Diagnostic Genetic Sciences

Course descriptions

The Diagnostic Genetic Sciences (DGS) major is an educational and clinical training program in genetic and genomic testing leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. Genetic and genomic testing information is used for screening, diagnosing, prognosticating and monitoring many human diseases. Diagnostic genetic scientists are credentialed professionals critical to the research, application and translation of genetics and genomics to personalized or precision medicine. Students in the DGS professional degree program complete requirements for diagnostic molecular sciences which is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) (5600 N. River Rd, Suite 70, Rosemont IL 60018-5119; 773-714-8880). The DGS curriculum includes on-campus didactic and laboratory coursework and an off-site clinical and research internship at an affiliated laboratory. Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification examination in molecular biology (MB) immediately upon graduation.

Requirements

The course requirements listed below may also be used to satisfy the University’s General Education requirements.

Mathematics and Science Courses

Professional Courses

AH 2001, 3021, 3121, 4241; DGS 3100, 4234W, 4235, 4236; MLSC 4500; four related cognates,  2000 level or above, as approved by their DGS advisor.

Molecular Practicum Courses

DGS 4402, 4503, 46044850 or 4997; and one of the following: DGS 4510, 4512, 4513, 4515.

Writing in the Major

DGS 4234W

Information Literacy

Competencies will be met through successful completion of program major courses.

Supplemental Academic Standards. The Department of Allied Health Sciences requires a cumulative grade point average of not less than 2.2 in order to gain admission to the professional majors. Thereafter, students must maintain the following standards of scholastic achievement to continue in the professional major. Students who fail to maintain the minimum grade point averages or minimum course standard in any of these areas are subject to dismissal from the professional program and in some cases the Department of Allied Health Sciences.

  1. Students must maintain a minimum semester grade point average of 2.2.
  2. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.2.
  3. Students must maintain a minimum major grade point average of 2.2. Major GPA includes all courses offered with the following departmental designations: AH, DGS, and MLSC.
  4. Students must obtain a “C” or better in all courses required for graduation that are in the Department of Allied Health Sciences (AH, DGS, and MLSC).
  5. No student may take a course in the Department of Allied Health Sciences for which another course in the department is a prerequisite unless that student has earned a grade of “C” or better in that prerequisite course.
  6. No course in the Department of Allied Health Sciences may be repeated more than once (for a total of two times).

For information about admission and clinical placement requirements, please see “Department of Allied Health Sciences Professional Majors” at the end of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources section of this catalog.

Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Certificate Program

The Department of Allied Health Sciences also offers a Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Certificate. Please see the University of Connecticut Graduate Catalog for more information