A STEP TOWARD CURRICULUM REFORM - INCORPORATING A HUMAN-GENETICS COURSE INTO A MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Genetics has emerged from a purely basic science into a specialty with important applications to laboratory medicine. Although educators hav e recognized the need to incorporate genetics concepts into medical te chnology curricula, only a few programs nationwide require a genetics course. In this article, we describe the syllabus of a human genetics course in the medical technology curriculum of the State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse. Designed in consultation with clinical geneticists, the course combines fundamental principles of genetics with their applications to laboratory testing and diagnosi s. Molecular diagnostics and cytogenetics are emphasized with the aid of laboratory exercises. These exercises and a complete list of course topics are described. Student evaluations of the course were positive . We believe that integrated presentation of genetics concepts in the curriculum Will better prepare students to meet the challenges they wi ll encounter in the clinical laboratory science profession