Molecular Genetic Technology

Molecular genetic technologists study the role of genetics in medicine, Mendelian genetics, multifactorial inheritance, DNA structure, chromosome structure, population genetics, mutation rates, ethnicity of disease and genetic mapping.

Degree Offered

Bachelor of Science Degree: Molecular Genetic Technology

The programs are administered by:

Dean: Michael J. Ahearn, Ph.D.

Program Director: Peter Hu, Ph.D., M.S., CLSp (CG), CLSp (MB), CLS (NCA), MP (ASCP), MT (ASCP)

Education Coordinator: Alan Lennon, Ph.D., M.Ed., CLSp (MB), MP(ASCP)

Senior Health Professions Educator: Denise Juroske, M.S., CLSp(MB), MP(ASCP)

Senior Health Professions Educator: Crystal Simien, MP(ASCP)

Medical Advisor: Raja Luthra, Ph.D.

Roster of Faculty

Objectives

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Program of Molecular Genetic Technology is designed to prepare students to become entry-level clinical molecular genetic technologists. The program provides instruction in such major areas of the field as:

• Pre/Postnatal genetic disorder testing
• Cancer molecular genetic testing
• Infectious disease testing
• DNA forensic science testing

The curriculum provides didactic training followed by directed clinical training at affiliated hospitals and laboratories. Students may enter the program to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree and program faculty help each student develop a focal point related to the learner’s area of interest.

In the course of their training, students learn how to detect DNA polymorphisms and interpret DNA evidence. They also develop an understanding of the essential elements of statistics and population genetics.

While students study molecular diagnostic procedure such as recombinant DNA technology and its application to the clinical laboratory, their laboratory experiences include:

• Southern blot analysis
• Probe preparation and utilization
• PCR, primer design and real-time PCR
• Sequencing and fragment analysis
• Microarray technology

Students also focus on the specific applications of molecular techniques within such disciplines as:

• Oncology
• Paternity
• Genetic disease of inheritance
• Forensics
• Virology
• Bacteriology

Professionals in the field have a wide range of career options. As the Human Genome Project leads to the discovery of an increasing number of genes important in human disease processes, molecular genetic technologists will play an ever-increasing role in diagnostic patient care.

Many are currently employed in:

• Cancer centers
• Pediatric clinics
• Chemical industries
• Biotechnology companies
• Research, molecular cytogenetic and pathology laboratories,
• Computer imaging sales and development
• Research and teaching institutions

Some molecular genetic technologists combine administrative and managerial talent with their technical background to become laboratory or hospital administrators.

Requirements for Admission

Students who wish to pursue the Bachelor of Science degree and have the required prerequisite coursework may enter at the Junior Level. Those who already have a baccalaureate degree may enter, if they have the required prerequisites, for a second degree. Application and supporting documents must be submitted by April 1.

Note also the following requirements:

Texas Success Initiative (TSI) - All applicants must provide proof of successful assessment of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). Applicants who have graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from an accredited Texas College or University are exempt from TSI. Proof of an applicant's readiness to enroll in college level coursework will be determined by the Registrar's Office based upon review of official transcripts from previously attended institutions.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Applicants from countries where English is not the native language may be required to take the TOEFL. Internet based TOEFL is now available and a total test score ranging from 74-78 with a minimum score of 18 in each section is required.

An early acceptance plan is available to qualified applicants who are seeking a baccalaureate degree. For more information, please see Early Acceptance Track.

Nonacademic Requirements

In addition to the nonacademic requirements for all students (see Admission Policy), each student in the Molecular Genetic Technology program must be able to:

Visually identify probe colors on a slide, computer readout and monitor.

Discriminate and visually interpret reactions on slides, test tubes and micro-wells.

Demonstrate the manual dexterity required to process specimens; operate, maintain and repair laboratory equipment; and carry out all aspects of molecular laboratory testing procedures.

Demonstrate written and oral proficiency in the English language.

Communicate effectively to transmit information to faculty, fellow students, physicians and all members of the health care team.

Bachelor of Science Degree

Applicants to the Molecular Genetic Technology program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree must satisfy several requirements for admission:

All prerequisite courses must be acceptable as credit for a baccalaureate degree, and required science courses must be lecture and laboratory courses acceptable toward degrees by majors in those fields of study and cannot be survey courses.

Physical education and military science courses are not acceptable for prerequisite credit.

Each candidate for a baccalaureate degree must complete a minimum of 135 semester credit hours of course work. Within this requirement, students must complete the following at M. D. Anderson:

• At least 40 semester credit hours of advanced (3000/4000) course work
• At least 25% of the total semester credit hours required must be taken at M. D. Anderson

A minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale both overall and in science and mathematics courses is required in all previous college work.

Prerequisites for the two-year program: a minimum of 60 semester credit hours (SCH) that must include courses described in parts A & B below.

Part A. The Texas Core Curriculum – 42 semester credit hours (SCH) that must include the following specific courses:

Part B. Minimum of 18 additional semester credit hours (SCH) required for entry into the two-year program for Molecular Genetic Technology.

**Required Natural Sciences that can be used to fulfill the candidate’s Texas Core Curriculum SCH:

• Biological Sciences: Minimum 8 SCH, including Biology I & II OR Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II* (8 hours)
  
• Chemistry: Minimum 16 SCH, General Chemistry I & II (4 and 4), Organic Chemistry I (4), Organic Chemistry II (4) OR Biochemistry (3 or 4)

Recommended courses for electives: Molecular Biology, Hematology, Problem Solving, Basic Research Techniques, Human Physiology and Computer Sciences.

Factors considered in the selection of applicants include cumulative grade point average, science and mathematics grade point averages, personal statement (including career goals, interests and honors), three letters of recommendation and a personal interview.

Students without a baccalaureate degree who are admitted to the Molecular Genetic Technology program are candidates for the baccalaureate degree conferred by The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Students with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university may receive a second baccalaureate degree from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center by meeting the requirements outlined above.

Advanced Placement

The School of Health Professions accepts and/or awards credit through the following examination programs:

• College level examination program of the College Board
• Comprehensive departmental examinations
• Regionally accredited military training programs

Recommendations from the School's academic departments are followed with regard to minimum score requirements, level of credit and amount of credit to be awarded. Program faculty are consulted to determine if credit recommendations equate to specific School of Health Professions (SHP) courses. The internal comprehensive departmental examination program provides a local means for establishing knowledge of SHS course content in areas not covered by the above examination program. Programs may elect to administer examinations that cover material specific to SHS courses with the results being reported to the Registrar.

Graduation

Graduation occurs in August. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the national certification exam in molecular pathology given by the American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).

Please check with the program director for application deadlines and exam dates. Upon passing either exam, the student is considered a certified molecular genetic technologist. The awarding of the degree is not contingent upon a student passing the national certification exam.

Curriculum

This intensive two-year program is composed of a didactic phase followed by directed clinical training at affiliated hospitals and laboratories.

During the didactic phase, formal lectures are presented on the principles of medical genetics, molecular and biochemical basis of genetic disease, hematology, clinical molecular genetics and molecular genetic technology. Laboratory sessions coordinated to lectures and covering the fundamentals of diagnostic laboratory procedures are included in the didactic phase.

This curriculum conforms to the standards published and monitored by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Students will receive classroom lectures, laboratory demonstrations and technical experience.

The M. D. Anderson Program of Molecular Genetic Technology is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for National Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), which is located at 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018. The phone number is 773-714-8880.

During the clinical phase of instruction, training and supervision are provided in affiliated clinical laboratories, including:

• UT M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (Diagnostic Molecular Imaging Laboratory), Houston
• UT M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (HLA Laboratory), Houston
• UT M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (DNA Analysis Core Facility), Houston
• UT M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (Thoracic Head & Neck Facility), Houston
• UT M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (Array-CGH Center), Houston
• Baylor College of Medicine (Diagnostic Sequencing Laboratory), Houston
• Center for Medical Genetics, Houston
• Ben Taub Hospital (Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory), Houston
• Texas Children’s Hospital (Molecular Pathology Laboratory), Houston
• The Methodist Hospital (Clinical Laboratory Medicine), Houston
• Houston Police Department, Houston
• Applied Diagnostic Laboratory, Houston
• Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, Houston
• UT Medical Branch in Galveston (Pathology), Galveston
• Mass General Hospital – Harvard University (Department of Pathology), Boston, MA
• Duke University (Department of Pathology), Durham, NC
• Emory University (Department of Human Genetics) Atlanta, GA
• The University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK
• Greenwood Genetics Laboratory, Greenwood, SC

Clinical experiences in these laboratories offer students the opportunity to achieve competence and confidence in performing a wide variety of molecular genetics procedures on patients' specimens.

*For incoming students without these courses

Course Descriptions

CC 4120 Introduction to G-band Karyotyping (1 semester credit hour)
A detailed study of human G-banded chromosomes. Includes instruction in banding pattern recognition, polymorphic variation, determination of band level and the International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN). Includes classroom instruction and hands-on experience. Laboratory fee of $30.00

GT 4151 Statistics (1 semester credit hour)
This course is designed for genetic technologists who need to interpret both DNA evidence and nonrandom chromosome abnormalities. The essential elements of statistics and population genetics for these purposes will be covered.

GT 4160 Genetic Technology Journal Club I (1 semester credit hour)
Seminar-based course that covers topics in cytogenetics and related fields.

GT 4161 Genetic Technology Journal Club II (1 semester credit hour)
Seminar-based course that covers topics in cytogenetics and related fields.

GT 4210 Molecular and Biochemical Basis of Genetic Disease (2 semester credit hours)
A comprehensive study of inherited disease through examination of genetic mutations in the hemoglobinopathies, enzymopathies and various structural proteins. This course provides the framework for understanding the relationships between the molecular defect and the nature of its clinical pathology.

GT 4300 Advanced Medical Genetics (3 semester credit hours)
A study of the role of genetics in medicine, Mendelian genetics, multifactorial inheritance, DNA structure, chromosome structure, population genetics, mutation rates, ethnicity of disease and genetic mapping. A comprehensive review of the cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis and pedigree analysis is incorporated as well.

GT 4330 Genetics of Hematological Disease (3 semester credit hours)
This course is a comprehensive study of the principles and procedures used in the cytogenetic analysis of peripheral blood and bone marrow in the study of malignant processes, especially hematological ones. The course emphasizes the chromosome abnormalities and the affected gene/s occurring in leukemias and lymphomas and their clinical significance.

HS 3101 Basic Techniques Laboratory (1 semester credit hour)
An introduction to basic clinical laboratory skills common to all diagnostic programs. Emphasis on proper use of pipettors and micropipettors, sterile techniques, laboratory safety, chemical storage and proper waste disposal, calibration and use of balances, centrifuges and spectrophotometers, serial dilutions, making buffers from stocks, microscopy and slide making. (Admission to Program)

HS 3102 Molecular Techniques Laboratory (1 semester credit hour)
A study of the laboratory skills involved in transporting, preparing and reporting final results of specimens that include blood, bone marrow and solid tissue samples. The course will provide participants with hands-on laboratory experience in: performing molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, purification and quantification; preparing and viewing PCR products and DNA fingerprints via gel electrophoresis and bacterial transformation. (Admission to Program)

HS 3254 Immunohistochemistry (2 semester credit hours)
A comprehensive course that deals with the fundamentals of immunohistochemistry as applied to the theory and practical techniques in histopathology. The students acquire basic knowledge of how immunology is applied in the development of immunohistochemistry reagents and techniques. Emphasis will be placed on the clinical significance of diagnostic and prognostic indicators used in immunohistochemistry techniques. Troubleshooting and standardization of reagents are emphasized. (Admission to Program)

HS 3300 Immunology (3 semester credit hours)
This course focuses on the basic concepts in immunology. General properties of immune responses; cells and tissues of immune system; lymphocyte activation and specificity; effector mechanisms; immunity to microbes; immunodeficiency and AIDS; autoimmune diseases; transplantation. Course delivery a blend of lecture and on line, self-paced activities. (Admission to Program)

HS 3320 Medical Genetics (3 semester credit hours)
A study of the role of genetics in medicine, mendelian genetics, multifactorial inheritance, DNA structure, chromosome structure, population genetics, mutation rates, ethnicity of disease and genetic mapping. A comprehensive review of the cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis and pedigree analysis is incorporated as well. (Admission to Program)

HS 3330 Pathology of Body Fluids (3 semester credit hours)
A study of the anatomy and physiology of the kidney and the formation, elimination and composition of urine. Various body fluids (CSF, Synovial, Plural, Serous, etc.) will be study and associations made with various disease states. Interpretation of urinary and body fluids elements, chemical assays and the correlation with normal and abnormal physiology. Course delivery a blend of lecture and on line, self-paced activities. (Admission to Program)

HS 3340 Research Seminar (3 semester credit hours)
The Research Seminar course will introduce the basic language and concepts of empirical research with emphasis on the applicability of research methodology in the area of clinical laboratory sciences. Students will have opportunity to learn how to search the peer-reviewed journal databases available to them through the Research Library. They will then critique and review their references and learn how to make an outline and write a literature review on their assigned topic. Curriculum will include a blend of lectures, a weekly journal club presented by area scientists and in-class, self-paced activities. (Admission to Program)

HS 3410 Introduction to Diagnostic Sciences (4 semester credit hours)
This course is an introduction to medical terminology. Emphasis is on word roots, prefixes, suffixes, spelling and analysis of unfamiliar terms. Additional background information on the anatomy that relates to various body systems will be discussed. Included is a review of the principles of mathematics and statistics used in clinical laboratories. Course presentation includes introduction to the operation of a laboratory information system. Course delivery is on-line, interactive, self-paced. (Admission to Program)

HS 4100 Issues in Health Care Ethics (1 semester credit hour)
This course content is designed to establish a foundation and set parameters of professional practice for health care professionals. The emphasis will be on developing the background for the resolution of ethical dilemmas through ethical reasoning, ethical obligations in health professional-patient relationships and just allocation of scarce health care resources.

HS 4101 Diversity and Cultural Competence (1 semester credit hour)
This course content is designed to create an awareness of ethnocentrism and a beginning understanding of cultural similarities and diversity. It provides the student with knowledge of the concepts of cultural relativity, cultural integration and variation in cultural values, organization and institutions.

HS 4110 Molecular Genetics Technology (1 semester credit hour)
The study of clinical laboratory molecular diagnostic procedures utilizing recombinant DNA technology and its application to the many aspects of the clinical laboratory.

HS 4170 Special Topics I (1 semester credit hour)
A review of the principles of mathematics and statistics used in the clinical laboratories. Course presentation includes introduction to the selection and operation of a laboratory information system.

HS 4371 Management and Education (3 semester credit hours)
This course covers laboratory management and educational methodologies. It includes management and motivational theories, communication skills, regulatory and accreditation requirements, budget and strategic planning, curriculum design and examination instruction.

HS 4300 Pathophysiology (3 semester credit hours)
This course is designed to provide basic knowledge in pathophysiology in preparation for professional studies in the health sciences. Topic covered includes central concepts of pathophysiology of the cells and tissues and alterations on organs and systems with an emphasis on carcinogenesis. Appropriate diagnostic and treatment procedures are covered.

HS 4510 Medical Microbiology (5 semester credit hours)
Study of the utilization of morphological, biochemical, serological, disease inducing characteristics for microorganism, fungi, mycobacterium and virus identification. Course delivery a blend of lecture and on line, self-paced activities.

MG 4530 Independent Research Project I (5 semester credit hours)
An independent study that may be a case study analysis, laboratory test procedure evaluation or investigation of a laboratory problem. Includes a literature review and data collection.

MG 4231 Independent Research Project II (2 semester credit hours)
Continuation of an independent study that may be a case study analysis, laboratory test procedure evaluation or investigation of a laboratory problem. Includes a paper, poster and oral presentation.

MG 4280 Concepts in Molecular Biology (2 semester credit hours)
An advanced study of the role of genetics in medicine, Mendelian genetics, multifactorial inheritance, DNA structure, chromosome structure, population genetics, mutation rates, ethnicy of disease and genetic mapping.  A comprehensive review of the cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis and pedigree analysis is incorporated as well.

MG 4290 Clinical Applications of Molecular Biology (2 semester credit hours)
Focuses on the specific applications of molecular techniques within a variety of disciplines. The disciplines covered include cytogenetics, hemostasis, hematology, immunology, infectious diseases, forensic science, oncology, paternity and transplantation immunology. The course will provide hands-on, introductory laboratory experience with some of these techniques and participants will develop a focal problem of interest towards their research project.

MG 4320 Special Topics in Genetics (3 semester credit hours)
This course will introduce the student to the newest methodologies and topics in genetics. Current topics may include, FISH probe making, DNA microarrays, Fluorescent in situ Hybridization and other relevant techniques.

MG 4390 Advanced Molecular Diagnostic Techniques (3 semester credit hours)
This lecture/laboratory course focuses on the specific applications of newer molecular techniques. Participants will have hands-on experience which may include Real Time PCR using various detection methods, microarray technology, sequencing, western blotting and Molecular Flow cytometry.  This course also includes a review for the National Credentialing Agency certifying examination.

MG 4410 Basic Laboratory Technique I (4 semester credit hours)
A comprehensive study of maintaining laboratory quality control in accordance with federal, state and local regulations, as well as College of American Pathologists on-site inspections and proficiency testing. Also, a study of the laboratory skills involved in transporting, preparing and reporting final results of specimens that include blood, bone marrow and solid tissue samples. The course will provide participants with hands-on laboratory experience in: performing molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, purification and quantification; preparing and viewing gel electrophoresis; and conducting PCR and Real-Time PCR experiments.

MG 4560 Molecular Diagnostic Clinical Rotation I (5 semester credit hours)
This clinical laboratory rotation includes the study of molecular diagnostic procedures utilizing recombinant DNA technology and its application to the many aspects of the clinical laboratory. Laboratory experiences include DNA specimen handling and processing, DNA extraction, DNA purification, Southern blot analysis, probe preparation and utilization, PCR, primer design and Real-Time PCR.

MG 4570 Molecular Diagnostic Clinical Rotation II (5 semester credit hours)
This clinical laboratory rotation is a continuation of MG 4560.  This clinical laboratory rotation may include the study of molecular diagnostic procedures utilizing recombinant DNA technology  and its application to the many aspects of the clinical laboratory.  Laboratory experiences may include DNA specimen handling and processing, DNA extractions, DNA purification, Southern blot analysis, probe preparation and utilization, PCR, primer design and REAL-Time PCR.

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