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Genetic Counseling MS

Descriptions of Required Courses

Counseling Psychology 650: Theory and Practice in Interviewing
Students enrolled in this course will be able to demonstrate knowledge of skills and competencies involved in the interview process. Topics covered include: theoretical bases for conducting interviews; introductions to counseling and interviewing techniques. Opportunities to practice included.
Medical Genetics 562: Human Cytogenetics
Fundamental principles and special problems in human cytogenetics form the basis for this course. Students will critically examine published experiments in human cytogenetics and their relevance to genetic counseling practice.
Medical Genetics 565: Human Genetics
This is a one semester course taken in the fall of a genetic counseling students first year of training. Principles, problems, and methods of human genetics are studied. Topic areas surveyed include medical genetics, biochemical genetics, molecular genetics, cytogenetics, quantitative genetics, and variation as applied to humans.
Medical Genetics 646: Cancer Genetics
Speakers with expertise in relevant areas of cancer genetics provide students in the Genetics Counseling program with a background in cancer genetics from a medical, biological, and clinical perspective. The course is divided into three main parts: general principles and topics in oncology; familial cancers and cancer syndromes; and management, counseling, social, ethical, and legal issues. Student-led case presentations supplement individual topics.
Medical Genetics 713/714: Practicum in Genetic Counseling
This two semester course is designed for first year genetic counseling interns. Students are introduced to skills, knowledge and resources that will allow them to attain an emerging level of proficiency in identified skills within the Practice Based Competencies (PBCS) as defined by the American Board of Genetic Counselors. These skills are attained through didactic work and observational and experiential clinical activities. Activities include weekly unit meetings with discussion of selected topics, attendance at relevant MCH seminars, clinic observation according to a structured format and participation in clinical rotations. The rotations include active participation in the Biochemical Genetics Clinic, Midwest Regional Bone Dysplasia Clinic, General Genetics Intake, Green Bay Outreach Clinic and a Laboratory experience.
Medical Genetics 731: Clinical Genetics
This is an intensive course designed for trainees in genetics counseling. It aims to provide practical information about clinical genetics that will be needed by future genetics counselors in all settings of their profession. An historical introduction is followed by an overview of the organization of genetics services and the medical, developmental, and laboratory evaluation of the patient and the family as the unit of genetic investigation. Every area of clinical genetics is covered; this includes cytogenetics, molecular cytogenetics with examples of common disorders, Mendelian genetics — conventional as well as recent developments and discoveries, principles of dysmorphology, biochemical and molecular genetics, teratogenesis and cancer genetics, prenatal diagnosis, prenatal infections, genetics screening, and ethical legal issues. Each topic includes examples of families that exemplify the disorder and illustrative practical case histories
Medical Genetics 737: (A, B, C, D) Contemporary Professional Issues in Genetic Counseling
MedGen 737 is a sequential 4-semester course for both first and second year genetic counseling interns (GC I and GC II). Topics selected are those relevant to the profession of genetic counseling but not available through traditional courses offered on this campus. An underlying theme throughout the course is the way in which genetic counseling influences and is influenced by each topic area. Important considerations for the topic modules are: the professional roles and responsibilities of genetic counselors within the context of the clinical genetics team, the healthcare community, and society; counseling needs of families; prevention capabilities of 21st century genetics; social, ethical, legal and cultural issues; health care delivery systems; and the principles and practice of public health.
Medical Genetics 739: Search and Analysis of Literature in Clinical Genetics
Approaches to searches of clinical genetics literature include computerized databases (e.g., Medline, Science Citation, Index) and information retrieval (e.g., TERAS, Reprotox, London, POSSUM). Students learn to critically read clinical literature, to recognize and assess biases, and to understand the limits of currently available studies in clinical genetics. Each student completes practice searches, article analysis, and a literature review of a particular topic.
Medical Genetics 742: Human Embryology, Teratology and Abnormal Development
Students enrolled in this course will review the basic processes and events of human embryology as a frame of reference in preparation for lectures on genetic and teratogenetic disturbances of normal development, the major processes of morphogenesis, and the timing of major events in embryogenesis.
Medical Genetics 744: Applications of Biochemical Genetics for Genetic Counselors
This course on biochemical genetics focuses on the diagnostic tools, the prognosis, and the progression of selected biochemical disorders, as well as the treatments used with this group of conditions. The focus is on experiences of individual patients. Each topic includes a case presentation, clinical presentation, underlying biochemical defect, biochemical findings, pathogenesis of clinical findings based on understanding of the enzymatic defect, genetics, treatment, and prevention.
Medical Genetics 770: Genetic Counseling Risk Assessment
This course emphasizes the practical aspects of dealing with necessary genetic information, and mathematical techniques necessary for providing genetic counseling. Topics include review of basic human genetics, elementary probability, pedigree and segregation analysis, cytogenetics, empirical risks, eugenics, and counseling practice.
Medical Genetics 813:/814: Advanced Practicum in Genetic Counseling
MedGen 813/814 is a two semester course designed for second year genetic counseling interns. Students build on the skills and knowledge acquired in MedGen 713/714 and are also introduced to new ones. Completion of the four semester sequence (713/714, 813/814) will allow students to attain a beginning level of proficiency in all skills within the Practice Based Competencies (PBCS) as defined by the American Board of Genetic Counselors. Acquisition of these skills is through intensive experiential clinical activities and didactic work. Activities include; weekly unit meetings with discussion of selected topics, and participation in five 10-week clinical rotations. The rotations include active participation in the following clinics; Prenatal (St.Marys and Meriter), Oncology, Teratogen, General Genetics, and Single Disease Specialty Clinics (neurofibromatosis, sickle cell and cystic fibrosis).
Human Development and Family Studies 516: Family Stress and Coping
Theories of stress and coping from sociological, psychological, and biosocial perspectives. Family functioning and child development issues in relation to normative and non-normative stresses (e.g., divorce, bereavement, work, chronic illness).
Medical Genetics 990 Research
Students will plan, conduct and implement a research or other project that contributes to the body of knowledge of the discipline. This will be done with the guidance of an identified major professor within the Medical Genetics Department.
Medical Genetics 993 Seminar
This course includes attendance at a minimum of 10 campus-wide lectures of the students choice. The lectures must have relevance to the practice of clinical genetics/genetic counseling and include a variety of topics (basic research, clinical, medical, counseling, service delivery, ethics, etc.). Students will also participate in monthly journal club. The first semester that a student is enrolled, journal club participation will be limited to brief presentations from an assigned journal. During the second semester, participation will include being the major presenter for journal club group discussion.

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