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.

Molecular Diagnostics 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. A fee of $50 is charged for this course.

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.

Molecular Diagnostics Internship courses – completed at an affiliated molecular laboratory

DGS 4501. Specimen Processing

Theory and methods for processing and evaluating specimens for nucleic acid isolation.

DGS 4502. Nucleic Acid Isolation

Isolation, manipulation and evaluation of nucleic acids.

DGS 4503. Amplification Methods

Practicum experience in DNA and/or RNA amplification stressing polymerase chain reaction.

DGS 4510. In Situ Hybridization Methods

Practicum in fluorescence in situ hybridization or other in situ hybridization techniques.

DGS 4512. Cloning Techniques

Theory and techniques of cloning.

DGS 4513. Blotting Applications

Theory and techniques of nucleic acid and/or protein blotting (e.g. Southern blot, reverse clot blot).

DGS 4514. DNA Sequencing

Practicum experience in DNA sequencing.

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.