Onco-Immunology, Genomics, and Infectious Disease

Course Overview and Description

Course Overview

This course explores how cutting-edge genomic technologies and artificial intelligence are revolutionising the understanding, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases and cancer. Focusing on the interplay between pathogen genomics, immune system dynamics, and microbial ecosystems, the programme equips learners to tackle global health challenges with tools from onco-immunology, bioinformatics, synthetic biology, and precision public health. Designed for researchers, clinicians, bioengineers, and innovators, the course connects core scientific principles with real-world therapeutic interventions, spanning vaccine development, outbreak prediction, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and personalised microbiome modulation.

 

Course Description

This interdisciplinary course provides learners with a deep understanding of how genomics and AI are reshaping the landscape of onco-immunology and infectious disease research. Students will analyse evolutionary models, host-pathogen interactions, bacterial genomics, and CRISPR-based therapeutics through the lens of precision medicine.

 

Topics range from whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetics to immune genomics, microbiome engineering, and pandemic preparedness. Particular emphasis is placed on AI-powered approaches for disease surveillance, vaccine response modelling, and therapeutic discovery.

 

Each module is shaped by the transformative research of global thought leaders and institutions, including:

  • Harvard University (AI in infectious disease evolution, COVID-19 genomic epidemiology)
  • Stanford University (Host-pathogen genomics, bacterial evolution)
  • University of Oxford (Phylogenetics, pandemic genomic interventions)
  • MIT (Machine learning for AMR, synthetic biology in infectious disease)
  • Max Planck Institute (Evolutionary genetics of pathogens)
  • Karolinska Institute & BioNTech (Immunogenomics and vaccine development)
  • University of Cambridge & CRISPR Therapeutics (CRISPR-based microbial therapeutics)
  • Moderna & Roche (Microbiome-based vaccines and personalised immunotherapy)
  • Imperial College London & UC Berkeley (AI and multi-omics in microbiome research)
  • Wellcome Trust, WHO, Gates Foundation (Genomic surveillance and global health equity)
  • Google DeepMind & Google Health AI (AI in outbreak prediction and pathogen evolution)
  • Illumina & AstraZeneca (Metagenomic sequencing, drug resistance tracking)

 

The individuals and organisations listed are referenced solely to highlight the groundbreaking scientific advances that inspire and shape the academic vision of the Oxford Academy of Excellence. While there is no formal affiliation, our curriculum is designed with the same level of ambition, rigour, and global relevance, reflecting the pioneering standards set by these world-leading researchers and institutions.

 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Analyse the genomic and molecular mechanisms driving infectious disease and immune responses.
  2. Interpret AI-powered models for pathogen evolution, AMR prediction, and vaccine development.
  3. Evaluate the roles of microbiota, horizontal gene transfer, and host-pathogen co-evolution in shaping health outcomes.
  4. Apply bioinformatics and synthetic biology tools for therapeutic design and disease surveillance.
  5. Reflect on the global, ethical, and regulatory dimensions of genomic medicine in pandemic response and antimicrobial stewardship.

Program Structure

At the Oxford Academy of Excellence, each programme is shaped by global educational excellence, combining academic depth with real-world relevance. Our model draws on world-leading pedagogical approaches and is continually informed by pioneering work from institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Oxford, and Stanford, as well as insights from global industry leaders and Nobel Prize-winning research.

 

This structure is designed to be cross-disciplinary, supporting students in fields ranging from health sciences and engineering to sustainability, policy, and innovation. Whether learners aspire to careers in science, technology, entrepreneurship, or public service, they are equipped with the skills, mindset, and knowledge to lead with impact.

 

1. Self-Paced Foundation Modules.

Programmes begin with flexible, high-quality learning modules that build a strong knowledge base. These include:

  • Faculty-led videos from global experts
  • Real-world multimedia cases and readings
  • Interactive quizzes and reflective tasks
  • This phase supports independent learning while building confidence in core concepts.
 

2. Live, Case-Based Mentorship Sessions

Learners engage in mentor-guided workshops focused on applied learning, featuring:

  • Cross-disciplinary case challenges
  • Group problem-solving and simulations
  • Feedback from expert facilitators, researchers, or professionals
    These sessions promote critical thinking, collaboration, and strategic communication.

 

3. Agile, Global-Relevance Curriculum

Every programme is regularly updated to reflect:

  • Breakthroughs in science, technology, and society
  • Input from academic reviewers, mentors, and students
  • Insights from global institutions and innovation ecosystems, including leaders from companies such as Genentech, DeepMind, Google Health, and policy networks like the WHO and the UN

This ensures that all learning remains relevant, future-proof, and adaptable to the changing needs of the world.

Teaching and Assessment Approach

At the Oxford Academy of Excellence, teaching is built on world-class educational design—drawing from the pedagogical practices of institutions such as Harvard, Oxford, and MIT, and guided by frameworks from UNESCO, QAA, and the World Economic Forum. Each course offers an immersive learning experience, led by global experts and shaped by the demands of real-world innovation.


Our teaching philosophy blends academic excellence with transformative, hands-on learning. Students are empowered to think critically and creatively, solve complex interdisciplinary challenges, communicate with clarity and empathy, collaborate across diverse sectors, and reflect on their development and impact.


Teaching methods include case-based masterclasses with leading academics and professionals, live interactive labs, ethical simulations, and leadership challenges. Personalised mentorship aligns with each student’s goals, while interdisciplinary projects are informed by real research and current industry trends.


Assessment is designed not only to evaluate learning but to transform thinking and practice. Students may be assessed through critical reflections, research reviews, practical prototypes, impact reports, peer feedback, oral defences, and innovation sprints. Final outputs often include a portfolio, publication, or policy brief, supported by tailored feedback from a globally recognised mentor.


This approach ensures that students complete their programme with a tangible outcome and a skillset aligned with the world’s most in-demand careers—ready to lead, create, and contribute across science, society, and beyond.

What Sets this Program Apart

World-Class Academic Integration

This course draws on the most recent advances from top-tier biomedical institutions, global health organisations, and AI pioneers. Learners explore onco-immunology, microbiome science, and infectious disease dynamics with a level of academic rigour and real-world relevance characteristic of elite postgraduate training.

 

One-to-One Mentorship

Participants benefit from personalised mentorship from genomics and AI leaders. Whether pursuing public health, immunotherapy research, or biotech innovation, learners receive tailored feedback and academic guidance throughout the course.

 

Real-World Tools and Case Studies

The course may include hands-on work with platforms like Nextstrain, GISAID, Kraken2, MetaPhlAn, and PhyML, as well as case-based modules on CRISPR-based AMR therapeutics, pandemic genomics, and AI-driven surveillance.

 

Publication and Recognition Pathways

Participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Publish in journals or edited books on genomics, infection, or immunotherapy
  • Contribute to white papers or policy briefs on ethical AI in infectious disease response
  • Present research at symposia focused on pathogen evolution, genomic medicine, and synthetic biology
  • Receive a Certificate of Excellence and a personalised Letter of Recommendation from senior faculty

 

Programme Highlights

  • Contribute to policy briefs, case studies, or collaborative research publications on infectious disease genomics
  • Explore curated bioinformatics tools and real genomic datasets
  • Publish or present original work on immunogenomics, AMR, or AI in disease surveillance
  • Receive academic mentorship and recognition

Onco-Immunology, Genomics, and Infectious Disease

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