Coursework

Introduction to Genetic Counseling and Medical Communication

This course is designed to give students an introduction to the history and practice of genetic counseling. Genetic counseling skills, the genetic counseling process, family history elicitation and interpretation, contracting, communication, risk communication, health literacy, decision making, introductory cultural and ethical aspects will all be covered in this class. This class builds the foundation for developing the core genetic counseling skills used in all areas of practice. 

Medical Communication

This part of Introduction to Genetic Counseling offers an active-learning approach to the basic skills of communication. This is an opportunity to roleplay with standardized patients to practice basic communication skills. Interactions are recorded, allowing students to observe themselves in a clinical encounter and be more aware of their communication style including verbal and non-verbal cues. This section incorporates small-group, patient-instructor, and peer-observation formats to encourage critical thinking and reflection. These two classes have been integrated in order to expand on concepts introduced in Introduction to Genetic Counseling and apply them in Medical Communication.   

Research Methods

This course provides an overview of the basic principles of research, including epidemiology, screening principles, and study design and interpretation. The student learns basic research methodology including how to critically review the literature, develop a question/hypothesis and aims, design a study (including quantitative and qualitative methods), identify variables, select a study population, choose the correct statistical tests, interpret the results, and consider implications of findings. Students will also learn about research methodologies used in different types of genetic research and the roles a genetic counselor can play on a research team. This class serves as a foundation to help students understand the research process and develop their independent thesis project. Students will also be encouraged to begin to consider possible thesis projects through discussions with presenters and a Research Happy Hour. The course utilizes lectures, Journal Club articles and other readings, examinations, and a Mock Thesis Proposal and other written assignments.  

Genetic Counseling Skills Practicum

The first quarter of Practicum is an opportunity to observe the second-year students practice advanced counseling skills. This will allow the students to become used to role plays and familiar with different counseling techniques. The focus of the role plays is on advanced psychosocial counseling skills. 

Principles of Medical Genetics I

This course is the first of a three-quarter series and provides the foundation and background in medical genetics and genomics essential for effective genetic counseling, including basic and complex principles of human heredity. The course utilizes interactive and blended learning techniques via problem-based learning scenarios, lectures presented via didactic and online video module format, reviews, and examinations. The course will cover principles of cytogenetics, molecular, and genomic technologies, modes of inheritance and principles of mathematical and population genetics.    

Journal Club

The first quarter of Journal Club will allow students the opportunity to participate in Journal Club and to observe second year students present peer-reviewed articles. Students are expected to attend and participate in this weekly Journal Club. 

Adult Genetics

This class will consider various adult-onset disorders, ways to obtain and interpret family history for complex conditions, and specific genetic risk assessment approaches. The first section of the course covers the scientific, medical, and psychosocial aspects of cancer genetics with an emphasis on hereditary cancers. The second section of the course concentrates on the genetics of common chronic disorders such as cardiac disease, diabetes, neurological and psychiatric disorders. The course utilizes problem-based learning scenarios, mystery pedigrees, risk assessment exercises, lectures, and examinations.   

Principles of Medical Genetics II

The second in the three-quarter series, this course utilizes common systems of genetic/ genomic disorders to reinforce mechanisms of disease and the technologies appropriate for diagnosis. Topics are primarily presented by experts in each area. Topics focus on the medical approaches to clinical genetics/genomics, including embryology and dysmorphology, teratology, and discussion and review of what ties together or differentiates exemplary systems of genetic/genomic disorders. The application of medical and genetic information to genetic counseling of families is also addressed. The course utilizes interactive and blended learning techniques via problem-based learning scenarios, supplemented by lectures presented via didactic and online module format, reviews, and examinations.  

Laboratory Course

This course is directed by faculty from the Lurie Children’s Hospital Center for Genomics within the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Concepts introduced in Principles of Medical Genetics I and II will be expanded and reinforced. Students will become more familiar with molecular/genomic and cytogenetic laboratory techniques, variant interpretation, written components of a laboratory report and the role of the genetic counselor within the laboratory setting.

Psychosocial Aspects of Genetic Counseling I

This is an introductory course on the fundamental psychosocial components of genetic counseling. The course explores the fundamental theories and techniques of counseling in the context of healthcare. Using a developmental framework, the systemic impact of how people react to and cope with genetic testing, diagnosis and living with a genetic condition are explored. From a psychosocial perspective, lectures incorporate critical examination of genetic counseling practices using applicable theories, models, and techniques. The course is designed to facilitate an understanding of the psychosocial nature of genetic counseling by: becoming familiar with the literature, exploring one's identity as a genetic counselor, reinforcing a systemic appreciation of patients’ psychosocial processes, recognizing the complexity of the patient experience of genetics, and evaluating the dynamics between patient and counselor interactions.   

Genetic Counseling Skills Practicum

The Genetic Counseling Skills practicum allows students to practice components of the genetic counseling session in a safe environment. During the Winter Quarter, the genetic counseling practicum focuses on communicating basic genetic information, and throughout the year it moves towards higher level counseling skills. Role plays are conducted with fellow students and faculty members. 

Journal Club

Each student selects and presents one Journal Club article in the Winter Quarter. Students work with an assigned Journal Club mentor to provide feedback and guidance. Students are expected to attend and participate in Journal Club.   

Psychosocial Aspects of Genetic Counseling II

This course builds upon the clinical and theoretical psychosocial framework from previous courses. From a psychosocial perspective (including, but not limited to theories, models, & techniques), specific issues common in the practice of genetic counseling are critically examined and assessed. Classes will focus on integrating the psychosocial aspects of genetic counseling issues throughout the life cycle and in various scenarios. The class includes reflective assignments, discussions, and lectures that aim to promote the development of counseling skills and consider ethical issues of genetic counseling. Presentations by experts in related fields and clinicians in the profession are provided to contribute to the knowledge and understanding of the counseling process. Patient and family narratives are included in this class to present context for the experiences of living with disability, illness, or genetic diagnosis. This course is designed to facilitate an understanding of the psychosocial nature of genetic counseling by: analyzing the literature, processing patient stories, acquiring clinical self-awareness, integrating counseling theories into the practice of genetic counseling, and exploring the systemic impact of genetics.   

Principles of Medical Genetics III

The goal of this course (the third in the series) is to educate the student on biochemical genetics/genomics, neurogenetics, the treatment of genetic/genomic disease, and miscellaneous genetic concepts not otherwise covered in the three-course series. As in the previous quarters, the course utilizes interactive and blended learning techniques via problem-based learning scenarios, supplemented by lectures presented via didactic and online module format, reviews, and examinations. 

Genetic Counseling Skills Practicum

The Genetic Counseling Skills Practicum allows students to practice components of the genetic counseling session in a safe environment. During the Spring Quarter, the genetic counseling practicum focuses on basic psychosocial counseling skills such as empathy, attending skills, validation, and reflection. 

Fieldwork Rotation 

Students have one 10-week fieldwork rotation in the Chicagoland area.  

Journal Club

Each student selects and presents one Journal Club article in the Spring Quarter. Students work with their assigned Journal Club mentor to provide feedback and guidance. Students are expected to attend and participate in this weekly Journal Club.   

Fieldwork Rotations

Students have two 6-week assigned fieldwork rotations; if students are interested in summer fieldwork rotations outside of the Chicagoland area, they should discuss this request with their academic advisor in the Fall Quarter.   

Research Project  

Students continue to work on their research thesis project with their thesis advisor and thesis committee with approval of a thesis proposal by the Research Oversight Committee. During the Summer Quarter, students complete specific tasks designated in the Thesis Guidelines. The specific criteria utilized by the thesis advisor for grading is provided in the Thesis Guidelines.   

Advanced Genetic Counseling 

This class enhances counseling skills through case presentations and class discussion. Through the use of process notes, selected readings, and verbal presentations, students share cases, which are critiqued by fellow students and faculty members. Emphasis is placed on specific genetic counseling issues selected by students and faculty members and alternative counseling strategies. In addition, emphasis is placed on application of theories and models learned in previous courses.  

Research Project 

Students continue to work on their thesis project with their thesis advisor and committee. The criteria utilized by the thesis advisor for grading is provided in the Thesis Guidelines.  

Genetic Counseling Skills Practicum 

The Genetic Counseling Skills Practicum allows students to practice components of the genetic counseling session in a safe environment. During this quarter, students will practice more advanced counseling skills and the first-year students will observe.  

Fieldwork Rotations

Students have two 5-week fieldwork rotations in the Chicagoland area.  

Journal Club

Each student selects and presents their final Journal Club article in the Fall Quarter. All students are expected to attend and participate in the weekly Journal Club.

Professional Issues 

In this course, we cover current and future issues facing our profession, the genetics community as a whole and the public. Current social and ethical issues will be discussed. In addition, emphasis will be placed on public policy, alternate genetic service delivery models, advances in technology and testing, precision medicine, and professional issues such as billing and reimbursement.

Fieldwork Rotation

Students have one 5-week fieldwork rotation during the first half of this Winter Quarter.  

Research Project 

Students continue to work on a research project. The research project culminates with a publishable manuscript approved by the thesis committee and an oral defense.

Journal Club 

Students are expected to attend and participate in the weekly Journal Club.