Laura Hercher

The Ethics course covers the principles of medical ethics, and their application in the field of genetic counseling. The significance of current and historical examples of eugenics, and how past abuses affect the clinical practices of genetic medicine today are explored. Through a combination of lecture and discussion, the class reviews hot button issues such as abortion, ‘designer babies’ and genetic engineering. The course also covers legal and ethical dilemmas with specific relevance to genetics, including genetic discrimination, the genetic testing of minors, and the extent of a genetic clinician’s responsibility to biological relatives.

Every student in the Joan H. Marks Human Genetics Program is required to complete a capstone experience and submit a manuscript documenting the experience or project to fulfill the requirements for obtaining a master’s degree in Human Genetics from the Graduate Studies division of Sarah Lawrence College.

Direct-to-consumer genetic testing is a fast-growing and expanding marketplace. Many assume that DTC options will play a big role in integrating genetics into society, for better and worse. Historically, clinical providers of genetic medicine have cast a cold eye on the commercial companies selling unmediated access to genetic testing, as have government regulators. Today, most positions are more nuanced and the types of testing that are on offer are more varied. Using lecture, case studies and guest speakers, we will examine a variety of the tests and modes of access often lumped together in the DTC bucket, and consider the risks and benefits of online access to genetic testing, the regulatory options, and the role that genetic counselors should play in pre- and post-test counseling for DTC results.

The Ethics course covers the principles of medical ethics and their application in the field of genetic counseling. The significance of current and historical examples of eugenics and how past abuses affect the clinical practices of genetic medicine today are explored. Through a combination of lecture and discussion, the class reviews hot-button issues such as abortion, “designer babies,” and genetic engineering. The course also covers legal and ethical dilemmas with specific relevance to genetics, including genetic discrimination, the genetic testing of minors, and the extent of a genetic clinician’s responsibility to biological relatives.

The Research Methods course serves as an introduction to the thesis process, which culminates in the writing of a thesis manuscript in the second year. Students are encouraged to become better consumers of the scientific literature—including the use of search engines, a reference program, and critical reading skills—in the construction of a literature review as a first step toward study design and publication. The course includes a review of qualitative and quantitative research models; development of surveys, focus groups, and questionnaires; and the basics of data analysis and working in SPSS.