Genetic Counselling
Graduate Diploma in Genetic Counselling
(GradDipGC) KF060
Master of Genetic Counselling
(MGC) KC095
| Course | Credit points for award | Duration full-time |
|---|---|---|
| GradDipGC | 48 | 1 year |
| MGC | 96 | 2 years |
Overview
Knowledge in genetics and genomics directly impacting on human health has expanded rapidly in recent years. A genetic counsellor, as a member of a medical genetics team, provides families with information about genetic conditions due to single gene variations or chromosome changes, genetic conditions due to multi-gene variations and gene-environment interactions; screening and genetic testing; genetic test results and risk estimates for genetic conditions; and provides support for decision making, the coming to terms with the impact of test results and family communication.
The Master of Genetic Counselling is a 2 year full-time program consisting of Coursework clinical (33 credit points), Clinical practice (36 credit points) including a minimum of 13 weeks under supervision in a variety of genetics services, and training for a supervised research project (27 credit points). Negotiations are underway for interstate and international students to be able to choose to complete Semester 4 within their home state/country and clinical context under joint supervision. A Graduate Diploma of Genetic Counselling (48 credit points, 1 year full time) may be awarded to a candidate under exceptional circumstances or who has successfully completed Year 1 but is not permitted to proceed due to a Supervisor report indicating insufficient skills to undertake advanced clinical practice.
The program is full-time however, part-time study may be negotiated under special circumstances. The Master’s program has reciprocity agreements with other countries facilitating links to international training programs. International exchange for clinical placement is encouraged.
Assessment is by written examination, oral presentations, written assignments, supervisor reports, log books, case studies, video assessment, development of education materials, and research project dissertation.
Teaching will take place at the University of Sydney Camperdown campus and in the Kolling Building, Northern Clinical School, Royal North Shore Hospital campus, with clinical placement occurring at a variety of locations.
Sydney offers opportunities for a rich diversity of community and clinic placements for genetic counselling students. Invited speakers, including professionals with national and international standing, will present new developments and differing perspectives in genetics and genomics. Students will be encouraged to seek extra clinical placements supplementary to the minimum 13 weeks. Placement with leading researchers for the research project will be available. Mode of program delivery also includes problem based learning; didactic lectures; seminars and journal clubs; site visits to laboratories; counselling and communication skills development including role play and video assessment; supervised clinical placements; reflective practice; log book documentation and case studies; and community service experience. Small interactive classes will foster productive and enjoyable learning experiences. Training in the use of international and national genetic databases will be provided.
The course has been designed with working professionals in mind. For example, the semester 1 program will be conducted Tues 5-7pm Camperdown campus and Wed 9-5pm Sydney Medical School-Northern, Kolling Building, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards. Semester 1 will also include 2 separate week full time community/clinic placements.
The 2 year Master’s program complies with international standards and fulfils the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) requirements for Part 1 Certification and entry into Part 2 of the professional certification for genetic counselling.
Applicants will have a relevant degree recognised by the University of Sydney. Preference will be given to those with knowledge of human genetics and who can provide evidence of volunteer or work experience in a caring role. Applicants must also attach a 1000 word essay outlining what you understand about the role of genetic counselling and why you have chosen a career in genetic counselling. International students will require an IELTS score of 7.0 (minimum score of 6.5 in each band). Two Commonwealth supported places are available.
Course Outcomes
As a result of participation, graduates will have current advanced knowledge of medical genetics and genomics; community genetics and genomics; clinical practice and genetic counselling skills; ethical, legal and social issues of genetic medicine; and research training and skills.
Degree Resolutions
Sydney Medical School resolutions and the printed handbook are the official statement of Faculty policy. The resolutions contained in the printed handbook are accurate as at November 2010. If a conflict is perceived between the content of the printed handbook and information available elsewhere, Sydney Medical School resolutions and the information available in the handbook online shall always take precedence. See the handbook online website:
http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/handbooks_admin/medicine.shtml.
See the Policy Online website: http://sydney.edu.au/policy, for copies of University policies.
Master of Genetic Counselling
These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Resolutions of the Faculty, the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended) and the Academic Board policies on Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.
Course resolutions
1 Course codes
| Code | Course and stream title |
|---|---|
| KF060 | Graduate Diploma in Genetic Counselling |
| KC095 | Master of Genetic Counselling |
2 Attendance pattern
3 Master's type
0.
The master's degree in these resolutions is a professional master's course, as defined by the Coursework Rule.
4 Embedded courses in this sequence
(2)
Providing candidates satisfy the admission requirements for each stage, a candidate may progress to the award of any of the courses in this sequence. Only the longest award completed will be conferred.
5 Admission to candidature
(1)
Available places will be offered to qualified applicants based on merit, according to the following admissions criteria. In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit applicants without these qualifications who, in the opinion of the Faculty, have qualifications, evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award.
6 Requirements for award
(1)
The units of study that may be taken for the course are set out in the Table of Units of Study: Genetic Counselling.
(2)
To qualify for the award of the Graduate Diploma in Genetic Counselling a candidate must successfully complete 48 credit points of Stage 1 units of study.
(3)
To qualify for the award of the Master of Genetic Counselling a candidate must successfully complete 96 credit points of units of study including:
7 Progression rules
(1)
Students will only be permitted to progress into Stage 2 of the Masters degree after successfully completing Stage 1. In addition a candidate must receive a Clinical Supervisor's Report indicating that the student has the necessary skills to proceed to advanced genetic counselling and further studies.
Table of Units of Study: Genetic Counselling
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Units of Study |
|||
| Students must complete all units of study from Stage 1 prior to progressing to Stage 2 | |||
| GENC5001 Clinical Genetics and Genomics |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| GENC5002 Applied Clinical Genetics and Genomics |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| GENC5003 Counselling Theory and Skills |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| EDPK5003 Developing a Research Project |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| PSYC5012 Health and Risk Communication |
6 | S2 Intensive |
|
| GENC5004 Clinical Practice 1 |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| GENC5005 Diagnostic and Risk Assessment Analysis |
3 | Semester 2a |
|
| GENC5006 Ethical, Legal and Social Issues |
3 | Semester 2b |
|
| GENC5007 Research Project: Lit Review and Ethics |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
Stage 2 Units of Study |
|||
| GENC5008 Clinical Practice 2 |
9 | P GENC5001, GENC5002, GENC5003, EDPK5003, PSYC5012, GENC5004, GENC5005, GENC5006, GENC5007 |
Semester 1 |
| GENC5009 Genetic Counselling: Practice and Issues |
6 | P GENC5001, GENC5002, GENC5003, EDPK5003, PSYC5012, GENC5004, GENC5005, GENC5006, GENC5007 |
Semester 1 |
| GENC5010 Research Project: Implementation |
3 | P GENC5001, GENC5002, GENC5003, EDPK5003, PSYC5012, GENC5004, GENC5005, GENC5006, GENC5007 |
Semester 1 |
| GENC5011 Clinical Practice 3 |
9 | P GENC5001, GENC5002, GENC5003, EDPK5003, PSYC5012, GENC5004, GENC5005, GENC5006, GENC5007 |
Semester 2 |
| GENC5012 Contemporary Issues Genetic Counselling |
3 | P GENC5001, GENC5002, GENC5003, EDPK5003, PSYC5012, GENC5004, GENC5005, GENC5006, GENC5007 |
Semester 2 |
| GENC5013 Research Project: Dissertation |
12 | P GENC5001, GENC5002, GENC5003, EDPK5003, PSYC5012, GENC5004, GENC5005, GENC5006, GENC5007 |
Semester 2 |
| Students must complete either EDPK5001 or EDPK5002 | |||
| EDPK5001 Qualitative Methods |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| or | |||
| EDPK5002 Quantitative Methods |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
Further enquiries
Lynne Purser
Course Coordinator
Phone: +61 2 9926 7324
Fax: +61 2 9906 7529
Email:
Website: http://www.genetics.com.au
Pattern of Enrolment
In order to fulfil the Human Genetics Society of Australasia requirements for Genetic Counselling Part I certification and entry into Part 2 of the professional certification for genetic counselling, the course must be undertaken in the following sequence. All units of study are compulsory unless otherwise noted.
Academic year 1 semester 1
| Teaching period 1 UoS code and name |
Credit points | Assumed knowledge |
|---|---|---|
| GENC5001 Clinical Genetics and Genomics |
6 | |
| GENC5002 Applied Clinical Genetics and Genomics | 6 | |
| GENC5003 Counselling Theory and Skills | 6 |
|
| EDPK5003 Developing a Research Project |
6 |
Academic year 1 semester 2
| Teaching period 1 UoS code and name |
Credit points | Assumed knowledge |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC5012 |
6 | |
| GENC5004 Clinical Practice 1 | 6 | |
| GENC5005 Diagnostic and Risk Assessment Analysis | 3 |
|
| GENC5006 Ethical, legal and social issues | 3 |
|
| GENC5007 Research Project: Lit review and ethics | 6 |
Academic year 2 semester 1
| Teaching period 1 UoS code and name |
Credit points | Assumed knowledge |
|---|---|---|
| GENC5008 Clinical Genetics and Genomics |
9 |
All Stage 1 units of study: GENC5001, GENC5002, GENC5003, EDPK5003, PSYC5012, GENC5004, GENC5005, GENC5006, GENC5007 |
| GENC5009 Applied Clinical Genetics and Genomics | 6 | |
|
EDPK5001 Qualitative Methods OR EDPK5002 Quantitative Methods |
6 |
|
| GENC5010 Research Project: Implementation | 3 |
Academic year 2 semester 2
| Teaching period 1 UoS code and name |
Credit points | Assumed knowledge |
|---|---|---|
| GENC5011 Clinical Practice 3 |
9 |
All Stage 1 units of study: GENC5001, GENC5002, GENC5003, EDPK5003, PSYC5012, GENC5004, GENC5005, GENC5006, GENC5007 |
| GENC5012 Contemporary Issues Genetic Counselling | 3 | |
| GENC5013 Research Project: Completion and Thesis |
12 |
Units of Study Descriptions for 2011
EDPK5001 Qualitative Methods
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Murray Print Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: S1: 1x2hr seminar/week x 13 weeks; S2: 2 x 2 hrs / week x 6 weeks Assessment: observation and report (50%) and interview and report (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit introduces students to the major issues underlying qualitative research. It examines the relationship between research questions and appropriate study designs, as well as the issues of sampling and ethical considerations. Students will develop extensive skills in the use of various interviewing and observation techniques.
EDPK5002 Quantitative Methods
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rachel Wilson Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: portfolio of quantitative research methods (40%) and research analysis using SPSS (40%) and presentations (10%); and 2 multiple choice class tests (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit introduces students to the basic principles and procedures of quantitative research. Both experimental and survey research strategies are considered; starting with design and development of the research tools (measures, questionnaires, interviews, observation) and progressing to basic analytical statistical methods. The unit provides a thorough introduction to simple statistics and often looks at real research data examples. By the end of the semester students will have developed various research skills as well as a critical perspective on the appropriate application of those skills.
EDPK5003 Developing a Research Project
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rachel Wilson, Professor Murray Print (Summer School) Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: weekly exercises (40%) and class presentation (20%) and research proposal (40%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This core unit is seen as the foundation unit in research methods and it provides an overview of the research process, with a focus on critical evaluation of research reports and the design of research projects. It covers a wide range of basic research techniques and introduces other research methods that are the focus of more in-depth study in other search methods units. Reseach design issues and various methods of data collection examined. Students explore the use of quantitative and qualitative approaches; various research strategies; observation, documents, questionnaires and assessments. The assessment in this unit is developed around students' own research interests and by the end of the unit students will have developed their own research proposal document.
GENC5001 Clinical Genetics and Genomics
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor David Sillence, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2h pathology lab visit
8x 2h lectures
2h online database lab Assessment: Family history (15%), written assignment (25%), 2.5hr exam (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit of study provides a broad overview of the genetics of common single-gene human genetic disorders and the genomics of common multi-gene human genetic disorders. A review of Mendelian inheritance and current knowledge of the molecular basis of human inheritance will be presented. Principles of biochemical genetics will be presented using case examples. More complex patterns of inheritance including mitochondrial and uniparental disomy as well as epigenetic mechanisms will be explored.
The students will also be introduced to other fields contributing to the understanding of the development of genetic conditions including proteomics and varionomes The unit will include lab based field work covering genetic testing used in diagnostic and screening contexts including molecular, cytogenetics and molecular cytogenetics.
The students will also be introduced to other fields contributing to the understanding of the development of genetic conditions including proteomics and varionomes The unit will include lab based field work covering genetic testing used in diagnostic and screening contexts including molecular, cytogenetics and molecular cytogenetics.
Textbooks
Notes will be distributed in class.
GENC5002 Applied Clinical Genetics and Genomics
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor David Sillence, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1hr lecture and 1hr PBL per week Assessment: PBL participation (20%), seminar presentation (20%), 2.5 hr exam (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Applied clinical genetics and genomics will be co-presented and integrated with the Unit of Study: Clinical genetics and genomics. Students will be introduced to the management of clinical and genomic information and databases. Molecular genetic theory will underpin the understanding of the basis of genetic, syndromes of paediatric and adult onset, cancer genetics, neurogenetics, connective tissue genetics and cardio-respiratory genetics. Application to screening and diagnosis of genetic conditions in the prenatal, paediatric and adult contexts, and current treatment therapies and preventive strategies will be presented.
Textbooks
Notes will be distributed in class.
GENC5003 Counselling Theory and Skills
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Clinical Associate Professor Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 1 Classes: 11x 3hr reflective practice Assessment: Essay on community genetics 1500 words (30%), presentation of a counselling theory (20%), interview technique critque (30%), analysis of the role of peer support (20%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
The aim of this unit of study is to provide students with an overview of counselling theory including Psychoanalytic Theory, Systems Theory, and Cognitive Behaviour Theory. The unit will provide an introduction to the development of counseling skills underpinned by these theories in the context of genetic counselling. Client-centred counselling and Rogerian techniques will be demonstrated and practiced under supervision during role plays, some of which will be videoed for analysis and reflection. Strategies for the communication of risk will be developed and available tools to assist will be reviewed. The unit will include 40 hours of observation of: genetic counseling in metropolitan genetic clinics; community peer support provided by support groups for genetic conditions; and community genetics provided by newborn screening programs and high school genetic carrier testing programs. Public Health genetics, genetic epidemiology and population screening, genome scans, and kinship testing will be studied as important aspects of community genetics.
Textbooks
Notes will be distributed in class.
GENC5004 Clinical Practice 1
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Clinical Associate Professor Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 2 Classes: Clinical practice/tutorials Assessment: video analysis of 2 simulated counselling sessions (40%); case and skills development logbook, supervisor's skills report (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Clinical Experience
This unit includes a 2 week full time Clinical placement with a metropolitan or outreach genetic counselling service associated with NSW Health, including time in prenatal/paediatric and adult units. Students will be allotted a supervisor(s), observe Genetic Counsellors in session, participate in the everyday running of a service including use of KinTrak database for recording family history, attend relevant meetings, Journal Clubs, hospital clinics, and other associated activities.
GENC5005 Diagnostic and Risk Assessment Analysis
Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor David Sillence, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 2a Classes: 1hr lecture and 1hr PBL per week Assessment: bioinformatics report (10%), cytogenetic cases report and lab visit (20%), PBL case (10%), 1.5 hr exam (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit provides practical training in risk assessment and probability of outcomes that are important in genetic counselling for families with chromosomal rearrangements including cryptic anomalies, Mendelian disorders and polygenic disorders. Sources for a priori and empiric estimates of risk and Bayesian approaches to final risk perception will be taught. An introduction to web data sources and critical appraisal of studies of Association and Relative Risk for their relevance to genetic counseling will be provided.
GENC5006 Ethical, Legal and Social Issues
Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Clinical Associate Professor Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 2b Classes: 2hr lectures and cases studies per week for 6 weeks Assessment: critical appraisal of issues in a case report (40%), 1000 word essay (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit will begin with a history of the eugenic movement. From this understanding, students will be provided with an overview of the current social, cultural, legal and ethical issues generated by the diagnosis or identification of risk for a genetic condition including privacy at the family and wider community levels, discrimination, ownership of genetic information, informed consent, genetic testing of children, professionalism and paternalism, access and equity to services, gene patenting, national and jurisdictional laws, regulations and guidelines governing genetics services delivery and practice and research ethics. Additionally, the associated psychosocial impact at both the individual and family levels will be explored, as well as the educational materials and tools developed to minimise the impact and assist in informed choice. At the societal level, the students will explore the issues associated with the developments and establishment of biobanks and genetic registers, the storage of genetic information and its access, the implementation of public health genetics programs and non-medical applications of genetic technologies including kinship testing and sport. Finally, students will explore challenges likely to be encountered due to the rapid developments and applications including whole genome scans and nanotechnologies.
Textbooks
Notes will be distributed in class
GENC5007 Research Project: Lit Review and Ethics
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor David Sillence, Sydney Medical School; Clinical Associate Professor Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1.5 h workshops and student presentations each week for 4 weeks;
Independent research; 1hr tutorial per wk for 6 weeks Assessment: Literature review and presentation (50%), development of ethics proposal (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit further supports development of a research project. Students will conduct and present a literature review and will be supported in the development of an ethics submission
GENC5008 Clinical Practice 2
Credit points: 9 Teacher/Coordinator: Clinical Associate Professor Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3 week full time Clinical placement; 3 hr weekly for 5 weeks group supervision and reflective practice; log book and record of related activities. Prerequisites: GENC5001, GENC5002, GENC5003, EDPK5003, PSYC5012, GENC5004, GENC5005, GENC5006, GENC5007 Assessment: Essay on analysis of a video simulated consultation (40%), cases, skills and related activities logbook; supervisor skills report (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Clinical Experience
This unit includes a 3 week full time Clinical placement with a metropolitan or outreach genetic counselling service associated with NSW Health, including time in prenatal/paediatric and adult units. Students will be allotted a supervisor(s), observe Genetic Counsellors in session, participate in the everyday running of a service including use of KinTrak database for recording family history, attend relevant meetings, Journal Clubs, hospital clinics, and other associated activities.
GENC5009 Genetic Counselling: Practice and Issues
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Clinical Associate Professor Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 1 Classes: 10 days Clinical placement in Outreach genetics services; 9 wk x 2 day rotation in specialized services; 1 h seminar & 2 hr role play/simulation and analysis for 5 weeks; Long case study. Prerequisites: GENC5001, GENC5002, GENC5003, EDPK5003, PSYC5012, GENC5004, GENC5005, GENC5006, GENC5007 Assessment: Long case report (40%); cases and skills development logbook and supervisor report (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit aims to further develop genetic counselling skills. The development and evaluation of values, attitudes and skills in professional helping will be presented, with an emphasis on patient advocacy, crisis counselling, cross-cultural counselling and disability awareness/sensitivity training. Following the placement, students will be assisted in the development of case study reports reflecting on their practice, skills gained and challenges faced.
The unit also examines genetic counselling in general practice, oncology, cardiology, and neurology currently and in the future. The students will explore how their role may develop as genetics moves into mainstream medicine and the challenges that may be faced.
The unit also examines genetic counselling in general practice, oncology, cardiology, and neurology currently and in the future. The students will explore how their role may develop as genetics moves into mainstream medicine and the challenges that may be faced.
GENC5010 Research Project: Implementation
Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Clinical Associate Professor Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1.5hr tutorial per week plus student presentations Prerequisites: GENC5001, GENC5002, GENC5003, EDPK5003, PSYC5012, GENC5004, GENC5005, GENC5006, GENC5007 Assessment: supervisor report (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit is a continuation of the supervised Research project initiated at the beginning of the course and to be concluded in the final semester. The unit involves independent research and regular meetings with a supervisor.
The Research project will culminate in an original 15,000 word dissertation. Successful completion of the project may also provide students with the research experience required for the pursuit of a higher degree.
The Research project will culminate in an original 15,000 word dissertation. Successful completion of the project may also provide students with the research experience required for the pursuit of a higher degree.
GENC5011 Clinical Practice 3
Credit points: 9 Teacher/Coordinator: Clinical Associate Professor Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 2 Classes: Clinical placement 4 weeks; Group supervision 2h/wk for 4 weeks with clinical supervisor by tele- &/or video conference. Prerequisites: GENC5001, GENC5002, GENC5003, EDPK5003, PSYC5012, GENC5004, GENC5005, GENC5006, GENC5007 Assessment: long case study (40%), logbook, progressive activities report and supervisor report (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Clinical Experience
Students will have some choice according to interest regarding a 4 week full time Clinical placement with metropolitan or outreach genetic counselling services associated with NSW Health. Students will be allotted a supervisor(s), work alongside Genetic Counsellors in session, participate in the everyday running of a service including use of KinTrak database for recording family history, attend relevant meetings, Journal Clubs, hospital clinics, and other associated activities. Student will present two formal Case Studies.
GENC5012 Contemporary Issues Genetic Counselling
Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Clinical Associate Professor Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 2 Classes: (1hr visiting speaker/film excerpt with discussion & 1hr student presentation)/wk for 5 weeks by tele- &/or videoconference. Prerequisites: GENC5001, GENC5002, GENC5003, EDPK5003, PSYC5012, GENC5004, GENC5005, GENC5006, GENC5007 Assessment: production of education aid (20%), presentation on contemporary issue (20%), 1000 word essay (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit will allow students to draw on previous course content as they examine and debate contemporary issues in genetic medicine, such as Direct to Consumer testing, intergenerational gamete donation, pharmacogenomics and other issues as they arise.
GENC5013 Research Project: Dissertation
Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor David Sillence, Sydney Medical School; Clinical Associate Professor Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 2 Prerequisites: GENC5001, GENC5002, GENC5003, EDPK5003, PSYC5012, GENC5004, GENC5005, GENC5006, GENC5007 Assessment: Research Project: Written dissertation (15 000 words) (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit is a continuation of the supervised Research project initiated at the beginning of the course and to be concluded in the final semester of the course. The unit involves independent research and regular meetings with a supervisor.
The Research project will culminate in an original 15,000 word dissertation. Successful completion of the project may also provide students with the research experience required for the pursuit of a higher degree.
The research project constitutes a Capstone Experience.
The Research project will culminate in an original 15,000 word dissertation. Successful completion of the project may also provide students with the research experience required for the pursuit of a higher degree.
The research project constitutes a Capstone Experience.
PSYC5012 Health and Risk Communication
Credit points: 6 Session: S2 Intensive Classes: lectures, videos, interactive exercises, case study discussions and small group-work. This unit will be taught in a block intensive mode over five days Assessment: Major or two minor essays (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
In this unit of study students will consider health communication in the context of the health professional-patient relationship and in the public sphere. This unit of study seeks to develop a critical awareness of the determinants of effective communication, particularly in relation to health risks to the individual and society. The unit of study will investigate: theories of health communication, including patient centred care and shared decision making; evidence regarding the impact of good and poor communication on patient and health professional outcomes; research paradigms in this area including interaction analysis; cross-cultural communication issues in health care; risk communication in the context of informed consent to clinical trials, discussing prognosis and responding to public health risk events; and theories of risk perception and communication. The aim of this unit of study is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the key issues related to communication in health care and health policy settings.