Clinical Genetics

MEDN60912 Clinical Genetics 15 Semester 2 Postgraduate Taught Level 6 Georgina Hall Unit coordinator Institute of Human Development 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5 The module aims to develop students’ greater knowledge base of more complex genetic conditions and to equip students with the skills to apply knowledge to clinical case management. A comprehensive approach is taken, so that the material covered will include: diagnosis, course and prognosis, management, inheritance and recurrence risks, genetic and genomic investigations and interpretation, other investigations including phenotyping, and family impact and decision making including predictive, carrier and prenatal testing, screening, genetic registers, psychosocial impact, counselling issues and services available. The emphasis will be on developing genetic counsellor professional competencies related to clinical assessment and provision of accurate genetic, genomic and clinical information. Students will be required to prepare material for discussion for the PBL and case based  sessions and will find the Programme's list of recommended books and information resources useful for this.  In addition, students should augment the material covered in didactic sessions by reading around the topic before and after the session. The module aims to develop students’ greater knowledge base of more complex genetic conditions and to equip students with the skills to apply knowledge to clinical case management. A comprehensive approach is taken, so that the material covered will include: diagnosis, course and prognosis, management, inheritance and recurrence risks, genetic and genomic investigations and interpretation, other investigations including phenotyping, and family impact and decision making including predictive, carrier and prenatal testing, screening, genetic registers, psychosocial impact, counselling issues and services available. The emphasis will be on developing genetic counsellor professional competencies related to clinical assessment and provision of accurate genetic, genomic and clinical information. Students will be required to prepare material for discussion for the PBL and case based  sessions and will find the Programme's list of recommended books and information resources useful for this.  In addition, students should augment the material covered in didactic sessions by reading around the topic before and after the session. The module aims to develop students’ greater knowledge base of more complex genetic conditions and to equip students with the skills to apply knowledge to clinical case management. A comprehensive approach is taken, so that the material covered will include: diagnosis, course and prognosis, management, inheritance and recurrence risks, genetic and genomic investigations and interpretation, other investigations including phenotyping, and family impact and decision making including predictive, carrier and prenatal testing, screening, genetic registers, psychosocial impact, counselling issues and services available. The emphasis will be on developing genetic counsellor professional competencies related to clinical assessment and provision of accurate genetic, genomic and clinical information. Students will be required to prepare material for discussion for the PBL and case based  sessions and will find the Programme's list of recommended books and information resources useful for this.  In addition, students should augment the material covered in didactic sessions by reading around the topic before and after the session. Knowledge and UnderstandingDescribe clinical features of key genetic conditions including complex multisystem conditions, metabolic and mitochondrial conditions, rare cancer syndromes and mosaic conditions.  Be aware of the process of diagnosis and management, referral pathways and the role of the genetic counsellor in the care of patients with complex genetic conditions.  Be familiar with commonly encountered medical terminology including that relevant to dysmorphology and cancer genetics.  Understand how a multidisciplinary approach is applied in clinical management for individuals and families. Intellectual SkillsSynthesise information from clinical history, scientific investigations, and family history to determine diagnosis, risk and prognosis.  Critically analyse research evidence to inform best practice. Practical SkillsUse databases and other resources to research up-to-date genetic and clinical information across a range of complex genetic diseases.  Explain complex information to families including genetic mechanisms, risks and uncertainty appropriate to each individual and family’s needs. Transferrable Skills and Personal QualitiesAppreciate the way that psycho-social issues need to be considered during the process of genetic diagnosis and counselling for rare complex genetic disease.  Facilitate clients’ decision-making and adjustment. Group/team working Oral communication Problem solving Written communication This module consists of 15 1½ hr sessions scheduled for 2-3:30 pm on Mondays. The sessions are taught/ facilitated by practicing clinical geneticists and genetic counsellors.  Two formats are used: (1) didactic lecture with opportunity for questions and discussion or (2) Problem Based Learning (PBL) assignment with student contributions. Students are expected to be present at all sessions and to prepare for, and participate in PBL exercises. 1 Written exam 50% 2 Written assignment (inc essay) 50% As a professional taught Masters programme with a small cohort of students there are a number of opportunities for 2-way feedback between students and programme staff.  The student representative obtains peer review feedback at the end of each semester and feeds back to the clinical director and MSc programme committee meeting.  Questionnaires evaluating modules are given to students at the end of each module. In addition the external examiner meets with the students for informal feedback MSc Genetic Counselling MSc Genetic Counselling PGDT Taught Component Mandatory N Assessment practical exam 2 Assessment written exam 10 Lectures 30 0 108