Genetic Counselling Programme Division Human Genetics University of Cape Town. Semester courses for Occasional Students

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1 Genetic Counselling Programme Division Human Genetics University of Cape Town Semester courses for Occasional Students 2015 Head of Division: Prof Raj Ramesar Programme conveners: Prof Jacquie Greenberg and Dr Tina-Marié Wessels Medical geneticists: Dr Karen Fieggen A/Prof Ambroise Wonkam Genetic nurses: Sr Diane Sklar Genetic Registrars: Dr Cedrik Ngongang Dr Ayman Hussein Dr Yushia Tsai Genetic Counsellors: Ms Nakita Laing (F/T) 1 P a g e

2 The Division of Human Genetics is offering 6-month semester courses in Medical Genetics and Principles of Genetic Counselling as stand-alone courses and students register as occasional students. These part-time courses, which forms part of the full-time MSc(Med) Genetic Counselling degree, are aimed at broadening a Healthcare Professional s knowledge about Medical Genetics and to gain insight into the theory that supports the process of Genetic Counselling. The courses are designed to both illustrate principles of medical genetics and genetic counselling including information about genetic conditions, availability and clinical utility of genetic testing, and risks to other family members within a framework of nondirective counselling and ethical principles. These courses are NQF level 9 credit bearding courses. The credits of these 6 month semester courses can contribute towards the full-time MSc(Medicine) in genetic counselling degree, within a 4 year time period. There is therefore the option of converting to the fulltime postgraduate degree. This is subject to availability and suitability as there is limited space available due the capacity to offer the required practical training. Students who apply for the full-time degree undergo a selection process and a student who wants to convert to the full-time degree would be required to undergo the same process. It needs to be noted that these courses do not equip participants to register or practice as Genetic Counsellors or Medical Geneticists. Further information on the HPCSA Scope of Practice for Registered Genetic Counsellors can be found at: and The stand-alone UCT courses are: MEDICAL GENETICS Medical Genetics is the specialty of medicine involved with diagnosis, care and prevention of birth defects and genetic disorders. It deals with hereditary, the mechanisms of hereditary transmission and the variation of inherited characteristics among individuals with the same disorders as well as the mechanisms involved in non-hereditary congenital defects. It covers conditions that are visible at birth as well as those that manifest later in life. The objectives are to enable the student to: Describe the epidemiology, aetiology, medical management, special investigations and counselling needs of individuals and families with genetic disorders; Identify phenotypes of well-known genetic disorders; Interpret special investigations associated with a genetic condition; Calculate the risk status of an individual and family; Apply theoretical knowledge scientifically; Source genetic data from appropriate internet databases and websites; Discuss current and developing technologies in all areas of genetics; and Identify areas of limited knowledge and research in genetic conditions. Medical Genetics is taught over a 12 month period as two semester courses: Medical Genetics 1 (LAB5014F) 12 credits Medical Genetics 2 (LAB5015S) 12 credits 2 P a g e

3 Please note: LAB5014F is a pre-requisite to acceptance on LAB5015S PRINCIPLES OF GENETIC COUNSELLING Genetic counselling is the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. It provides individuals and their families with information about birth defects and genetic conditions, diagnostic testing, and risks in other family members within a framework of nondirective counselling and ethical principles. The objectives are to enable the student to: Describe the purpose of genetic counselling; Describe the structure of a genetic counselling session; Describe and critically evaluate the range of genetic counselling techniques used in practice; Describe the scope of genetic counselling; Risk communication; Pedigree drawing; Communication skills; Discuss ethical considerations in the field of Genetics; Discuss different settings in which Genetic Counsellors practice. It is taught over a 12 month period as: Principles of Genetic Counselling: Coursework (LAB5012F) Principles of Genetic Counselling: Applied learning (LAB5013S) 10 credits 10 credits Please note: LAB5012F is a pre-requisite to acceptance on LAB5013S Who should apply Candidates who holds a degree in BSc (Hons) or BA (Hons) equivalent in genetics, nursing, psychology or social work, acceptable to the Health Science Faculty of the University of Cape Town. Knowledge of genetics is required. (Unless this has been passed at honours level students may be required to write an entrance examination.) MBChB degree Is a registered nurse and midwife who has a four-year diploma in nursing and midwifery plus at least one post-basic diploma and relevant experience. Such candidates will be expected to submit a full portfolio, a curriculum vitae, and may be required to complete a prerequisite programme and/or an entry examination. Applications from students with other qualifications will be assessed on a case by case basis. Selected applicants who meet all the criteria will be interviewed personally or telephonically. 3 P a g e

4 General Information for Registrants Participants will be required to be at the University of Cape Town for the face-to-face component of the course for 1 full week at a time. There will be online assessments/tests on Vula, as well as assignments and a final exam. Vula is UCT's online collaboration and learning environment, used to support UCT courses as well as other UCT-related groups and communities. Once registered, students will be given greater detail on timelines and lecture schedules. The final examinations, which will be written in June and November, can be arranged at another Tertiary Institution/s. Once participants have completed all the assignments and passed (minimum of 50%), they will be issued with certificates with 10/12 UCT/SAQA credits that can be used towards full-time MSc in genetic counselling degree or other higher degree courses, if and where appropriate and accepted by all concerned. During the 6 month semester period (January-June, or July-December 2014), participants will be registered as "occasional students" at the University of Cape Town, Health Sciences Faculty and will have access to various facilities on the Health Sciences Campus. There will be on and off site access to the Medical Library, regular notification of lectures on campus and registered students will also have access to and be able to attend CPD accredited lectures and courses. These could include CPD accredited lectures/workshops for which Ethics related CPD points will be issued by the HPCSA, where appropriate. For further details regarding the administration of applications and formal registration Mrs Adri Winckler Manager: PG Admin Faculty of Health Sciences University of Cape Town (08:00 13:00 & 13:30 16:00) Course Convenors Professor Jacquie Greenberg Dr Tina-Marié Wessels jacquie.greenberg@uct.ac.za tina.wessels@uct.ac.za For course fees consult the University of Cape Town website: 4 P a g e

5 Dates for 2015 Medical Genetics 1 (LAB5014F) Duration February to June 2015 Registration 2 February 2015 Lesson February 2015 Lesson February 2015 Lesson February 2015 Lesson February 2015 Lesson March 2015 Lesson March 2015 Contact time Lecture block 16 to 20 March PBL 1 10 April 2015 PBL 2 30 April 2015 PBL 3 15 May 2015 PBL 4 29 May 2015 Exam 5 June 2015 Medical Genetics 2 (LAB5015S) Duration July to November 2015 Registration 1 July 2015 Lesson July 2015 Lesson July 2015 Lesson July 2015 Lesson July 2015 Lesson August 2015 Lesson August 2015 Lesson August 2015 Contact time Lecture block August 2015 PBL 1 11 September 2015 PBL 2 2 October 2015 PBL 3 16 October 2015 PBL 4 30 October 2015 Exam 6 November P a g e

6 Principles of Genetic Counselling: Coursework (LAB5012F) Duration February to June 2015 Registration 2 February 2015 Assignment 1 27 February 2015 Assignment 2 30 March 2015 Contact time Lecture block 13 to 17 April Assignment 3 8 May 2015 Assignment 4 22 May 2015 Exam 12 June 2015 Principles of Genetic Counselling: Applied learning (LAB5013S) Duration July to November 2015 Registration 1 July 2015 Assignment 1 31 July 2015 Assignment 2 31 August 2015 Contact time Lecture block 14 to 18 September Assignment 3 9 October 2015 Assignment 4 23 October 2015 Exam 13 November P a g e