This course is designed to introduce students to the clinical research process and build the foundations necessary for their thesis or capstone projects. The course will explore the essential elements of research including topic selection, formulation of a research question, aim, and hypothesis, literature review, identification of a mentor, research design and methodology, research ethics, the protection of human subjects, and the role of the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, or consent of instructor.

This course provides a framework for the development of clinical skills in genetic counseling. Major components include completing the intake, recording the family history, recognizing dysmorphic features, developing a differential diagnosis, identifying counseling aids and resources, medical documentation, and components of the genetics physical examination. Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, or consent of instructor.

Topics covered this semester will include gene structure and function, chromosomal abnormalities, single gene inheritance, molecular, cellular and biochemical basis of genetic disease, complex and multifactorial inheritance, genetic diversity, risk calculation in genetic counseling, and population genetics. Techniques of genetic analysis and appropriate nomenclature will be introduced. Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, or consent of instructor.

Students will develop skills to be able to organize a genetic evaluation/counseling session, conduct a psychosocial assessment, apply basic counseling skills, obtain a history including targeted family history, provide patient education, and make a follow-up plan for a genetics diagnostic evaluation. Additionally, students will examine their own beliefs and backgrounds, and understand how these may impact their ability to provide genetic counseling. The course is organized to provide theory and application in the form of role play and practice with standardized patients at the Clinical Skills Lab. Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, or consent of instructor.

This course will provide a framework for the development of the student's research topic. Students will identify the members of their research committee, refine specific aims/hypotheses, and learn methods of data collection, basic biostatistics, and manuscript writing used in genetic counseling research. Students will also hear from genetic counselors who work in research. Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, or consent of instructor.

Students will become familiar with cytogenetic and molecular laboratory testing and methodology, components of a test report, variant analysis, genome-wide association studies, polygenic risk scores, emerging technologies, and use of personalized medicine. Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, or consent of instructor.

This course provides the student with practical experience performing supervised genetic counseling for patients referred for a variety of health concerns. Each student will participate in three clinical rotations each lasting five weeks. Students will begin practicing skills of case preparation, contracting, medical intake, pedigree drawing, describing the natural history of disorders, reviewing testing options, identifying psychosocial concerns, and resource identification. Students are expected to participate in 2-4 cases per week during this course, increasing with each rotation. Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, or consent of instructor.

This course combines case-based learning, presentations from topic experts and class discussion to prepare students for clinical practice in reproductive genetic counseling. Topics include routine pregnancy care, prenatal screening and diagnostic testing, ultrasound anomalies, evaluation for infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss and stillbirth; assisted reproductive technologies; teratology; fetal treatment and intervention; perinatal loss and bereavement. Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, or consent of instructor.

The Medical Genetics course series offers an overview of concepts in medical genetics including natural history, cardinal features, management, and treatment of pediatric and adult genetic syndromes. Therapeutic approaches and treatment modalities including gene therapy and clinical trials will be reviewed. Guest lecturers with relevant clinical expertise will be invited to speak. A special focus on disability and advocacy will include presentations from families and patients affected by genetic conditions. This course utilizes case-based learning supplemented by lectures, quizzes, and jeopardy-style reviews. Sections I, II and III can be taken in any order. Topics in Medical Genetics I will include: Cardiovascular Genetics, Neurogenetics, Kidney, GI, Lung and Liver disorders, Neurocutaneous disorders, RASopathies, and syndromes associated with brain malformations, seizures and microcephaly. Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, or consent of instructor.

This course provides the student with practical experience performing supervised genetic counseling for patients referred for a variety of health concerns. Each student will participate in one clinical rotation lasting seven weeks. Students will continue to improve upon skills learned in Clinical Fieldwork I including case preparation, resource identification, contracting, medical intake, pedigree drawing, reviewing testing options, presenting research opportunities, and identifying psychosocial concerns with the goal of becoming competent at performing these skills independently. Students will practice skills of risk assessment, risk counseling, describing the natural history of disorders, results disclosure, follow-up, documentation, and advanced psychosocial counseling. Students will attempt to perform basic psychosocial counseling. Students are expected to participate in 4-6 cases per week during this course. Prerequisite: Clinical Fieldwork I. Admission into the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, or consent of instructor.

Examine the biochemical basis of human disease with emphasis on the role of the genetic counselor, including recognition of various biochemical diseases, including phenotypes, inheritance patterns, diagnostic methods, biochemical signatures, and treatments. Students will also explore the concepts of newborn screening and the various roles of the genetic counselor in the metabolic clinic. Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, or consent of instructor.

This course will cover topics including cancer nomenclature, epidemiology, etiology and hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes. It will address risk assessment, molecular testing, screening and risk management recommendations. Discussions will include psychosocial implications of diagnosis. Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, or consent of instructor.

In this course students will become familiar with the role of genetic counselors and other professionals in non-patient facing roles with a significant focus on laboratory settings (e.g., commercial, academic, research, and/or public health screening laboratories), including their involvement in the performance and interpretation of genetic/genomic tests, test development and implementation, customer liaison and support, and sales and marketing. Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, or consent of instructor.

Builds on GENC 804; This course will focus on advanced psychosocial and genetic counseling skills and will cover topics including delivering difficult news, grief and loss, recognizing and managing a crisis and genetic counseling related to a variety of patient affects. The course is organized to provide theory and application in the form of role play and practice with standardized patients at the Clinical Skills Center. Prerequisite: GENC 804; Admission into the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, or consent of instructor.

This faculty guided, student-directed course provides credit for the implementation and completion of genetic counseling student thesis or capstone projects. Prerequisite: GENC 801; GENC 811; Admission into the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, or consent of instructor.

The course will provide information on a range of topics related to professional development as a Genetic Counselor including CV development, interviewing skills, licensure, insurance and reimbursement, and developing familiarity with the healthcare system as it relates to genetic counseling. Students will also present a journal club article. Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, or consent of instructor.

This course provides the student with practical experience performing supervised genetic counseling for patients referred for a variety of health concerns. Each student will participate in three clinical rotations each lasting five weeks. Students will continue to improve upon skills learned in Clinical Fieldwork II including documentation and advanced psychosocial counseling. Students will become competent or proficient in the core roles of genetic counseling sessions. Students are expected to participate in 4-6 cases per week during this course. Prerequisite: Clinical Fieldwork I and II. Admission into the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, or consent of instructor.

The Medical Genetics course series offers an overview of concepts in medical genetics including natural history, cardinal features, management, and treatment of pediatric and adult genetic syndromes. Therapeutic approaches and treatment modalities including gene therapy and clinical trials will be reviewed. Guest lecturers with relevant clinical expertise will be invited to speak. A special focus on disability and advocacy will include presentations from families and patients affected by genetic conditions. This course utilizes case-based learning supplemented by lectures, quizzes, and jeopardy-style reviews. Sections I, II and III can be taken in any order. Topics in Medical Genetics II will include: Neuromuscular disorders, skeletal dysplasias, bone disorders, ciliopathies, psychiatric disorders, pharmacogenetics, adult-onset disorders and syndromes associated with hearing loss, limb anomalies, craniosynostosis, arteriovenous malformations, and overgrowth. Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, or consent of instructor.

In this course students will discuss topics including ethical principles, ethics cases, cultural awareness, newborn screening, GINA, and various DEI topics including assessing our own biases, self-reflection, strategies for reducing microaggressions, and issues related to GC admissions. Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, or consent of instructor.

This course provides the student with practical experience performing supervised genetic counseling for patients referred for a variety of health concerns. Each student will participate in three clinical rotations each lasting five weeks. Students will continue to build upon skills learned in Clinical Fieldwork I, II, and III. Students will become proficient in all roles of genetic counseling sessions. Students are expected to participate in 6 cases per week during this course. Prerequisite: Clinical Fieldwork I, II and III. Admission into the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, or consent of instructor.

The Medical Genetics course series offers an overview of concepts in medical genetics including natural history, cardinal features, management, and treatment of pediatric and adult genetic syndromes. Therapeutic approaches and treatment modalities including gene therapy and clinical trials will be reviewed. Guest lecturers with relevant clinical expertise will be invited to speak. A special focus on disability and advocacy will include presentations from families and patients affected by genetic conditions. This course utilizes case-based learning supplemented by lectures, quizzes, and jeopardy-style reviews. Sections I, II and III can be taken in any order. Topics in Medical Genetics III will include: common microdeletion/microduplication syndromes, FLNA-related disorders, blood disorders, mosaic syndromes, ophthalmologic disorders, diabetes, and syndromes associated with craniofacial anomalies, sexual development, chromosome breakage, telomere length, bone marrow failure, skin findings, immune dysfunction, and intellectual disability. Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, or consent of instructor.

This course will provide information on a range of topics related to professional growth as a Genetic Counselor including supervision, program development, self-care, professional organizations, opportunities for professional growth and identifying a professional mentor. Students will also present journal club articles. Prerequisite: Professional Development I; Admission into the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, or consent of instructor.