Genetics and Human Genetics Courses

GENE 219. Introduction to Biochemical Genetics. 6 crs. Provides the background in basic biochemistry necessary for students who wish to understand the principles and research in subsequent course work in Human Biochemical and Cellular Genetics. Enrollment limited to 20 students. Fall semester only.

GENE 220. Research in Genetics. 1-9 crs. Emphasizes a dissertation project involving literature review, research proposal, and experimentation under the direction of a faculty member. Limited to 20 students year round.

GENE 222. Human Biochemical and Cellular Genetics. 4 crs. Covers a study of the biochemical bases for genetic variation in humans, including gene action, biochemical variation, genetic heterogeneity, phylogeny, and somatic cell genetics. Enrollment limited. Spring semester only. Prereqs.: Biochemistry and General Genetics.

GENE 223, 224. Human Genetics I and II. 3 crs. ea. This two-course sequence covers the fundamental topics in human genetics, e.g., genetic diversity at the level of genes and chromosomes; mutagenesis; pedigree analysis; gene linkage; inbreeding; gene-environment interactions, including multifactorial inheritance; gene distribution in populations; and the impact of human genetics in modern society. Enrollment limited to 20 students. Fall and Spring semesters. Prereq.: General Genetics.

GENE 229. Cytogenetics. 3 crs. Examines the structure and function of genetic material at the cellular level, emphasizing chromosome mechanics, chromosome inheritance, and modern methods of chromosome study and identification. Enrollment limited. Prereq.: General Genetics or Human Genetics.

GENE 230. Immunogenetics. 4 crs. Analyzes the modern concept of immunology and its relationship to genetic variation at the molecular and cellular levels. Enrollment limited. Prereqs.: General Genetics and Immunology or permission of coordinators.

GENE 231. Introduction to Medical Genetics. 3 crs. Reviews current concepts of human genetics and how they apply in the diagnosis and treatment of hereditary or genetically determined disease. Limited to medical and graduate students with special permission. Fall semester only.

GENE 233. Introduction to Research in Genetics. 3 crs. Introduces the latest laboratory techniques available and used by investigators currently involved in research in modern genetics and human genetics. Enrollment limited. Fall semester only.

GENE 234. Pharmacogenetics. 3 crs. Reviews the history and current status of the influence of hereditary factors on drug action and metabolism, with special emphasis placed on the way drugs cause disease when inherited enzyme variants are present. Enrollment limited.

GENE 235. Genetic Basis of Endocrine Functions. 3 crs. Examines hormone action and function and how they are influenced by inherited variations. Special emphasis is placed on current research in this field. Enrollment limited. Fall semester only.

GENE 236. Gene Structure and Action. 2 crs. Research in modern concepts of eukaryotic gene structure, action, and evolution, emphasizing mammalian (including human) organisms. Enrollment limited. Fall semester only. Prereqs.: Biochemical Genetics, and advanced graduate standing.

GENE 237. Principles and Practice of Genetic Counseling. 3 crs. Analyzes the multiple biological and psychosocial aspects of genetic disorders which the counselor is expected to deal with. Also included are case studies and development of skills in history taking. Enrollment limited. Spring semester only. Prereq.: GENE 231.

GENE 238/239. Advanced Topics in Genetic Counseling. 1 cr. ea. This two-course sequence examines concepts concerning advanced genetic counseling skills, and the interface of counseling with the rapidly changing insights occasioned by the human genome project.

GENE 310. Seminar in Genetics. 1 crs. Contemporary research problems. Fall and Spring semester. Required for all master's candidates following the first year of study and for all doctoral candidates.

GENE 311. Screening for Genetic and Congenital Disorders. 2 crs. Philosophy, principles, and practice of screening. Designed to equip students to take leadership roles in screening programs. Spring semester only. Prereqs: GENE 223,224 or GENE 231 and advanced graduate standing.

GENE 312. Psychosocial Aspects of Genetic Disorders. 3 crs. Analyzes psychosocial consequences of genetic disorders for each member of the family, impacts on life plan, decision-making, coping strategies, and approaches to counseling for such psychosocial consequences. Enrollment limited. Spring semester only. Prereq.: GENE 237.

GENE 410. Human Dysmorphology and Teratology. 3 crs. Reviews the spectrum of human dysmorphologies, genetic and teratogenic etiologies and the embryologic processes involved in such dysmorphologies. Enrollment limited. Spring semester only. Prereqs.: GENE 231.

GENE 412. Mutation in Human Genes. 2 crs. Mechanisms and classes of mutations in human genetic material; their relationships to gene nucleotide sequence and organization; and mutation detection in families and populations are explored through both lectures and seminar presentations. Spring semester only. Prereqs.: GENE 236 or equivalent coursework.