MGC Spring Courses

MGC1100 Fundamentals of Psychosocial Interviewing and Counseling

Credits: 1 Offered: Spring

The course will introduce the genetic counseling students to fundamental interviewing skills and the counseling methodologies to provide the foundation for which they will build their experience. Content from this module will be applied throughout the three semesters of Topics in Genetic Counseling.

MGC1105 Clin. Research Ethics in Gen. Counseling

Credits: 1 Offered: Spring

This seminar will explore the complex issues raised by human subject research. The seminar will begin with a review of some of the history of eugenics. In that light, we shall examine the policies that shape our current understanding of the ethical conduct of research and the mechanisms for research oversight that have been instituted. Through reading a broad selection of seminal articles and papers from the recent literature, we shall engage in a conceptual analysis of a number of controversial and pressing issues. We shall be discussing the moral and public policy aspects of topics such as research design, risk-benefit assessment, informed consent, research with “vulnerable” subjects, research without consent, confidentiality, inducements, conflicts of interests, disclosure of research findings, and biobank research.

MGC1400 Medical Genetics

Credits: 4 Offered: Spring

This course is designed to provide students an introduction to medical genetics with an emphasis on molecular genetics, pedigree analysis, population genetics, clinical genetics, cytogenetics, and biochemical genetics. Throughout the course selected hereditary disorders will be presented, and the pertinent clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, pathophysiology, treatment, and counseling issues for each disorder will be discussed.

MGC3000 Impact of Illness on Patients and Families

Credits: 1 Offered: Spring

This course is only open to Master of Genetic Counseling students. This course has an action-oriented design that facilitates the attainment of insight into the social and psychological factors thataffect familes and patients with chronic and acute diseases. There will be direct participation along with social workers in interviews with patients and families who are in states of stress and crisis as they ask for and receive medical and psychiatric care.

MGC3200 Clinical Rotations

Credits: 4 Offered: Spring

Only open to Genetic Counseling students. 2nd Year Genetic Counseling Students must register for this course

MGC3203 Clinical Rotations III

Credits: 4 Offered: Spring

Only open to Genetic Counseling students.

MGC3302 Topics in Genetic Counseling - II

Credits: 2 Offered: Spring

This semester will continue to explore practical, didactic and psychosocial issues related to providing genetic counseling throughout the lifecycle with a specific focus on clinical pediatric and adult genetic counseling.

MGC3304 Practical Skills in Genetic Counseling

Credits: 1 Offered: Spring

This course covers a wide range of essential skills for a genetic counseling encounter through case vignettes and hands on activities prior to clinical internships. The intention is to give the exposure and the tools needed to successfully transition from a primarily didactic environment to a primarily clinic-based environment and apply knowledge to clinical training. Topics covered include: researching a variety of genetic conditions and indication types, developing a differential diagnosis, taking a medical and family history, coordination of genetic testing, case management, health literacy and risk communication. Upon completion of this course, students should have introductory proficiency in case preparation, communication, and case management. This course will additionally introduce concepts in cultural literacy and sensitivity.

MGC3305 Deconstructing Inequity in Genetic Counseling

Credits: 1 Offered: Spring

This course examines the relationships between various personal and social identities, worldviews, cultural context in genetics and genomics research and clinical care. Students will explore differences between biology and social constructs and develop an understanding of the utility and limitations of each. They will consider the history of medical genetics and genetic counseling and unpack what norms may contribute to inequity, both in clinical care and clinical research. Students will develop an understanding of the general views of a variety of groups as they relate to genetic counseling practice as a framework from which to build cultural humility.

MGC8300 Thesis in Genetic Counseling

Credits: 4 Offered: Spring

Thesis Credit for Genetic Counseling Students.