lab-coat.html

Safety Goggles

https://www.foodsafetydirect.co.uk/visitor-safety-spectacles.html £2.39

Medi Supplies (Delivery £4.95)

Unisex Lab Coat: £16.92 https://www.medisupplies.co.uk/Protective-Clothing-Equipment/Coats-Overalls/Polycotton-Lab-Coats

Safety glasses £3.35 https://www.medisupplies.co.uk/Protective-Clothing-Equipment/Eye-Protection/BLine-Coverspecs-Clear-Lens

 Simon Jersey (Delivery £4.79)

Unisex Lab Coat: £10 (quite a few sizes out of stock)

https://www.simonjersey.com/shop-all-c4/lab-coats-c5119

 Active Wear Group (Delivery £3.95)

Unisex Lab Coat:  £10.49

https://activeweargroup.com/products/portwest-standard-coat-2852?variant=18399342821433

 Work Wear World (Delivery £3.95)

Mens/Unisex £15.95

https://www.workwearworld.co.uk/product/mens-white-lab-coat/

Womens: £18.95

https://www.workwearworld.co.uk/product/ladies-long-sleeve-work-lab-coat/

 Amazon:

Lots available on amazon but some fancy dress or have buttons etc.

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=lab+coat&ref=nb_sb_noss

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=lab+goggles&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

 Saftey glasses

https://www.toolstation.com/safety-glasses/p96583 £1.16