MSc

In the Name of God

Title: Human Genetics

Degree: Master of Science (MS)

Introduction

The field of Human Genetics is a branch of bio-medical sciences which investigate the chromosome and gene structure of cells and includes main aspects such as Genetic Engineering, Immunogenetics, Population Genetics, Cancer Genetics, Behavioral Genetics, Biochemical Genetics. Master graduates will be able to perform genetic analysis of human cells and detect several chromosomal and gene disorders by taking related courses, participating in research and group activities.

Definition

Human Genetics MS degree provide both course and research programs in which students develop their theoretical, communication and practical skills over the broad discipline of Human and Medical Genetics with a special emphasis upon the molecular aspects of subjects. We aim to develop student skills in appreciating and applying the techniques of molecular genetics and cytogenetics to problems in education, research fields and applying their genetic knowledge in laboratory field to provide services.

We develop their analytical and presentational skills and encourage them to integrate the course modules and researches and use the scientific publications of Human Genetics in developing genetics knowledge of the society.

Aim

The main mission of this course is providing the student with the necessary disciplines as follow:

• Preparing the student to participate in scientific and research fields in genetics and professional societies,
• Provide initial skills to participate in group activities, scientific workshop and seminars,
• Provide students with an education which makes them highly employable in the research and academic environment,
• Provide students with an education which leads them in selecting of thesis subject, develop their analytical, presentational and written skills,
• Provide students with the necessary skills to obtain high quality employment in medical and human genetics laboratories after graduation.

 Outcomes and Principal Roles and Tasks of the Graduates

Graduate in this course will be able to take educational and research responsibilities and providing services related to Human Genetics as follow:

• Teaching BS genetic laboratory courses,
• Practical education of genetic modules of various courses,
• Basic and practical research activities in Medical and Human Genetic fields,
• Working with professional specialists in the field of prevention, identification, and cure of genetic disorders.

Expected General Competencies

• Communicative and practical skills,
• Learning and teaching,
• Research and writing papers.

Specific Competencies (Skills & Performances)

• Student seminars, lecturing, and lecture handout,
• Laboratory practical's,
• Team-working,
• Evaluating the data generated, and data interpretation,
• Producing laboratory reports.

Condition of Admission to the Course

• A Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in one of the fields of Biological Sciences (all branches); Genetics, Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Laboratory Sciences, Midwifery or General Doctorate in one of the fields of Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinarian, and Pharmacy, or Professional Doctorate in the Laboratory Sciences (approved by the Medical Branch of the Supreme Council of Planning) awarded by one of the home or foreign universities approved by the Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education.
• Being eligible for entering to the course according to the MS educational rules and regulations.

*Important note: These general conditions do not necessarily exclude specific conditions of each institute or university.

Educational Strategies, Methods and Techniques

Educational strategies are a combination of student- and teacher-centered learning and teaching includes following criteria:

• Introducing students to the latest technologies and theoretical concepts according to the needs of genetics graduates by professional board members in a teamwork and fabricant competition,
• Actively participation of both student and professor in each teaching module over-viewing the topics upon the scientific developments and peer-reviewed journals which lead to our current understanding in Human Genetics,
• Providing scientific student seminar programs in which both students and board members actively participated,
• Attending students actively in general, scientific seminars and weekly journal clubs organized by genetic board members,
• Continuous or weekly monitoring the latest research results of genetics board members and students in group discussions, reporting the progression of work, and criticize research outcomes.

Student Assessment

a)      Methods of assessment

Residents will be evaluated by the following methods:

Written, verbal, and practical assessment.

b)     Types of the assessment

Periodic, comprehensive (final), monitoring the progress and completion of the thesis

 Ethical Issue

The graduates should:

• Observe the Patient's Bill of Rights¹ when working with the patients,
• Strictly observe Biosafety and Patient Safety Rules* concerning the patients, personnel and workplace,
• Observe the Rulebook for Dress Code²,
• Carefully preserve resources and equipment,
• Truly respect faculty members, the staff, classmates and other students and work for creating an intimate and respectful atmosphere,
• Observe social and professional ethical considerations in criticism,

1 and 2 are contained in Enclosures.

* Biosafety and Patient Safety Rules will be set out by the Educational Department and will be available to the students.

Total Number of Credits:

The course credits totals 32 including:

The core credits:                        18

The noncore credits:                   6

Writing dissertation:                     8

Total:                                      32

Table A. Compensatory Courses in the Human Genetics MS*

*Students should earn all or some of compensatory course credits (Table A) as specified by the Department of Education and approved by the Postgraduate Education Council.

**Completing this course is obligatory for those who have not completed it before.

Table B. Core Courses in the Human Genetics MS

Table C. Non-Core Courses in the Human Genetics MS*

*Students should choose 6 credits as specified by the corresponding department.