Diagnostic Genetics Major with Two Tracks

This degree offers a cytogenetics or molecular biology track. These tracks require the same course work at NMU but differ in the senior practicum. Diagnostic genetics focuses on the identification of abnormalities of chromosomes or regions of DNA associated with pathology and disease. This field is growing rapidly and is driven in part by discoveries of genes associated with inherited disorders that are reported by the human genome project, and in part by advances in biotechnology. The small-group, high-tech laboratory environments at Northern prepare students to function in clinical, research and commercial work settings. 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 Laboratory Sciences department page.

Total Credits Required

126

Liberal Studies	30-40
Health Promotion Requirements	2

Required Courses in Major	58
CLS 100 Obtaining a Blood Specimen	1
CLS 109 Introduction to Diagnostic Sciences	1
CLS 190 Microscopy and Laboratory Techniques	1
CLS 201 Clinical Hematology/Coagulation	3
CLS 204 Clinical Microbiology (2 cr.) and	5
CLS 214 Diagnostic Microbiology (3 cr.) or
BI 203 Medical Microbiology (3 - 5 cr.) or
BI 303 General Microbiology (5 cr.)
CLS 420 Clinical Educational Practices	1
BI 218 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology	4
BI 312 Genetics	4
BI 406 Advanced Cell Biology	4
BI 416 Experimental Cytogenetics	2 - 3
BI 418 Molecular Biology	4
CH 454 Biochemical Techniques	4
CLS Electives	3
Choose from the following:
CLS 200 Urine and Body Fluid Analysis (1 cr.)
CLS 202 Clinical Chemistry (4 cr.)
CLS 203 Immunohematology (3 cr.)
CLS 213 Clinical Immunology and Serology (1 cr.)
CLS 391 Laboratory Experience (1 - 3 cr.)

*CLS Practicum (5 weeks)**	5
Choose 250T plus from the following to correspond with prerequisite courses chosen above: CLS 251, CLS 252, CLS 253, CLS 254, CLS 391

CLS Senior Practicum (6 months)
Choose cytogenetics practicum or molecular biology practicum below.

Cytogenetics Practicum	16
CLS 250G Clinical Practice	2
CLS 460 Specimen Processing and Culture	4
CLS 461 Microscopic Analysis	4
CLS 462 F.I.S.H. Technology	3
CLS 463 Specialized Tech/Projects	3

or

Molecular Biology Practicum	16
CLS 250G Clinical Practice	2
CLS 470 DNA Purification	2
CLS 471 Southern Blot Analysis	5
CLS 472 PCR Analysis	5
CLS 473 MB Specialized Tech/Projects	2

Other Required Courses	36-38
BI 111 Introductory Biology: Principles [Div II]	4
BI 104 Human Anatomy and Physiology (4 cr.) [Div II] or	3-4
BI 201 Human Anatomy (3 cr.)
BI 404 Virology (3 cr.) or	3-4
BI 419 Biology of Cancer (4 cr.)
BI 405 Immunology	3
CH 111 General Chemistry I [Div II]	5
CH 112 General Chemistry II [Div II]	5
CH 220 Introduction to Organic Chemistry	5
CH 450 Biochemistry I	4
MA 171 Introduction to Probability and Statistics [Div V] **	4

*Note: Students may substitute any clinical laboratory science practicum (above 200) in place of the CLS 2XX series.

** MA 171 has a prerequisite of MA 103 or MA 104 or MA 105 or equivalent.

Bulletin Year: 2008 - 2009 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.