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Train the Trainer: Design Genomics and Bioinformatics Training

Explore how to train future experts in genomics techniques with this online Train the Trainer course from Wellcome Genome Campus.

Duration

3 weeks

Weekly study

5 hours

100% online

How it works

Digital upgrade

Free

Explore techniques for genomics training.

Genomics and bioinformatics is a growing area of research with important practical implications for sectors as diverse as healthcare, food production, and environmental research.

On this course, you’ll learn how to train students, peers, professionals, and future experts in genomic techniques, and come away able to plan and design engaging lessons for adult learners.

Explore adult learning theory and principles

Alongside expert genomics educators, you’ll discuss adult learning theory, and discover how an active, learner-centred approach can guide good course design.

You’ll be equipped with general good practice teaching techniques, as well as the educational methods commonly used to teach laboratory workflows and bioinformatics in genomics.

Build and develop your training skills

The course will show you how to create learning experiences from subject content, and the importance of communication, group work, and facilitation in teaching and training.

You’ll identify common educational methods used to teach, and assess the bioinformatics and laboratory methods required for genomics.

Learn practical genomics training skills

The course will culminate in you making a peer-reviewed project, where you’ll design your own genomics training plan, and reflect on how you can receive feedback and improve as a trainer.

You’ll come away able to confidently plan and design courses on how to generate and analyse genomic data.

Week 1
Introducing Learning & Teaching theories and practice
- Introduction
  The course starts with a welcome, introduces educators, outlines the next three weeks, and includes a glossary. A video welcomes learners to Week 1, while discussions centre on memories and habits to foster learners' reflection.
- Active learning
  This activity includes a poll on trainer types and an article on how people learn. Discussions cover pedagogy versus andragogy, and challenges in active learning, complemented by an article detailing effective teaching strategies.
- Teaching practice and course facilitation
  This activity features a video interview with Dr. Sarah Morgan on designing bioinformatics training. An article discusses learning formats, while discussions focus on the online context, group dynamics and facilitation.
- Designing and developing a high quality training course
  Course design models are introduced with an article on outcome-driven training. A poll invites opinions on this design, followed by articles on writing learning outcomes, key course design elements and training evaluation.
- End of week 1
  This activity concludes the week with a course design checklist and a quiz to assess understanding so far. A final article summarises Week 1, reinforcing key concepts and insights gained throughout the content.
Week 2
Case Studies: Course Design for Genomics and Bioinformatics Training
- Introduction
  Week 2 opens with a welcome video, followed by an article introducing learning design case studies. Another article provides an overview of the upcoming Week 3 project, setting the stage for deeper exploration and application.
- Defining goals and course planning
  Opens with a case study on Train the Trainer courses, discusses planning considerations and resource management. A video explores designing a statistical genetics course, ending with an article on competency based course design.
- Course Design: tailoring course content to match the audience interests
  This activity covers the essentials of tailoring bioinformatics training for diverse audiences, focusing on relevant, practical, applicable training. It ends with a discussion about the genomic epidemiology course.
- Designing activities and training resources
  Focusing on designing effective training activities for lab genomics and bioinformatics, creating course materials, and integrating online tools. It includes insights from Nicole Wheeler's machine learning case study.
- Delivery and Evaluation
  This course section focuses on effective course delivery techniques and evaluating the impact of training to ensure it meets the defined goals.
- Summary of Week 2
  This activity wraps up with a quiz to assess learning progress and a summary of key insights covered in Week 2, reinforcing the importance of adaptable, impactful training.
Week 3
Peer Review Project: Design Your Own Course
- Introduction
  Week 3 begins with a welcome and a two-part interview with Dr. Verena Ras, followed by guidance on designing a short course or module, emphasizing peer feedback for improvement.
- Design a module or short course
  This activity guides participants through designing a course, defining learning outcomes, setting objectives, planning assessments, and organising delivery and evaluation strategies for effective learning experiences.
- Introduction to Peer Review
  This part highlights the value of peer review and rubric use, discussing essential assessment criteria and offering a suggested rubric. It also explains the peer review process on the FL platform.
- Peer Review Project: Submit Your Own Design for Review and Review Other Learner's Design
  This activity includes completing a peer review assignment, tips on giving and receiving feedback, a review phase, and reflections on the assignment and the peer review experience to deepen learning and reflective skills.
- Summary of Week 3
  Week 3 concludes with a summary, a test on course material, a self-assessment poll on trainer type, and a resource list. Final notes offer next steps and acknowledgments, rounding off the learning journey.