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.

In order to be granted a bachelor's degree in the diagnostic genetics concentration, a student must have an NMU cumulative grade point average of 3.0, meet specific course grade requirements, and receive no less than a "B-" in any CLS course.

Criteria for placement into the practicum includes a minimum 3.0 GPA in selected required courses. Other requirements can be found under the appropriate course descriptions and in the Clinical Sciences Policy Manual.

 

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/ooh/healthcare/genetic-counselors.htm

Total Credits Required 123
General Education
30-40
Courses Required for Concentration 61
Concentration Core Courses 13
CLS 250T Clinical Practice 2
CLS 251 Clinical Hematology Practicum or 3
     CLS 391 Laboratory Experience (1 - 3 cr.)
CLS 416 Diagnostic Genetics, Genomics, and Cytogenetics 4
CLS 436 Medical Genetics 4
Choose Cytogenetics Practicum or Molecular Biology Practicum  
    Cytogenetics Practicum 16
         CLS 250G Clinical Practice 2
         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 Practicum 16
         CLS 250G Clinical Practice 2
         CLS 470 DNA Purification 2
         CLS 471 Genetic and Genomic Analysis Techniques 2
         CLS 472 PCR Analysis 5
         CLS 473 MB Specialized Tech Projects 5
Other Required Courses in Concentration 32-33
BI 218 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology [SCII] 4
BI 312 Genetics 4
BI 406 Advanced Cell Biology 4
BI 418 Molecular Biology 4
BI 405 Immunology (3 cr.) or 3-4
     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.