DGS Course Curriculum: A Diagnostic Genetic Sciences certificate student at the University of Connecticut will typically follow the attached 2-year plan of study. Students matriculate into the DGS Program for the fall semester only because DGS courses are offered once per academic year. Students must complete all the DGS and AH departmental courses with a C or better according to the Program’s scholastic standards.
Details about the internship semester

DGS Course Descriptions are listed below the Plan of Study.  Visit the course catalog for more information about DGS, AH, and MCB courses.

Cytogenetics Plan of Study

DGS Course Descriptions

DGS 3222. Medical Cytogenetics

Study of human chromosomes for prenatal and post-natal detection of chromosome abnormalities, chromosome polymorphisms, cell culture and harvest, human chromosome nomenclature, staining and banding techniques, mechanisms of numerical and structural chromosome abnormality, numerical syndromes, duplication and deletion syndromes, the sex chromosomes, sex chromosome abnormalities, mosaicism, genetic imprinting, indications for chromosomal analysis, molecular cytogenetic testing.

DGS 3223. Laboratory in Cytogenetics

Human chromosome morphology and identification, aseptic technique, lymphocyte culture and harvest, chromosome banding, karyotyping and microscopic analysis of normal and abnormal cases. A fee of $50 is charged for this course.

DGS 3225. Microscopy and Chromosome Imaging

Theory and techniques of brightfield and fluorescence microscopy, and computerized chromosome imaging.

DGS 4224. Cancer Cytogenetics

Genetic basis of cancer, chromosome instability syndromes, processing of tumor samples, chromosomal changes of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, and nomenclature of acquired changes.

DGS 4234W. Diagnostic Molecular Technologies

DNA and RNA diagnostic technologies used in clinical settings; clinical applications in prenatal diagnosis; cancer management, transplantation, paternity testing, forensic medicine and microbiology.

DGS 4235. Laboratory in Molecular Diagnostics

DNA isolation, blotting techniques, fluorescent in situ hybridization, polymerase chain reaction and Genprobe assay.

DGS 4236. Case Studies in Molecular Pathology

Clinical cases in molecular pathology are presented and discussed.

DGS 4246. Contemporary Issues in Human Genetics

Historical and contemporary issues relevant to human genetic, including the layperson’s understanding of genetic testing and diagnosis; and the ethical, legal, and social issues associated with them.

DGS 4248. Advanced Karyotyping and Report Writing

Karyotyping constitutional and cancer cytogenetic cases, diagnosing cytogenetic syndrome/conditions and cytogenetic changes associated with neoplasms. Writing complete, precise, and accurate cytogenetic reports.

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Cytogenetics Internship Courses – completed at an affiliated cytogenetics lab

DGS 4810. Suspension Cell Culture, Harvest, and Analysis

Techniques for processing suspension cell cultures and for isolating and identifying human chromosomes from suspension cell samples (bloods, bone marrows, and/or solid tumors). Culture, harvest, staining, microscopic analysis, and karyotyping of suspension cell samples.

DGS 4820. Attached Cell Culture, Harvest, and Analysis

Techniques for processing attached cell cultures and for isolating and identifying human chromosomes from attached cell samples (amniotic fluids, chorionic villus samples, products of conception, skin biopsies, and/or tumors, etc.). Culture, harvest, staining, microscopic analysis, and karyotyping of attached cell samples.

DGS 4830. Molecular Cytogenetic Technologies>

Hands-on experience in fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and other molecular cytogenetic technologies as applicable (e.g.: microarrays).

DGS 4850. Investigative Topics in Laboratory Genetics

Exploration of an area of individual interest in laboratory or clinical genetics.

DGS 4997. Honors Research honors students only

Design and implementation of an honors research project.