curriculum
 
The curriculum includes 56 credit hours. Of these, 42 hours are devoted to classroom study, the majority of which are designed specifically for the Genetic Counseling Program. Clinical rotations in regional genetic centers provide eight credit hours while six hours of credit are awarded for Master of Science thesis research.

First Semester
HGEN 701: Introduction to Genetic Counseling
(3 credit hours). An overview of the history and development of genetic counseling. Introduction to the fundamental components of and skills utilized in prenatal, pediatric, and adult genetic counseling..

HGEN 720: Medical Genetics
(3 credit hours). A study of the clinical aspects of human genetics with focus on single gene, chromosomal, and multifactorial genetic disease, underlying molecular and biochemical principles, and determination of genetic risk.

HGEN 725: Human Developmental Biology I
(4 credit hours). The process of normal human development and description of the variety and range of deviation that can occur from fertilization through early childhood.

HGEN 704: The Genetic Counseling Process
(3 credit hours). (Co-requirement: HGEN 701) Introduction to counseling skills utilized in genetic counseling via reading, discussion, clinical observation and role play.

HGEN 799: Thesis Preparation
(1 credit hour).

HGEN 715:  Contemporary Issues in Genetic Counseling                                        

(1 credit hour) Discussion forum targeted at critical evaluation of medical genetics literature and examination of current issues affecting the genetic counseling profession. (Pass-Fail grading).
 

Second Semester
HGEN 702: Psychosocial Aspects of Genetic Counseling
(3 credit hours). Exploration of the impact of genetic conditions on the individual and family. Psychosocial skills will be strengthened through reading, role play, discussion and interactions with affected individuals and families.

BIOL 665: Human Molecular Genetics
(3 credit hours). Molecular mechanisms underlying gene action and differentiation in man; the genetic basis for human variability and inborn metabolic errors leading to inherited disease.

HGEN 735: Cancer Genetics and Genetic Counseling
(3 credit hours). Overview of medical oncology with an emphasis on familial and hereditary cancer. Includes didactic lectures, oral and written assignments.

HGEN 726: Human Developmental Biology II
(4 credit hours). Major organ systems with emphasis on basic physiological processes and control systems. Primarily for health sciences graduate students.

HGEN 799: Thesis Preparation
(1 credit hour).

HGEN 715:  Contemporary Issues in Genetic Counseling                                        

(1 credit hour) Discussion forum targeted at critical evaluation of medical genetics literature and examination of current issues affecting the genetic counseling profession. (Pass-Fail grading).
 

May Session
HGEN 705: Clinical Skills Seminar
(1 credit hour). Intensive skill development focused on practical aspects of patient care for clinical rotation preparation.

HGEN 721: Quantitative Risk Analysis in Medical Genetics
(1 credit hour). Principles of quantitative risk analysis used in complex medical genetics risk calculations. For use in the calculation and interpretation of genetic risk in pedigree analysis, genetic screening, and diagnostic testing.

Summer
HGEN 750: Summer Clinical Rotation
(2 credit hours). Clinical placement at a regional genetic center under direct supervision of geneticist/genetic counselor. Allows opportunity for development of genetic counseling skills as students transition from theory to practice.

Third Semester
HGEN 710: Genetic Counseling Methods
(3 credit hours). An integration of the student's theoretical background and clinical experiences with focus on the development of clinical skills. Format includes case presentation and discussion.

HGEN 730: Advanced Medical Genetics I
(3 credit hours). A comprehensive survey of medical genetics including mendelian genetics, cytogenetics, metabolic disorders, syndromes, congenital malformations, multifactorial disorders, and mental retardation.

HGEN 760: Clinical Rotation I
(3 credit hours). Two days per week of clinical placement under direct supervision of geneticist/genetic counselor for experience in prenatal, pediatric, and disease-specific clinics.

HGEN 799: Thesis Preparation
(2 credit hours).

HGEN 715:  Contemporary Issues in Genetic Counseling                                        

(1 credit hour) Discussion forum targeted at critical evaluation of medical genetics literature and examination of current issues affecting the genetic counseling profession. (Pass-Fail grading).
 

Fourth Semester
HGEN 731: Advanced Medical Genetics II
(3 credit hours). Continuation of HGEN 730. Topics include psychiatric disorders, skeletal, renal, neuromuscular and neurocutaneous disorders, genetic autopsy, molecular diagnostics, and immunogenetics.
 
HGEN 703: Ethical Challenges in Genetic Counseling
(1 credit hour). Seminar in bioethical principles and their application to case management and genetic counseling. Includes lecture, case presentation and discussion. 

HGEN 761: Clinical Rotation II
(3 credit hours). Continuation of HGEN 760. Two days per week of clinical placement under direct supervision of geneticist/genetic counselor for experience in prenatal, pediatric, and disease- specific clinics.

HGEN 799: Thesis Preparation
(2 credit hours).

HGEN 715:  Contemporary Issues in Genetic Counseling                                        

(1 credit hour) Discussion forum targeted at critical evaluation of medical genetics literature and examination of current issues affecting the genetic counseling profession. (Pass-Fail grading).
 

Service Learning
Students outreach to the community in several service learning projects designed to offer real life exposure to individuals and families touched by genetics. Students make home visits and provide respite care for families raising a child with disability, participate in social programs for adults with mild mental retardation, visit community support groups, and provide lectures on genetics to high school audiences.