Non-Degree Programs
Metabolomics
Micro-credential
Overview
Metabolomics is the discovery, identification, and quantification of the metabolites in any biological sample. It is a rapidly growing field driven by advances in technologies, open and shared datasets, and systematic approaches to data analysis. The applications of metabolomics are diverse and include wastewater and environmental testing, clinical testing, drug discovery, precision medicine, disease diagnosis, agriculture, and nutrition. As a result, individuals skilled in metabolomics are in high demand.
Core Skills & Competencies
Participants successfully completing the course will have knowledge, skills, and competencies in:
- Metabolomics tools, instruments, software and methodologies
- Experimental design, standardization, and eliminating bias in metabolomics
- Data generation, curation, integrity and quality assessment
- Compound identification and discovery
- Univariate and multivariate statistical approaches
- Biochemical pathway mapping, metabolite clusters, and metabolomics data interpretation
- Scientific literature reporting metabolomics findings
- Applications of metabolomics
Credential Awarded
Participants successfully completing the course will receive a Letter of Proficiency in Metabolomics, a non-credit credential. Additionally, participants are issued a verifiable digital badge to display on social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn) and personal online e-portfolios, resumes, and CVs.
Program Structure, Delivery, and Assessment
This non-credit learning opportunity is delivered entirely online through the Canvas Catalog. The course will emphasize synchronous seminars, break-out sessions, and workshops for experiential learning. Expert assessment and feedback will be provided by current and recognized metabolomics practitioners from both industry and academic backgrounds.
Pathways to Further Knowledge
By the end of the course, participants will produce a report to demonstrate their skills and competencies in metabolomics. The report will undergo an expert assessment and must meet the acceptable threshold for the Letter of Proficiency to be awarded. A pathway to credit is being investigated at UBCO and may be extended to other institutions.
Admission, Fees and Requirements
This learning opportunity is designed for professionals who have typically earned an undergraduate degree or college diploma in a science or engineering discipline and are engaged in continuing professional development. This credential does not require a prior or existing affiliation with UBC and the language of instruction is English.
Learners will be asked to complete a survey prior to the start of the course to gauge background knowledge and to better understand the motivation for participation. You may be encouraged to complete preparatory materials prior to the start of the course.
The fee for the metabolomics micro-credential is $4,500 and is non-refundable. Fees include access to all instructional content required to complete the micro-credential. There are no additional fees for textbooks.
This program is delivered entirely online using the UBC Canvas Catalog learning management system. Learners will connect with the course materials, software and datasets through a Virtual Machine.
For the best experience, it is recommended that all learners have access to a personal computer with the following specifications:
- An Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 CPU or better.
- At least 16 Gb of memory (RAM)
- A Hard Drive with enough space to install the required software.
- An Internet connection of at least 6 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload speeds. This can be measured at https://speedof.me
- An updated version of Zoom, a microphone, a webcam and headphones or speaker
- A larger or dual monitor is helpful for working with large datasets but is not required.
Course Facilitators
Dr. Susan Murch
Professor | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry
PhD, University of Guelph | BSc, University of Guelph | MSc, University of Guelph
Susan Murch has been a Professor of Chemistry at UBC Okanagan since 2005. Her research uses mass spectrometry to investigate the chemicals produced by plants and how plant chemicals affect human health. She teaches Introductory Analytical Chemistry, Plant Chemistry, and Metabolomics. She has been the recipient of various awards for research and teaching including Canada Research Chair in Natural Products Chemistry, UBCO Researcher of the Year, and the Women in Metabolomics Mentorship Award.
View Susan’s Faculty Profile
@susanmurchUBC
@MetabolomicsUBC
Registration
Micro-credential programs provide you with opportunities to quickly gain new skills valuable to current and prospective employers.