Master
Content
Advances in medical genetics, molecular biology, and biomedical technology have applications to the treatment of disease, determination of disease risk, use of pharmacologic agents, reproductive counseling, and interpretation of clinical laboratory data. In addition, ethical and public policy concerns related to the application of these technologies to promote health and wellness have emerged.
The goals of the Genetics and Genomics Pathway are to:
- Augment the foundation of basic genetic principles which are threaded throughout the preclinical curriculum
- Enhance the medical student experience to include a broad range of patients with genetic conditions
- Develop the student's appreciation for the nuances inherent in performing and interpreting clinical diagnostic analyses in biochemical genetics, molecular genetics, and cytogenetics
- Provide an interface with the community and patient advocacy organizations to enhance the student's awareness of the social concerns faced by patients and families affected with genetic disorders
- Prepare students to author a scholarly publication and/or presentation
- Provide students a means to network and discuss various topics and career paths in medical genetics
Preclinical
Required
- MEGNT-501: TouchPoints in Clinical Genetics, Term 4 (March-May)
- MEGNT-520: Genetics Pathway Journal Club, Term 2 (October-December)
- MEGNT-553, Introduction to Genetics and Genomics Research, Term 5 (May-June)
Clinical
Required
- Clinical elective (4 weeks total)
Choose any TWO:
- MEGNT-200: Adult Genetics (two weeks)
- MEGNT-201: Pediatric Genetics (two weeks)
- MEGNT-202: Prenatal Genetics (two weeks)
OR
Choose ONE:
- MEGNT-525: Adult Genetics (four weeks)
- MEGNT-544: Pediatric Clinical Genetics (four weeks)
Non-Clinical
Required
- MEGNT-554, Genetics Research Project (MS2-MS3)
- Evenings with Genetics (8 total=2/year)
- Pathway Director Annual Meeting
Presentation Opportunities
- Henry J. N. Taub & James K. Alexander Medical Student Research Symposium at BCM
- American College of Genetics & Genomics (ACMG) National Meeting
- American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) National Meeting
- Other mentor-approved venue
Heading
Pathway at a Glance
Content
View a PDF version of the example schedule for the Genetics and Genomics Pathway.
| Methods | Content / Courses | Years(s) | Credits | |
| Preclinical Electives | MEGNT-520: Genetics Pathway Journal Club – Term 4 (September-December) MEGNT-553: Introduction to Genetics and Genomics Research, Term 5 (May-June) | Year 1 | 0.5 per year for each course | |
| Non-clinical advanced elective | MEGNT-501: TouchPoints in Clinical Genetics, Terms 1a-1b (August / September) | Year 2 | 0.5 | |
| Clinical Electives | Choose any two: MEGNT-200: Adult Genetics (2 weeks) MEGNT-201: Pediatric Genetics (2 weeks) MEGNT-202: Prenatal Genetics (2 weeks) Or: Choose one: MEGNT-525: Adult Genetics (4 weeks) MEGNT-544: Pediatric Clinical Genetics (4 weeks) | Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 | 4.0 | |
| Research Elective | MEGNT-554: Genetic Research Project | Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 | 4.0 | |
| Scholarly Activity Students are encouraged to present their scholarly projects at a local, regional, or national meeting (optional). | Presentation of Scholarly Project
| Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 | 0 | |
| Non-credit Enrichment Activities | Pathway Director Annual Meeting | Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 | 0 | |
| Community Outreach Activities | Evenings with Genetics (8 total=2/year) | Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 | 0 | |
| Total Number of Credit Hours | 9.5 | |||
