A new online course from Cornell University is giving students a hands-on way to learn genomic data science — by working directly with canine DNA.
The six-week course, offered through Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine, blends genetics, data analysis, and ethics, allowing participants to study real-world datasets from canine research and explore how genetic testing is shaping both animal and human health.
The course, titled “Genomic Data Science in Dogs” (VTBMS 1210), runs from June 22 through July 31 and carries three academic credits. It is open to undergraduates, precollege students, and others interested in genomics, with no requirement to be enrolled at Cornell.
Students will learn how to access and interpret genetic data, apply foundational genomics concepts, and examine the broader implications of genetic testing. The curriculum includes asynchronous lectures, live discussions, and interactive problem sets designed to build practical data science skills.
One of the course’s more distinctive features gives participants the option to conduct commercial genetic testing on their own dogs, allowing them to connect coursework directly to real-life applications.
Program organizers say the course is designed to bridge disciplines, using canine genomics as an accessible entry point into a rapidly growing field that extends well beyond veterinary science.
“This course bridges the gap between biology and data science, offering students the unique opportunity to work with real-world genomic datasets, uncover insights, and build a skill set applicable to any species,” said Adam Boyko, an associate professor in Cornell’s Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences.
The fully online format is intended to provide flexibility for students while maintaining engagement through live components and collaborative work.
Enrollment is now open.
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