The development of new sequencing technologies, adoption of microarray techniques and publication of guidelines for unclassified variant interpretation are contributing to the need for training in bioinformatics for laboratory scientists. Hence, bioinformatics has been identified by the Clinical Molecular Genetics Society (CMGS) and Association for Clinical Cytogenetics (ACC) as an area of laboratory competence that needs to be addressed.
  

Bioinformatics for Cytogeneticists and Molecular Geneticists

In partnership with The Nowgen Centre, the NGRLs are running two-day national courses in bioinformatics for trainee molecular geneticists and cytogeneticists. The courses have been developed in response to calls from the diagnostic genetics community for the need for training in these technologies as the requirements of laboratories continue to change. The first course was run in March 2008 and following a positive response and high demand, we are running the course twice annually.

 

Lab Scientist Course Dates 2010:

• 13th & 14th October 2010 - contact bookings@nowgen.org.uk for information or to reserve a place

We found that there is a large scope for senior laboratory professionals to learn about the day-to-day application of bioinformatic tools, future developments in laboratory informatics and to discuss issues relevant to laboratory management. Therefore, we delivered a specially tailored two-day Bioinformatics course for senior laboratory professionals in 2009, relevant to both cytogenetics and molecular genetics. The course addressed basic computer concepts, coding standards and the implementation of bioinformatics in the laboratory and offer hands-on experience of the major available resources.

"An excellent course which met my expectations. Practical work is enjoyable and very helpful." - participant, March 2009

Bioinformatics for Clinical Geneticists

In October 2009, the first Bioinformatics course tailored to Clinical Geneticists was delivered sucessfully. The course was developed to accommodate requests from the clinical profession. Fifteen delegates participated in the two day course which included indepth talks on human genome variation and practical sessions using the ECARUCA and Ensembl databases. The training is the first of its kind and was well received.

“The content of the course is good and appropriate for a clinical geneticist. Instructive in giving an insight into the scope and breath of available resources." - participant, October 2009

The two day course is recommended for clinicians who wish to learn more about what is behind the laboratory reports. It includes hands-on practice with molecular and cytogenetic databases and tools used to determine common and pathogenic variations.

 

Clinical Course Dates 2010:

Please note that we have re-scheduled the original planned courses for 2010 as follows:

• 22nd & 23rd April 2010 - Cancelled
• 19th & 20th October 2010 - contact bookings@nowgen.org.uk for information or to reserve a place

Under Development...

The NGRLs are liaising with the CMGS national trainers for provision of training in the Ensembl genome browser for diagnostic laboratories. One day, two day and on-site courses are considered for the near future, as well as an international course run under the EuroGentest umbrella.