Cytogenetics or Molecular Diagnostics Practicum

Students in this concentration may earn CLT certification and then proceed to become certified in cytogenetics CLSp(CG), or molecular diagnostics CLSp(MB). Cytogenetics focuses on the identification of abnormalities of chromosomes or regions of DNA associated with pathology and disease. Molecular diagnostics is a laboratory field which focuses on gene mutations and polymorphisms that contribute to disease states. The main difference between the two is that cytogenetics is chromosome based (microscopy techniques) whereas molecular diagnostics is PCR/molecular-based (primarily gel-techniques). Both fields are growing rapidly due to ongoing discoveries of genes associated with disease. Students participate in two clinical practicum experiences – one at the sophomore level and another at the senior level. The senior practicum is conducted at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

 

For department information or additional degree requirements, go to the Clinical Sciences, School of department page.

For related information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos096.htm

Total Credits Required 131*
Liberal Studies
30-40
Health Promotion Requirements 2
Courses Required for Concentration62
Concentration Core Courses28
CLS 250G Clinical Practice 2
CLS 250T Clinical Practice 2
CLS 251 Clinical Hematology Practicum or3
     CLS 391 Laboratory Experience (1 - 3 cr.)
CLS 416 Cytogenetics and Molecular Diagnostics 3
CLS 436 Medical Genetics 4

Choose Cytogenetics Practicum or Molecular Biology Practicum
    Cytogenetics Practicum14
         CLS 460 Specimen Processing and Culture 4
         CLS 461 Microscopic Analysis 4
         CLS 462 FISH Technology 3
         CLS 463 CG Specialized Tech Projects 3
    Molecular Biology Practicum14
         CLS 470 DNA Purification 2
         CLS 471 Southern Blot Analysis 2
         CLS 472 PCR Analysis 5
         CLS 473 MB Specialized Tech Projects 5

Other Required Courses in Concentration32
BI 218 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology 4
BI 312 Genetics 4
BI 406 Advanced Cell Biology 4
BI 418 Molecular Biology 4
BI 405 Immunology or3
     BI 404 Virology (3 cr.) or
     BI 419 Biology of Cancer (4 cr.)
CH 220 Introduction to Organic Chemistry **5
CH 450 Biochemistry I 4
CH 454 Biochemical Techniques 4

*See Clinical Laboratory Science Major for a complete list of required courses.


 **Prerequisites are CH 111 and CH 112.