Course Listings

The genetic counseling curriculum, consisting of four semesters and the intervening summer, is designed to provide students with a well-rounded educational experience that will prepare them for the genetic counseling profession.

Coursework focuses on two main areas: the acquisition of a strong scientific knowledge base and solid counseling skills with integration of these throughout the curriculum. Students also receive instruction in research methodology; disability; law and social policy; and professional development to round out their didactic experience.

Community placements, family pals and fieldwork provide students with the opportunity to work with patients and families and practice their skills in a clinical setting. Students are also required to design and implement an independent research project that culminates in a master’s thesis.

Following is the proscribed schedule all students will follow during their matriculation. Course descriptions can be found at the University Bulletin website, under the "Required Courses" accordion.

Year 1 — Fall Semester

Course Number Course Title Instructor
BIOL 128a Human Genetics Carmichael
BIOL 160b Human Reproductive and Developmental Biology Jackson
BIOL 201d Introduction to Genetic Counseling Vig
BIOL 211a Disability Awareness and Genetic Counseling Schneider
BIOL 206d Genetic Counseling Journal Club Schneider

Year 1 — Spring Semester

Course Number Course Title Instructor
BIOL 201d Introduction to Cancer Genetic Counseling Vig
BIOL 203a Lab Testing: Applications in Clinical Practice Vig
BIOL 204b Clinical Genetics I Schneider
BIOL 205b Counseling Theory and Technique Queler
BIOL 206d Genetic Counseling Journal Club Schneider
BIOL 211b Introduction to Genetic Counseling Research Buck

Summer

Course Number Course Title Instructor
BIOL 212a Genetic Counseling Internship I Vig
BIOL 213a Genetic Counseling Research I Buck

Year 2 — Fall Semester

Course Number Course Title Instructor
BIOL 206d Genetic Counseling Journal Club Schneider
BIOL 207a Application of Counseling Theory in Genetic Counseling Practice Queler
BIOL 212b Genetic Counseling Internship II Vig
BIOL 213a Genetic Counseling Research II Buck
BIOL 214c Professional Development Schneider
BIOL 220a Clinical Genetics II Schneider

Year 2 — Spring Semester

Course Number Course Title Instructor
BIOL 206d Genetic Counseling Journal Club Tsipis
BIOL 212b Genetic Counseling Internship Vig
BIOL 213b Genetic Counseling Research II Buck
BIOL 214c Professional Development Schneider
BIOL 216c Peer Supervision Group Schneider
BIOL 236c Genetics, Law and Social Policy Noble