Diagnostic genomics

School of Biomedical Sciences

Delivering integrated discovery and learning in biomedical science to realise health, innovation and societal well-being.

Diagnostic genomics

Genomics is a rapidly evolving field, critical to cutting-edge health care and personalised medicine. It focuses on the structure, function, evolution, mapping, and editing of genomes. In contrast to genetics, which is devoted to the study of individual genes and their roles in inheritance, genomics studies all of a person's genes, how they are interrelated, and their influence upon them.

We offer the first and only graduate certificate, graduate diploma, and master's degree in diagnostic genomics in Australasia. You will be taught by leading researchers from the Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, a research facility that focuses on the identification of genes involved in common human disorders and the translation of this research into new diagnostics and therapeutics.

Guest lecturers also offer insight into cross-disciplinary professions including ethics, genetic counselling, medical genetics, law, and bioinformatics.

Learn from industry leaders

Our diagnostic programs are led by Dr Michael Gabbett. Michael is active in the sphere of professional education of paediatricians and physicians. He currently sits on the Royal Australasia College of Physicians (RACP) Curriculum Advisory Group. He was a member of the RACP Advanced Training Committee in Clinical Genetics for several years and held the position of RACP Regional Examiner at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Brisbane until the hospital’s closure. You can be confident you’ll learn from experts in the field of genomics.

Education underpinned by research

Professor Lyn Griffiths is the Director of the Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at QUT. This world-class research centre utilises its NATA accredited genomics laboratories to undertake research on the genetic basis of disease, through the use of its unique population resources and the application of genetic studies to common, complex human disorders. You can be confident you'll learn from experts in the field of genomics.

Industry support

The Master of Diagnostic Genomics was established with support from Queensland Genomics, a Queensland Government program to accelerate the adoption of genomics into everyday healthcare for Queenslanders.

Master of Diagnostic Genomics

Industry collaboration

QUT offers the first and only masters degree in diagnostic genomics in Australasia. The Human Genetics Society of Australasia is the professional society and credentialing body for genetics professionals in Australia. Graduates of the QUT Master of Diagnostic Genomics will be eligible to apply for professional credentialing from the Board of Censors in Diagnostic Genomics within HGSA.

Master of Diagnostic Genomics

Study pathways

We offer three Diagnostic genomics courses for healthcare professionals wishing to expand their knowledge or build a career in this area.

Graduate certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Diagnostic Genomics is ideal for healthcare professionals who are looking to improve their knowledge of this growing discipline and its applications in health care. It offers a short, focused program of study in the core areas of diagnostic genetics, genetic technologies, disease pathogenesis and human genetics. Similarly, it is an ideal avenue for genetic scientists who are already qualified but are keen to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and applications.

Graduate diploma

The Graduate Diploma in Diagnostic Genomics is ideal for healthcare professionals who are looking to develop specialist expertise and improve their knowledge of this growing discipline and its applications in health care. Similarly, it is an ideal avenue for genetic scientists who are already qualified but are keen to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and applications. Areas of study include diagnostic genetics; genetic technologies; lab management, compliance and quality; and the ethical, legal and social requirements. The opportunity to choose a speciality stream - molecular genetics, cytogenetics, or biochemical genetics - allows you to align this study with your career goals.

Master's degree

The Master of Diagnostic Genomics will allow you to develop advanced knowledge and research skills that prepare you to meet the requirements for HGSA professional accreditation as a diagnostic genomics scientist. You may align your study with specific career goals by selecting speciality units in molecular genetics, cytogenetics, or biochemical genetics. During second year, you will build on this speciality or choose to complete elective units in cancer genomics, genetic epidemiology, or computational biology. A six-month placement in an appropriate clinical or research laboratory, during which you will complete a research dissertation, is a key feature of the program.