Background: The African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology (AIBST) and Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to offer a Master degree in Genomics and Precision Medicine. This program is designed to advance the scientific and technical knowledge and translational capabilities required for drugs and diagnostics innovations in the fight against the persistent challenge of infectious diseases and emerging burden of noncommunicable diseases. Graduates of this program will be able to harness the power of genomics for public health precision medicine solutions, thus enable sub Saharan Africa to achieve the SDGs and African Union’s Agenda 2063 goals on health and wellbeing.
MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN GENOMICS AND PRECISION MEDICINE
Entry requirements: (i) An honours degree or equivalent in life sciences (biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmacy, medicine, chemistry or any relevant degree); (ii) Not older than 25 years at the time of commencement in January 2023; (iii) a national and currently resident in a country in one of the five regions of Africa, North, West, East, Central and Southern Africa; (iv) possessing English language spoken and written skills to effectively participate in an English taught degree program; and (v) prepared to relocate to Zimbabwe on a full time basis for a period of 2 years.
Number of students per intake: A total of 10 students will be taken per stream. Two suitably qualified students, a female and a male will be selected from each of the five (5) African regions; North, West, East, Central and Southern Africa.
Course duration: Two (2) years full time. The program comprises two (2) taught semesters over 12 months followed by a research project over 12 months.
Venue: Lectures and practical exercises will be held at the African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST). At least 3 months of the research project will be at an international laboratory at a leading University or in Industry.
Faculty: The programme will be taught by a global faculty of experts from leading universities and pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry. To view some of the experts, visit our site www.aibst.com/global
Scope of training: The course will cover key modules that include: Genomics; Genomic Technologies; Bioinformatics and Statistical Genetics; Medical Genetics; Molecular Pathology in Oncology; Genomics in Infectious Diseases; Pharmacogenomics; Legal and Ethical Issues in Biomedical Research; Research Methods, Biostatistics, Laboratory Management and Quality Assurance; Genetic Counselling; Genomics in Sports, Nutrition and Health; Microbiomes in Precision Medicine; Prenatal and New-born Screening; and Biomedical Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Career prospects: Graduates may become Drugs, Vaccines and Diagnostics Research and Development Scientists, Regulators. Graduates may also be entrepreneurs involved in development and commercialisation of biomedical products for technology licensing or new company formation through technology transfer processes. They can also be competitive candidates for doctoral studies.
Scholarships: Partial scholarships may be awarded. For more information, kindly contact AIBST at amutambiranwa@aibst.edu.zw or researchanddevelopmenttraining@gmail.com
Application Details: (i) complete the attached application form and attach all requested documents, (ii) submit a one page motivation letter for your application (iii) three recommendation letters from (a) department chair at the university you completed your BSc, (b) head of a life science professional society in your region stating the relevance of the degree for scientific and technical development in your country or region and (c) Ministry of Higher & Tertiary Education or of Health in your country stating the country’s needs of the skills you will acquire. Submission will go through two stages of evaluation, first by fellows or representatives of regional and continental organisations and societies in the biomedical field (medical, pharmaceutical, biochemical societies, and academies of science). The participation of these important organisations will ensure that the applicants and final winners are visible in the national, regional and continental research and development ecosystem. The shortlisted candidates will go to the second round, where they will be evaluated by members of AiBST and CUT academic committees via skype interviews.