Owing to the availability of genetic information from the Human Genome Project and the translation of this information for clinical use, there is an increasing demand for disease diagnosis based on genetic tests. Genetic testing identifies alterations in chromosomes or genes. The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition, and help determine an individual's chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder. Precise genetic tests are available for several diseases for which an accurate diagnosis is not possible using conventional methods. Different types of genetic tests are currently in use, and more are being developed. Information about causative genes and available treatment options makes disease diagnosis, treatment and management easier for numerous single gene and complex genetic disorders as well as several birth defects. Early diagnosis of several chronic and debilitating diseases can mean the difference between life and death.

Precision Medicine, also known as personalized medicine, is another emerging practice that allows physicians to develop personalized treatment at the molecular level, leading to more accurate therapeutic and prevention strategies. Molecular assay for the rapid and high-throughput detection of bacterial and viral infections is yet another application of molecular diagnostics.

Several of the modern genetic tests and their applications are not very well known even among the clinicians. More important, the implications of the results must be carefully interpreted and discussed with the patients and their relatives in a professional manner, since it could have tremendous emotional impact on families. The availability of skilled manpower in suggesting the appropriate tests, conducting the tests, and interpreting the reports is an essential factor for the genetic testing market to flourish. With an increase in the number of molecular diagnostic centers in India, there is an increasing requirement of well-trained professionals. Organizations are trying to increase the competitiveness of their workforce by up-skilling and re-skilling their employees. Bridging the skill gap would put as a long way forward to promote genetic testing for the benefit of patients.

Keeping this in mind, Dept. of Genetics, Institute for Communicative and Cognitive Neurosciences (ICCONS), Shoranur proposes a 20 days’ certificate course on "Molecular Genetics Techniques and Bioinformatics". The course is designed to reflect the increasing impact of Genetics, Genomics, and Epigenetics in unraveling the molecular and genetic underpinnings of human diseases. This will be a service-oriented course with theory, practical and hospital-based components.