Variant Interpretation 15 credits

The module will walk students through the basics of relevant bioinformatics pipelines and the process of clinical variant interpretation.

You'll consider the fundamental principles of variant classification including the variety of evidence used (population, phenotype, inheritance, predictive and functional data).

You'll also explore how this process is carried out in a clinical setting, developing your understanding of relevant guidelines, multidisciplinary team working and interpreting genomic variant reports.

By the end of this module, students will be able to :

• Interpret evidence (including population, phenotype, inheritance, predictive and functional data) used for variant classification.
• Apply relevant national and international guidelines to classify genomic variants
• Discuss the strengths and limitations of variant interpretation in a multidisciplinary team (MDT) setting.
• Evaluate a range of genomic variant reports in human disease.

Course dates

• The course will run over 5 full days on Monday 30 November – Wednesday 2 December and Thursday 10 – Friday 11 December 2026. 
• Some of the teaching will be co-delivered with Bioinformatics, Interpretation and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis. 

Credits

15 credits

Students are expected to have a 2.1 or higher qualification in a relevant life sciences degree and a reasonable understanding of molecular biology.

In the case of NHS applicants, previous work experience in a relevant clinical area will also be taken into account.

This course is only available to home students.

Please note you're unable to take this microcredential if you have already completed the 'Bioinformatics, Interpretation, and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis' microcrendential due to overlapping course content. 

If you require further guidance about your eligibility for this course, please contact the Programme Administrator at genomics@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Why choose a Postgraduate Microcredential short course?

• Microcredentials offer the perfect opportunity to boost your CV without the commitment of a full degree
• Usually taken from existing modules within a Masters, they can be used as standalone credentials with some also counting as academic credits at postgraduate level
• Add a postgraduate level qualification to your CV
• Develop the specialist skills you need for your career goals
• Alumni status with the University of Birmingham
• Learners will have the same access to our student support and campus facilities as our students on full degree programmes.

Please note the deadline for submitting an application:

• Applicants eligible for Home fees are to apply a minimum of 6 weeks before the module start date.
• Applicants eligible for Overseas fees are to apply a minimum of 3 months before the module start date.

Please note that once registered for the microcredential you cannot swap for the non-credit short course version.