415.610.92
Practical Genetic Counseling

Location
NIH - Bethesda, MD
Term
1st Term
Department
Health, Behavior and Society
Credit(s)
2
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
In-person
Class Time(s)
Friday, 9:30 - 10:50am
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Lori Erby
Course Instructor(s)
Julie Sapp
Contact Name
Julie Sapp
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Description
Addresses the chromosomal basis of heredity, chromosomes and genes, tools of human molecular genetics, single gene inheritance, variation, polymorphism and mutation, genes in populations and genes in families.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Discuss genetic counseling within clinical and research genetics services
  2. Practice the skills needed for taking family and medical histories and constructing pedigrees
  3. Explain the components of prenatal, pediatric, and adult genetics services and the role of genetic counseling
  4. Contrast genetic counseling in clinical research settings and service settings
  5. Explain various models of genetic counseling and how they pertain to overall service delivery and outcomes
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 50% Participation
  • 50% Problem sets
Enrollment Restriction
Course restricted to ScM in Genetic Counseling students
Instructor Consent
Consent required for some students
Consent Note
Consent required for students not enrolled in the ScM in Genetic Counseling program
Consent Contact
sappj@mail.nih.gov
Special Comments

415.611 presents the role of genetic counseling in health care and emphasizes the essential components of prenatal, pediatric, and adult genetics services. Indications for referral and genetics education and counseling components are illustrated using care examples. Clinical skills and tools are taught including family, medical and development history taking and pedigree construction. Additional case management skills such as the choice of laboratory and test interpretation, and issues in billing and reimbursement of genetic counseling services are addressed. 415.612 -613 expands on the previous two courses to examine the Hemoglobinapathics and Thalassemias as models of molecular pathology, the molecular/biochemical basis of genetic disease, genetics of cancer, gene mapping.