Program Overview

Program Overview

The Program in Diagnostic Genetics and Genomics is a two-year, clinical thesis-based, highly intensive course of study that integrates classroom lectures, laboratory demonstrations, clinical research, and technical experience to prepare each student for national certification as a molecular genetic technologist.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes didactic coursework followed by directed clinical laboratory training at affiliated hospitals and laboratories. During the didactic phase, formal lectures are presented on the principles of medical genetics, molecular and biochemical basis of genetic disease, hematology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, clinical molecular genetics, and molecular genetic technology. Laboratory sessions coordinated to lectures and covering the fundamentals of diagnostic laboratory procedures are included in the didactic phase.

Degree Requirements

Each candidate for a master's degree must complete the following:

• A minimum of 46 semester credit hours (SCH) of coursework.
• Presentation of a poster at a state or national conference and/or publication emanating from research work.
• The successful defense of a written research thesis.
• At least one-third of the total SCH required must have been earned at the School of Health Professions.

Tracks

The program offers two tracks:

Cytogenetics and Cytogenomics Track (46 SCH)

Year 1 (20)

• Fall Semester (10)
  • DG 6250: Clinical Cytogenetics I (2)
  • DG 6360: Clinical Cytogenetics I (3)
  • DG 6530: Clinical Cytogenetic Laboratory Techniques (5)
• Spring Semester (10)
  • DG 6521: Clinical Cytogenetics Rotation I (5)
  • DG 6531: Clinical Cytogenetics Rotation II (5)

Year 2 (26)

• Fall Semester (11)
  • DG 6201: Advanced Practice I C (2)
  • DG 6290: Diagnostic Molecular Pathology (2)
  • DG 6333: Quantitative Research and Biostatistics (3)
  • DG: Advanced Topics or Bioinformatics (4)
• Spring Semester (9)
  • DG 6240: Abnormal Case Studies and Comprehensive Review (2)
  • DG 6701: Advanced Practice II C (7)
• Summer Semester (6)
  • DG 6100: Clinical Research Seminar (1)
  • DG 6501: Advanced Practice III (5)

Molecular Genetics and Genomics Track (46 SCH)

Year 1 (22)

• Fall Semester (12)
  • DG 6110: Bioinformatics in Diagnostic Genetics Lab (1)
  • DG 6181: Advanced Molecular Biology and Techniques (1)
  • DG 6280: Concepts in Molecular Diagnostics (2)
  • DG 6320: Bioinformatics in Diagnostic Genetics I (3)
  • DG 6510: Advanced Diagnostic Molecular Laboratory Techniques (5)
• Spring Semester (10)
  • DG 6330: Clinical Molecular Rotation I (3)
  • DG 6340: Bioinformatics in Diagnostic Genetics II (3)
  • DG 6471: Clinical Molecular Rotation II (4)

Year 2 (24)

• Fall Semester (9)
  • DG 6290: Diagnostic Molecular Pathology (2)
  • DG 6333: Quantitative Research and Biostatistics (3)
  • DG 6401: Advanced Practice I (4)
• Spring Semester (9)
  • DG 6901: Advanced Practice II (9)
• Summer Semester (6)
  • DG 6100: Clinical Research Seminar (1)
  • DG 6501: Advanced Practice III (5)

Thesis Requirements

• Topic Approval Form
• Advisory Committee Approval Form
• Proposal Defense Evaluation Form
• Post Proposal Supervisory Form
• Final Defense Approval Form
• Final Defense Evaluation Form

Research and Labs

The program involves applied (clinical and basic translational) research. Students are required to select and identify their program mentors and related research laboratories during the first semester of the program.