First Year:
Principles of Human Genetics:
In-depth exploration of fundamental principles in human genetics, including: Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, family history and pedigree analysis, genetic risk calculations, Bayesian analysis, quantitative disorders, population genetics, human variation and disease susceptibility.
Clinical Embryology:
Aspects of embryology relevant to understanding the etiology and treatment of birth defects and the effects of teratogenic agents. Physiology of pregnancy and prenatal diagnosis and screening will also be discussed.
Principles and Practices of Genetic Counseling (2 semesters):
Series of topics dealing with the psychosocial, cultural, and ethical issues related to genetic counseling. Role plays and experiential learning included in this class.
Clinical Cytogenetics:
Analysis of a wide range of cytogenetic abnormalities associated with specific chromosome syndromes. Will discuss the etiology, clinical symptoms, and laboratory tests for detection of these conditions.
Molecular and Cytogenetics Lab:
Technologies and specialized instrumentation utilized in a clinical cytogenetics laboratory for diagnostic and research purposes. Will include exposure to microscopy, tissue culturing, chromosome banding and karyotyping, as well as specialized computer software programs.
Graduate Seminar in Genetics I:
Variety of topics in genetics and genetic counseling. Special topic mini-series, guest lectures, student presentations.
Graduate Seminar in Genetics II:
Continuation of seminar series with variety of professionally relevant topics.
Advanced Medical Genetics:
Survey of a wide range of genetic diseases, including clinical symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for such disorders. Guest speakers with expertise in specialized areas of medical genetics will contribute heavily to the course.
Cancer Genetics:
Discussion of common types of cancer as well as rare inherited cancer syndromes. Molecular basis, physiological pathology, testing, risk assessment, and treatment for different types of cancer will be covered.
Molecular and Biochemical Genetics:
Study of the molecular basis of genetic diseases and the biochemical pathways associated with inborn errors of metabolism disorders. Molecular and biochemical laboratory methodologies and data analysis will be discussed.
Second Year:
Principles and Practices of Genetic Counseling:
The theory and practice of counseling, psychology, ethno cultural issues, case management and ethics are integrated with student field work experience through readings, discussion and review of student clinical cases.
Research Methods and Professional Skills:
Research methodologies utilized in biomedical studies. Includes study of various research designs, databases, statistical analysis, journal club. Writing for various purposes (grants, IRB protocols, scholarly publications) and oral presentations required.
Graduate Seminar in Genetics I:
Variety of topics in genetics and genetic counseling. Special topic mini-series, guest lectures, student presentations.
Graduate Seminar in Genetics II:
Continuation of seminar series with variety of professionally relevant topics.
Electives:
Students may have an opportunity to take one or more elective courses based on individual interest (chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor.)
Research Project:
Students must complete a research project that is approved by the directors of the program. They must pass an oral defense and submit an acceptable written research paper.
Field Work and Clinical Internships:
Field placements are an integral part of the Genetic Counseling Program. First-year students will have the opportunity to observe in a variety of genetic counseling settings to begin to integrate academic knowledge into clinical settings.
To understand the medical and psychosocial implications of genetic disorders, students will be paired with a family who has utilized genetic counseling services. Students will begin to apply their family history taking and interviewing skills through this experience.
Students will be required to complete three clinical internships beginning with the summer session following the first year of the program. The length of the placements will range from 8-13 weeks depending on the clinical settings.
Students will work in a variety of settings including pediatric, prenatal diagnosis, cancer, and metabolic genetics clinics. The program will draw upon the abundance of genetic services in the area, utilizing community hospitals, HMOs, academic institutions, and private practices for clinical training.
While rotating through the genetic counseling clinics, students gain experience in pre-clinic interviews, case research and preparation, counseling, and post-clinic follow-up. They are also involved in administrative duties and information-gathering relevant to diagnosis and patient care.
In each placement, students progress from being observers to being the primary counselors responsible for most aspects of clinical contact.
Clinical internships include weekly on-site individual supervision and supervision with Program faculty. Clinical experience and didactic material are inter-related through integrative seminars in both years.
The Field Work Coordinator is responsible for the assignment of students to available placements, taking into consideration each student's interests and desired experiences
