Human Genetics (HG)

This course introduces the principles and practices of genetic counseling, including its history, ethical foundations, and communication strategies. You’ll explore counseling techniques, specializations, and the role of genetic counselors in diverse healthcare settings.

This course is designed to build on the basic interviewing techniques covered in the Introduction to Genetic Counseling course, while developing advanced skills in recognizing and working with complex bio-psychosocial factors affecting clients and their families from a family systems perspective. The basics concepts of family systems thinking and counseling practice will be taught and applied within a family life-span approach. Clients’ coping and meaning making process, including: adolescence, pregnancy and childbirth, parenthood, caretaking, aging, and older adulthood will be incorporated. This conceptual model expands the definition of disease to include the time prior to clinical diagnosis and the potential influences of genetic information on the family system, with further examination of cultural considerations. Skills in trauma-informed practice will be introduced. Bio-psychosocial factors in genetic counseling, ethical practice, unique client histories, belief systems, sociocultural norms, and issues in the counseling relationship, including burnout, are covered.

This course is designed to increase students' awareness of the theory behind genetic counseling and to foster the application of this knowledge to practice. Client-centered theory, respect for cultural diversity and counseling processes are reviewed to enhance students’ understanding and competence with associated content for application within clinical rotations. Students will become familiar with specific counseling and psychotherapy theories and demonstrate an ability to integrate theory within a genetic counseling case. Advanced topics in genetic counseling and specific practice areas of genetic counseling, including ethical, legal and societal issues, are also interwoven into presented topics.

This course, as a continuation of Theory and Practice I, further builds on students' awareness of the theory behind genetic counseling to foster the application of this knowledge into practice. Additionally, the practical aspects of genetic counseling are explored.

This course the first of a two-part course series designed to aid in professional development, by providing a forum for students to explore current topics in the field of genetic counseling, to build leadership, teamwork and other skills for professional growth, and to prepare for steps beyond graduation as new genetic counselors.

As in Workshop and Seminar I, this course continues to aid in professional development, by providing a forum for students to explore current topics in the field of genetic counseling, to evaluate and improve leadership, teamwork, and other skills for professional growth, and to prepare for steps beyond graduation as new genetic counselors.

Welcome to the course! This course serves as a supplement to the first term curriculum through relevant application of presented information in coursework to the field and practice of genetic counseling. The importance and implication of genetic diseases at the individual, family and population levels will be reviewed. Aspects of molecular/metabolic genetics, human genetics and quantitative genetics as pertinent to the practice of genetic counseling will be practically explored and key skills will be further developed.

This course serves as a supplement to the second term curriculum through relevant application of presented information in coursework to the field and practice of genetic counseling. The importance and implication of genetic disease at the individual, family and population levels will be reviewed. Aspects of molecular, cancer and human genetics and quantitative genetics as pertinent to the practice of genetic counseling will be practically explored and key skills will be further developed.

This course serves as a supplement to the third term curriculum through relevant application of presented information in coursework to the field and practice of pediatric genetic counseling. The importance and implication of genetic disease at the individual, family and population levels will be reviewed. Aspects of molecular/metabolic genetics, human genetics and quantitative genetics as pertinent to the practice of genetic counseling will be practically explored and key skills will be further developed.

This course outlines the principles and practice of research in the field of genetic counseling. Various types of research designs and methods will be reviewed to provide the tools necessary for thesis or capstone project development. This course will require that students complete CITI training.

This course provides students with a forum to process challenging cases, optimize the clinical training experience, and hone the skills, knowledge, and resources that foster proficiency and confidence in specific areas within the latest Practice Based Competencies (PBCs) as defined by the Accreditation Council of Genetic Counseling. In this small group setting, students can share and learn from their collective experiences in their clinical rotations, courses, and individual lives and have the opportunity to process and integrate the experience of becoming a genetic counselor. The specific topics will be determined by class consensus based on a survey of their individual experiences in training within each of the latest PBCs completed before the start of the class. The group will generate the syllabus of topics and assign individual students to lead those workshops, generating interactive content for the group. Students will be tasked to find real-world examples that illustrate the issue in question from the medical literature, genetic counselors’ personal testimonials, and their own experiences. These cases will serve as the fulcrum for self-examination and understanding, enhance self-awareness, and prompt the students to identify and enhance patient-centered skills.

Medical Genetics is a 2 semester course that serves as and introduction to the practice of medical genetics in the context of genetic counseling. This course covers the clinical presentation, molecular basis, inheritance, and management of both pediatric and adult genetic diagnoses. Additional concepts such as dysmorphology, teratogens, medical terminology, and processes including: physical examination and documentation will also be covered. During this course students will present on a specific genetic condition, learn how to utilize specific genetic resources, perform literature reviews, and compile a differential diagnosis.

Medical Genetics is a 2 semester course that serves as and introduction to the practice of medical genetics in the context of genetic counseling. This course covers the clinical presentation, molecular basis, inheritance, and management of both pediatric and adult genetic diagnoses. Additional concepts such as dysmorphology, teratogens, medical terminology, and processes including: physical examination and documentation will also be covered. During this course students will present on a specific genetic condition, learn how to utilize specific genetic resources, perform literature reviews, and compile a differential diagnosis.

This two-part course introduces molecular and biochemical mechanisms of gene action and inaction as illustrated by inherited disorders. Students will gain an understanding of biochemical pathways and the function and malfunction of enzymes and proteins will be reviewed at the biochemical, molecular and treatment levels. The following topics will be addressed within the course(s): organic acidemias, amino acid disorders, urea cycle disorders, disorders of fatty acid oxidation, lactic acidemias, disorders of carbohydrate metabolism, congenital disorders of glycosylation, peroxisomal disorders, disorders of purine & pyrimidine metabolism, transport & mineral metabolism, mucopolysaccharidoses, mucolipidoses, and lipid storage disorders.

This two-part course introduces molecular and biochemical mechanisms of gene action and inaction as illustrated by inherited disorders. Students will gain an understanding of biochemical pathways and the function and malfunction of enzymes and proteins will be reviewed at the biochemical, molecular and treatment levels. The following topics will be addressed within the course(s): organic acidemias, amino acid disorders, urea cycle disorders, disorders of fatty acid oxidation, lactic acidemias, disorders of carbohydrate metabolism, congenital disorders of glycosylation, peroxisomal disorders, disorders of purine & pyrimidine metabolism, transport & mineral metabolism, mucopolysaccharidoses, mucolipidoses, and lipid storage disorders.

This course introduces the application of basic genetic principles to the study of human health and disease. An overview of basic human genetics is provided, including the processes of mitosis and meiosis, principles of inheritance, cytogenetics, population genetics, and molecular genetics. Additionally, skills for pedigree analysis and DNA analysis methods are reviewed.

This course serves as an introduction to ocular genetics and associated clinical aspects. Typical eye development will be reviewed. Genetic syndromes with ocular findings will be discussed through lectures and case-based discussions, to explore inheritance patterns, recurrence risk, etiology, natural history of disease, and clinical manifestations. Appropriate approaches to genetic testing will also be reviewed. Medical terminology, documentation and processes, including history and physical examination, are outlined.

The clinical cardiovascular course provides students with working knowledge of the primary areas of genetic cardiac disease, including pathophysiology, natural history, genetic testing and maangement approaches. Topics are considered from medical, clinical, psychological and public health perspectives.

This course introduces the principles and practice of genetic counseling specifically for inherited cancer syndromes. Cancer epidemiology and terminology will be presented. Hereditary cancer syndromes are detailed, along with approaches for genetic testing and associated psychosocial aspects as pertinent to hereditary cancer.

This course will provide an introduction to the genetic and medical aspects of neurological and psychiatric disease. Associated aspects of genetic counseling, including ethical issues, will be reviewed in within this context. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of how genetic variations contribute to these disorders, integrating molecular genetics with clinical practice. This course offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, equipping learners with the tools to unravel the genetic and counseling complexities of neurologic and psychiatric conditions.

This course is part of the Clinical/Laboratory Rotation series (HG701–HG706), designed to help students apply knowledge and skills from their didactic coursework in real clinical environments through observational and participatory experiences. When appropriate, specialized lectures supplement and deepen learning. As students progress through the series, they continue to develop and strengthen skills aligned with the practice‑based competencies, building on their abilities from one course to the next.

This course is part of the Clinical/Laboratory Rotation series (HG701–HG706), designed to help students apply knowledge and skills from their didactic coursework in real clinical environments through observational and participatory experiences. When appropriate, specialized lectures supplement and deepen learning. As students progress through the series, they continue to develop and strengthen skills aligned with the practice‑based competencies, building on their abilities from one course to the next.

This course is part of the Clinical/Laboratory Rotation series (HG701–HG706), designed to help students apply knowledge and skills from their didactic coursework in real clinical environments through observational and participatory experiences. When appropriate, specialized lectures supplement and deepen learning. As students progress through the series, they continue to develop and strengthen skills aligned with the practice‑based competencies, building on their abilities from one course to the next.

This course is part of the Clinical/Laboratory Rotation series (HG701–HG706), designed to help students apply knowledge and skills from their didactic coursework in real clinical environments through observational and participatory experiences. When appropriate, specialized lectures supplement and deepen learning. As students progress through the series, they continue to develop and strengthen skills aligned with the practice‑based competencies, building on their abilities from one course to the next.

This course is part of the Clinical/Laboratory Rotation series (HG701–HG706), designed to help students apply knowledge and skills from their didactic coursework in real clinical environments through observational and participatory experiences. When appropriate, specialized lectures supplement and deepen learning. As students progress through the series, they continue to develop and strengthen skills aligned with the practice‑based competencies, building on their abilities from one course to the next.

This course is part of the Clinical/Laboratory Rotation series (HG701–HG706), designed to help students apply knowledge and skills from their didactic coursework in real clinical environments through observational and participatory experiences. When appropriate, specialized lectures supplement and deepen learning. As students progress through the series, they continue to develop and strengthen skills aligned with the practice‑based competencies, building on their abilities from one course to the next.

All students will complete a capstone/thesis project focused on a genetic counseling-related topic of their choice. Each student will work with a capstone/thesis advisory committee consisting of program leadership and a student-identified mentor to complete the project over three terms. Students will provide an oral defense before committee members for final project approval (term 3). Students will also be required to present their research findings at a TJU student symposium, as well as to submit their research to a local, regional or national conference for their choice for consideration as a poster/platform presentation. HG801 is the first course in the 3-term thesis course series.

All students will complete a capstone/thesis project focused on a genetic counseling-related topic of their choice. Each student will work with a capstone/thesis advisory committee consisting of program leadership and a student-identified mentor to complete the project over three terms. Students will provide an oral defense before committee members for final project approval (term 3). Students will also be required to present their research findings at a TJU student symposium, as well as to submit their research to a local, regional or national conference for their choice for consideration as a poster/platform presentation. HG802 is the second course in the 3-term thesis course series.

All students will complete a capstone/thesis project focused on a genetic counseling-related topic of their choice. Each student will work with a capstone/thesis advisory committee consisting of program leadership and a student-identified mentor to complete the project over three terms. Students will provide an oral defense before committee members for final project approval (term 3). Students will also be required to present their research findings at a TJU student symposium, as well as to submit their research to a local, regional or national conference for their choice for consideration as a poster/platform presentation. HG803 is the third course in the 3-term thesis course series.