Courses

The listing of a course description here does not guarantee a course’s being offered in a particular semester. Please refer to the published schedule of classes on the Student Link for confirmation a class is actually being taught and for specific course meeting dates and times.

• GMS FS 830: Forensic Toxicology
  This lecture-based course will provide an overview of the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicology of common drugs of interest to the forensic toxicologist. An emphasis will be placed on applying the principles of pharmacokinetics to the interpretation of drug blood and urine levels, and on developing an understanding of how drugs (including ethanol) interact with the biology and physiology of the human body. Students will also acquire knowledge of the chemical structure of common drugs. 3 cr
• GMS FS 840: Case Practicum in Forensic Biology /DNA
  This laboratory course will provide students with the opportunity to independently perform evidence assessment and testing for various types of biological evidence, as well as conduct a technical peer review in a mock forensic case setting. Advanced biological screening and DNA analysis techniques will be employed and students will become practiced in the analysis of complex DNA profiles. 2 cr
• GMS FS 870: Directed Research and Professionalism in Biomedical Forensic Sciences
  Students register for this course in preparation of a research-based thesis project. With direction from a thesis research committee, the student investigates his/her thesis topic, develops a research plan including an outline of the project, becomes familiar with quality control and quality assurance issues and begins data collection. Throughout the semester students are required to attend instructional and discussion sessions and must attend a minimum of ten designated professional/scientific seminars. Prerequisite: Active involvement in the Master's research project and a designated Principal Investigator. 2 cr
• GMS FS 871: Internship in Biomedical Forensic Sciences
  An internship in a forensic setting is encouraged and can be approved for credit depending on the nature of the internship and the number of hours of work completed. With prior approval from the student's thesis advisors and the site supervisor, work completed at an internship may be used as a basis for the student's thesis. A completed evaluation from the internship supervisor describing the nature of the work and the quality of the student's performance is required. In addition, the student is required to write a summary of his/her internship experiences and responsibilities. Note: The student may count their internship towards completion of a track given the internship is within the proposed specialty. 2 cr
• GMS FS 970: Research in Biomedical Forensic Sciences
  Students complete an independent program of research that is incorporated into a thesis of publishable quality, states a hypothesis or scientific question and presents the findings to support the stated proposition. Thesis topics are developed in conjunction with a research committee consisting of faculty members and/or other qualified individuals. Students register for this course during the semester in which the student anticipates graduation from the program. Prerequisite: Directed Research and Professionalism in Biomedical Forensic Sciences. 2 cr
• GMS FS 971: Publication and Communication of Research in Biomedical Forensic Sciences
  Following the completion or near completion of an independent program of research and associated thesis, students are expected to prepare their graduate research into journal format and submit for publication. Further, students are expected to submit their research for presentation at a regional, national or international conference. Registration for this course should be during the semester in which the student anticipates graduation from the program. 2 cr Prerequisite: consent of the program/thesis advisor.
• GMS GC 600: Genetic Diagnosis and Laboratory Methods
  This course will provide students the opportunity to learn laboratory techniques and methodologies relevant to the field of genetic counseling. Multiple lectures/discussions relate to results and interpretation from the genetic counseling perspective. Additionally, lab tours are also scheduled. . 3 cr, Spring sem.
• GMS GC 601: Professional Issues in Genetic Counseling
  This two-semester course addresses topics related to the development of a competent genetic counselor. Instructional content, combined with group discussions and student presentations, will cover the history and development of the profession, care across the lifespan, and ethical/social issues. 3 cr, Fall & Spring sem.
• GMS GC 602: Clinical Genetics
  This course will provide information regarding etiology, features, testing, and treatment for a variety of genetic conditions. The topics are arranged by organ system to expand on the material covered in GMC GC603. Clinical case studies and presentations will supplement. 3 cr, Spring sem.
• GMS GC 603: Embryology, Teratology, and Prenatal Genetics
  This course will review human embryology, the teratogenic factors leading to abnormal development, and the common indications for prenatal genetic counseling, including advanced maternal age, abnormal cfDNA screening, ultrasound anomalies, diagnostic procedures, and prenatal complications. 3 cr, Fall sem.
• GMS GC 604: Cancer Genetic Counseling
  This course introduces students to the specialty of cancer genetics, through topics such as the biology of cancer, current cancer statistics and epidemiology, risk assessment, pathology, testing for cancer susceptibility genes, hereditary cancer syndromes, testing methodologies, treatment options, surveillance, survivorship, and psychosocial issues. 3cr, Spring sem.
• GMS GC 605: Clinical Applications in Human Genetics
  This course will introduce students to the basic concepts and principles of human genetics and their clinical applications. Topics include the chromosomal, molecular, and biochemical basis of disease, prenatal diagnosis, genetic counseling, bioinformatics, and congenital anomalies. 4 cr, Fall sem.
• GMS GC 606: GC Seminar 1
  The objectives of this Seminar series include teaching students how to critique the medical and social science literature, orienting students to the complexities involved with case presentations, and enabling students to reflect and think critically about their clinical experiences. Also included are case conference presentations from BU faculty, alums, or other area genetic counselors or professionals on interesting, challenging, or unique genetic counseling related cases or topics, 2 cr each, Fall & Spring sem.
• GMS GC 607: GC Seminar 2
  The objectives of this Seminar series include teaching students how to critique the medical and social science literature, orienting students to the complexities involved with case presentations, and enabling students to reflect and think critically about their clinical experiences. Also included are case conference presentations from BU faculty, alums, or other area genetic counselors or professionals on interesting, challenging, or unique genetic counseling related cases or topics, 2 cr each, Fall & Spring sem.
• GMS GC 700: Genetic Counseling Fieldwork I
  The clinical and non-clinical fieldwork will provide student interaction with a wide array of genetic specialists. Direct patient contact in prenatal, pediatric, adult, cancer, and specialty genetics clinics will allow students to acquire cases for ABGC certification. 2 cr each, Summer, Fall & Spring sem.
• GMS GC 702: Genetic Counseling Fieldwork II
  The clinical and non-clinical fieldwork will provide student interaction with a wide array of genetic specialists. Direct patient contact in prenatal, pediatric, adult, cancer, and specialty genetics clinics will allow students to acquire cases for ABGC certification. 2 cr each, Summer, Fall & Spring sem.
• GMS GC 703: Genetic Counseling Fieldwork III
  The clinical and non-clinical fieldwork will provide student interaction with a wide array of genetic specialists. Direct patient contact in prenatal, pediatric, adult, cancer, and specialty genetics clinics will allow students to acquire cases for ABGC certification. 2 cr each, Summer, Fall & Spring sem.
• GMS GC 704: Genetic Counseling Fieldwork IV
  The clinical and non-clinical fieldwork will provide student interaction with a wide array of genetic specialists. Direct patient contact in prenatal, pediatric, adult, cancer, and specialty genetics clinics will allow students to acquire cases for ABGC certification. 2 cr each, Summer, Fall & Spring sem.
• GMS GC 711: Advanced Genetic Counseling
  This two-semester course will cover advanced topics in genetic counseling, including research project design and implementation, personal growth, and professional development. It will build upon the students' previous course work and clinical training to enhance their growing skill set as genetic counselors. 4 cr, Fall & Spring sem.
• GMS GC 712: Metabolic Genetics/Advanced Risk Assessment
  Section A covers screening, prevention, diagnosis, recurrence risk, treatment and prognosis for biochemical genetic disorders. Section B emphasizes mathematical techniques necessary for accurate genetic counseling, including empiric risk, probability, linkage, mapping and Bayesian analysis. 3 cr, Fall sem.

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