Genetics (MBS-0212)

Fall 2023 · MBS 0212 · Tufts University · 1.5 credits · Undergraduate

Medical genetics involves the application of genetic principles in the practice of medicine. Medical genetics encompasses diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases, study of inheritance of diseases in families, mapping of disease genes to their chromosome locations, study of the molecular genetics and pathogenesis of inherited disorders, provision of genetic counseling for families, and recently, investigations of methods for gene therapy. Medical geneticists care for fetuses in utero, newborns, children, and adults with inherited conditions, adults with infertility or recurrent miscarriages, and adults who are genetically predisposed to cancer. Unlike any other field, genetics represents a true integration between the basic and the clinical sciences. The overall course objectives are 1) Given a clinical problem, take an appropriate family history; 2) Given a pedigree, determine the most likely mode of inheritance; 3) Given a disorder, whether Mendelian, chromosomal, or multifactorial in origin, determine the likely risk for other family members; 4) Recognize who might benefit from genetic counseling and provide it if the problem is straightforward, or know to whom to refer patients if the problem is complex; 5) Appreciate how a disease gene is localized, learn the potential benefits of understanding the molecular approach to disease, and appreciate the therapy that can derive from this understanding; 6) Take into account the diversity in genetic makeup as an important factor in preventive health care, diagnosis and treatment; 7) Reduce unnecessary exposure to known and potential physical and chemical mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic agents; 8) Recognize how environment can affect phenotype; 9) Identify ethical dilemmas in providing genetic services.

Course codes: MBS-0212, MBS 0212, MBS0212, MBS-212, MBS 212, MBS212

Course Discovery