First Year Curriculum
The first year of study focuses primarily on coursework
in general genetics and counseling skills. Clinical observations and
laboratory
rotations complement the didactic curriculum. In addition, students
will select a Capstone Project topic and begin their research during
the second semester.
Semester 1
GMS MS 781 Introduction to Human Genetics (4 credits)
GMS MH 703 Counseling Techniques and Helping Relationships (3 credits)
GMS MS 610 Ethico-legal Issues in Bioscience (4 credits)
GMS GC 601 Professional Issues in Genetic Counseling (3 credits)
GMS GC 603 Embryology, Teratology, and Prenatal Genetics (3 credits)
Semester 2
GMS AN 704 Experimental Design and Statistical Methods (2 credits)
GMS GC 600 Genetic Diagnosis and Laboratory Methods (3 credit)
GMS GC 602 Clinical Genetics (3 credits)
GMS GC 604 Cancer Genetic Counseling (3 credits)
GMS GC 700 Genetic Counseling Clinical Rotation I (2 credits)
Summer
GMS GC 702S Genetic Counseling Clinical Rotation II (2 credits)
Second Year Curriculum
The second year of study focuses on clinical experience and research
project development. In addition, the coursework covers more advanced
topics in medical genetics, professional issues, and genetic counseling
sub-specialties. The number of required credits is decreased during
Semester 4, so as to allow students adequate time to complete their
research projects, acquire a sufficient number of logbook cases,
and begin interviews for job placement.
Semester 3
GMS MH 708 Human Growth & Development (3 credits)
GMS MH 701 Counseling Theory (3 credits)
GMS GC 703 Genetic Counseling Clinical Rotation III (2 credits)
GMS GC 711 Genetic Counseling Research Project (4 credits)
Elective (minimum 3 credits)
Semester 4
GMS GC 712 Metabolic Genetics / Advanced Risk Assessment (3 credits)
GMS GC 714 Advanced Topics in Medical Genetics (3 credits)
GMS GC 704 Genetic Counseling Clinical Rotation IV (2 credits)
Clinical Rotations and Observations
The clinical rotations and observations will provide students with
opportunities to develop their counseling skills in a broad range of
clinical settings. These first-hand experiences will familiarize students
with individuals and families affected by a variety of genetic disorders.
The following list includes a few of the settings available for student
rotations: Antenatal Testing Unit, Pediatric Genetics Clinic, Hearing
Loss Clinic, Cancer Clinic, Biochemical Genetics Clinic, National Birth
Defects Center, Huntington Disease Center, Autism Research Center of
Excellence, Alzheimer’s Disease Center, and Center of Excellence
in Sickle Cell Disease.
Capstone Project
At the end of the first semester, each student will pick a topic
for his or her individualized scholarly project. This project will
be completed
over the next 18 months under the guidance of a Capstone Project
Committee. In addition to original research, the project may be a
literature review,
case study, or community health application. The study will culminate
in a paper of publishable quality and an oral presentation.
