The Professional Diploma (PD) in Genomics and Cancer Biology Research is an intensive, multidisciplinary programme designed to prepare the next generation of researchers, practitioners, and innovators at the intersection of Genomics and Cancer Research. This programme in Genomics and Cancer Biology Research is designed to equip learners with deep expertise in the molecular foundations, experimental techniques, and translational research methods used in cancer biology and genomics. As cancer continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, the need for highly trained professionals in oncological research, precision medicine, and genomic science has never been more critical. This professional diploma blends foundational and advanced concepts in cancer biology, immunology, genomics, and molecular laboratory techniques with hands-on training and applied research experience.
Whether you are a life sciences graduate, an early-career researcher, or a medical professional seeking to specialise in oncology-related science, this programme offers a unique opportunity to advance your knowledge and career in biomedical research. Modern biomedical research relies heavily on experimental techniques. This programme includes specialised modules in Cell Culture Techniques, Spectroscopic Analysis, Blotting Methods, and Flow Cytometry, enabling participants to gain technical proficiency in standard and advanced lab protocols used in cancer and genomics research.
Start Date: 30 Aug 2025
Places Available: 02
Duration: 10-11 months
Delivery: Online
Workload: 5-7 hours per week
Fees: £1649
Registration: Apply Now
Contact: Elisa Hampson admin@camcid.org
Analyse and interpret molecular data from blotting
and flow cytometry experiments
Communicate scientific concepts effectively through
writing, presentations, and infographics tailored for different stakeholders, including clinicians, patients, and regulators
The online distance-learning delivery of the course will provide opportunities to receive expertise from the Cambridge Centre for Innovation and Development (CamCID) researchers, material from our partners, and guest lectures.
Part 1: Cancer Biology and Immunology Research (4 modules)
This course will provide you with the knowledge of the cellular and molecular basis of cancer. It will provide you with the skills to participate in cancer research projects. You will explore the areas of immunology and molecular oncology for cancer. You’ll also learn about different research tools and common data analysis methods used in cancer research. In the first two modules, you’ll develop your core scientific and experimental skills across the breadth of cancer biology and immunology, including an overview of the latest immunology research, such as urological cancer, skin carcinomas, and immunology aspects of COVID-19. In the last two modules, you will learn about data analysis methods and data sources for cancer research, including statistical analysis software, ELISA, and flow cytometry.
Part 2: Medical Genomics (4 modules)
This course will provide you with the knowledge of medical genomics and genomic technologies. It will provide you with the knowledge to participate in genomic research. You will explore the application of genomic technologies in medicine. In the first two modules, you’ll develop your core scientific understanding across the breadth of genomics, including an overview of medical genetics and genomic technologies. In the last two modules, you will learn about the latest applications of genomic technologies, such as gene discovery and genomic technologies for cancer research. You will also have the opportunity to use your skills and knowledge to work on a final project.
Part 3: Cell Culture Techniques (4 modules)
This training will provide you with essential skills and knowledge to work in a laboratory environment and cell culture techniques. It will equip you with the expertise and understanding of cell culture safety, cell culture techniques, issues in cell culture, and applying cell culture in biomedical research. In this course, you will gain an understanding of cell culture techniques. You will understand the health and safety of performing cell culture. You will get skills in performing cell culture. You will learn about the cell culture protocol. You will learn about biomedical research applications of cell culture techniques.
Part 4: Spectroscopic Techniques (4 modules)
This training will provide you with essential skills and knowledge of spectroscopic techniques and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. It will equip you with the expertise and understanding of different types of spectroscopic techniques and spectroscopic applications for research. During the 4 modules of this course, you will gain an understanding of spectroscopic techniques. You will understand the research applications of spectroscopic techniques. You will learn about the types of spectroscopic techniques. You will also learn about the NMR spectroscopy technique.
Part 5: Blotting Techniques (4 modules)
This course will provide you with essential skills and knowledge of the basics of blotting techniques and emerging techniques of western blotting. It will equip you with the expertise and understanding of different types of blotting techniques and blotting techniques for research. During this course, you will gain an understanding of the basics of blotting techniques. You will understand the research applications of blotting techniques. You will learn about the types of blotting techniques. You will learn about the emerging techniques of western blotting.
Part 6: Flow Cytometry (4 modules)
This training will provide you with essential skills and knowledge to work in a laboratory environment and the flow cytometry technique. It will equip you with the expertise and understanding of procedure safety, flow cytometry method, instrumentation, best practices in flow cytometry, and flow cytometry for biomedical research. During the course, you will gain an understanding of flow cytometry techniques. You will understand the health and safety of performing flow cytometry. You will learn about the best practices in flow cytometry. You will learn about flow cytometry instrumentation and equipment. You will also learn about research applications of flow cytometry.
The 6-Month Volunteer Research Scientist work training is a unique academic and research experience offered alongside the Diploma in Genomics and Cancer Biology Research. This work training provides aspiring researchers, life science graduates, and early-career professionals the opportunity to participate in structured, guided research in the fields of cancer biology, molecular genetics, immunology, and genomic technologies. This volunteer role allows individuals to contribute to real-world biomedical research while developing critical competencies in scientific writing, experimental design, interdisciplinary analysis, and peer-reviewed publishing. Through structured tasks, collaborative discussions, and expert guidance, participants will emerge with a stronger foundation in both the scientific and professional practices of genomics and cancer biology.
Purpose and vision of the work
The primary goal of this role is to bridge the gap between academic learning and applied research. The objective of this research-focused work is to bridge theoretical knowledge with experimental and analytical research practice in the life sciences. Cancer is one of the most complex and heterogeneous diseases known to medicine, and understanding its molecular underpinnings is critical to the development of novel diagnostics, therapies, and prevention strategies. Through guided projects, reading groups, mentorship, and independent research, participants will engage with research questions in meaningful and measurable ways.
Core components of the work
After completing (passing) all the parts of this programme, you will be provided with an e-certificate of completion for the Professional Diploma (PD) at the Cambridge Centre for Innovation and Development, UK.
You will also receive an additional e-certificate (free of cost) for completing the Professional Diploma by our partner institute, the Laboratory Skills Development Centre, London.
You will receive a separate e-certificate for your Research Scientist work at the Cambridge Centre for Innovation and Development (CamCID).
This programme is designed to aid professional development in the field of cancer biology, immunology, gene editing in cancer research, and/or cancer therapeutics research, enabling you to further your expertise within an existing career path or to change your career direction. Here are several career paths that individuals with expertise in this field may pursue:
Internships in translational research, cancer institutes/ public health organisations
This online programme is delivered on our virtual learning platform (Moodle). The programme is self-paced and it can be completed on your schedule within programme's duration. The programme includes recorded lectures, templates, learning material, ebooks, and research-based tasks. This programme is designed in collaboration with our partner institute (Laboratory Skills Development Centre, London), its Academics and Collaborators from international universities, and our Research Team at the Cambridge Centre for Innovation and Development, UK.