New Class ISG 5095 Special Topics: Consumer Genetics
At Home, or Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing
Science or Science Fiction?
Safe or Scary?
What does ELSI have to report?
How does diversity play a pivotal role?
With an emphasis on self-directed inquiry and professional presentations, graduate students and health professionals will be guided through an examination of the history, future, science, science-fiction, applications, adverse circumstances, and the ethical, legal, and social implications of direct-to-consumer genetic testing.
At the conclusion of the class, students will be able to
- Discuss historical context and hypothesize future applications of direct-to-consumer genetic tests from the viewpoints of varied stakeholders using supporting evidence from primary and professional literature
- Track patterns of heritability for types of genetic variants detectable on direct-to-consumer testing platforms
- Compare the methodology, reporting, clinical utility, and analytical validity for direct-to-consumer tests in comparison to clinically ordered genetic tests on platforms advertising genetic variation for health, entertainment, or ancestry applications.
- Support ethical, legal, and social issue discussions about direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies/platforms from viewpoints of the consumer, company scientists, and health care professionals
- Interpret peer-reviewed publications for discussion of research question, methodologies applied, and results attained
- Provide examples of how direct-to-consumer genetic testing is influenced or impacted by the multiple facets of diversity
ISG 5095 - 001 Investigation of Special Topics: Consumer Genetics
University of Connecticut | Fall 2022 | Lecture | Class # | 3 credits
Dr. Judy Brown, CG, MB (ASCP), School of Nursing and Institute for Systems Genomics
Space limited! Email judy.brown@uconn.edu for a permission number today
No pre-requisites except a competent grasp of basic genetics
Syllabus Link on Google Drive
Online asynchronous class with a
Virtual Discussion via Zoom on Tuesdays 6:00 -7:30 pm
Laboratory Modules: Theory and Practice of Clinical Genomics
AH 5720-01: Introduction to Classical Cytogenetics
Cytogenetic tools used for research and clinical purposes for varied applications including mapping genetic sequences and identifying genetic disorders. Students will be introduced to essential techniques and secret tricks of the trade for chromosomal analysis within the primary application of detecting chromosomal disorders including process of culture initiation and harvesting, slide preparation, and G-banding techniques for karyotyping. Specialized stains and processes to elucidate specific chromosome structures or functions will be covered with an overview of the transmitted and phase-contrast applications needed on an upright and inverted microscope.
Not open to students who have completed Section 04.
Asynchronous online lab class, estimated time online 5-8 hrs/week
Dates: 8/29/2022-9/30/2022
Instructor Consent: Judy Brown, PhD, Director, Health Care Genetics Master’s Degree Program (judy.brown@uconn.edu)
AH 5720-02 In situ techniques and epifluorescence microscopy
Applications of in situ hybridization techniques to detect and localize sequences on chromosomes or tissue sections for the diagnosis of cytogenetic abnormalities, tumor biology, gene amplification and/or gene mapping. Topics include probe design and selection, principles of hybridization, specialized approaches, and epifluorescence microscopy.
Pre-requisite AH 5720-01 or AH 5720-04.
Asynchronous 1 credit online lab class, estimated time online 5-8 hrs/week
Dates: 10/3/2022-11/4/2022
Instructor Consent: Judy Brown, PhD, Director, Health Care Genetics Master’s Degree Program (judy.brown@uconn.edu)
AH 5720-08: Microarray Cytogenetics
Indications, applications, processes, and interpretation of chromosomal microarray technology.
Strongly suggested prerequisite: AH 5720-1 or AH 5720-4.
Asynchronous 1-credit online lab class estimated time online 6-8 hrs/week
Dates: 11/7/2022 – 12/9/2022
Instructor Consent: Judy Brown, PhD, Director, Health Care Genetics Master’s Degree Program (judy.brown@uconn.edu)
AH 5720-13: Cancer Panels and Tumor Profiling
Profiling somatic mutations of genes to inform about tumor evolution, prognostics, and treatment as a tool in clinical oncology. In silico analysis of input candidates for panel design, evaluation of utility of commercially available cancer gene panels, and review of questions to consider when determining if genomic tumor testing is an appropriate method. Testing assessment will include sensitivity, sample requirements, limitations, panel types, and targeted versus genome profiling. Federal regulations, clinical actionability, as well as variant and tumor classifications will be reviewed.
Pre-requisite: AH 5720-03 or solid foundation in genetic variation & genetic testing, and prior basic use of genome browsers
1 credit hybrid lab: online and in-person weekend training Friday 8/24/2022-Saturday 8/25/2022
Instructor Consent: Cara Statz, PhD, Clinical Analyst, Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine (carastatz15@gmail.com)