Embedded Files
What is MDGEN407?
What is MDGEN407?
MDGEN407 is a University of Alberta interactive undergraduate course that offers insights into the field of genetic counselling and role of a genetic counsellor. This course is designed for students who have decided to pursue genetic counselling as a career. To learn more about the field, visit "What is Genetic Counselling?" page.
MDGEN407 is open to undergraduate students who are granted permission by the course instructor after their application is reviewed. Students are usually in their fourth year or later, learning through discussions of key topics and observing genetic counselling sessions (as available).
Key Details
Key Details
1–4 students are able to accepted per term at this time.There is no guarantee that MDGEN407 will be held regularly, but whenever possible it will be held in both Fall and Winter terms (see "How can students apply?" below for details).
The course is held via 2-3 hour weekly meetings with the instructor and class.
The course is graded based on presentations, written assignments and participation. Students may potentially be asked to provide a Medical Genetics Journal Club presentation and a final written assignment.
Depending upon availability of patients and schedules, students observe genetic counselling sessions with patients (as of January 2022, this is not possible due to COVID-19 protocols).
How Does the Course Work?
How Does the Course Work?
Weekly Case Assignments
Weekly Case Assignments
Students are given weekly assignments based on genetic counselling cases, for which they prepare written and oral reports. The schedule follows the diagram shown.
Timely Topic Presentations
Timely Topic Presentations
Each student delivers a PowerPoint presentation(s) (40-60 min, plus 15-20 minutes for discussion) on an ethical issue currently concerning the field.
The relevance of the topic to a genetic counsellor’s work should be discussed in the presentation. For example:
How do counsellors deal with the issue(s)? What are those decisions based on?
How do you view the best way to deal with the issue(s)? Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the various approaches.
Students should be prepared to have a discussion and field audience questions about their presentation.
For more information on the history of MDGEN407, visit "Course Background" page.
"I love that MDGEN407 allowed me to apply my genetics knowledge to real-life genetic counselling cases, and gave me an idea of the many factors that need to be considered when working to support patients as a genetic counsellor. This course is a lot of work, but it was well worth it, as this course taught me so much about the field of genetic counselling, and helped to solidify my decision to become a genetic counsellor."
Larissa, former student
How Can Students Apply?
How Can Students Apply?
Application Requirements
Application Requirements
All students interested in applying for MDGEN407 are asked to email the following 3 items to geneticcounselling@ualberta.ca:
A completed application form
A current CV
A copy of transcripts (unofficial is fine)
A short video also goes over the application process.
Deadlines for applications are:
June 30 at 11:59 pm for Fall Term (Sept – Dec)
Oct 30 @ 11:59 pm for Winter Term (Jan – April)
Students who already have all the necessary components to apply to an accredited genetic counselling training program (or can show they are completing prerequisites) will be given priority, as many programs requiring shadowing a genetic counsellor as a prerequisite.
Helpful University of Alberta courses to have prior to taking MDGEN407 include:
Ethical Issues in Genetics (GENET424)
Human Genetics (GENET418)
Psychology courses (PSYCO104, 105, 239, 241, 323)
Please note, these are NOT prerequisites. Students will be considered if they have not yet taken the courses, but are planning them in the future. Students who simply wish to learn more about the field of genetic counselling will be considered, if spots remain available.
Page updated
Report abuse