Graduate Diploma in Genetic Counselling

Course 583AA (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Year and Campus: 2011 - Parkville
CRICOS Code: 023182K
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Duration & Credit Points: 100 credit points taken over 12 months full time. This course is available as full or part time.

Coordinator

Mrs Margaret Sahhar

Contact

Mrs Margaret Sahhar
masahhar@unimelb.edu.au
Course Overview: This course is an early exit point from the Master of Genetic Counselling. It provides the first part of the two part certification process for professional certification as a genetic counsellor and is the pre-requisite for obtaining employment in the field of genetic counselling. Once employed, there is a minimum 2 year certification process, of 20 long cases and a log book, written up under supervision and submitted to the certification Board of Censors in Genetic Counselling. Genetic counsellors work in a team, providing information about genetic conditions to enable people and families to make informed decisions and choices about reproduction. They also may be involved in the areas of genetic screening, DNA and chromosome tests and prenatal testing. Teaching is by problem oriented tutorial approach using case examples in a group of 10 students. Learning is achieved by group discussion, individual research, group presentation and discussion with resource people.
Objectives: On completing the Graduate Diploma in Genetic Counselling, students should be able to:
  • Identify with the professional goals, ethics and skills of the genetic counselling profession;
  • Establish a professional relationship with clients;
  • Communicate in an open, non-directive manner with families and people with genetic conditions;
  • Communicate clearly and understand the principles of genetic inheritance relevant to families and individuals in understanding their particular genetic condition;
  • Work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team, with an awareness of the roles of different professionals;
  • Relate to clients in a holistic manner, identifying the complex medical and psychosocial issues that may confront people and their families who come for genetic counselling and make appropriate referrals to other professionals and to community resources;
  • Undertake administration tasks in co-ordination as appropriate within a genetics clinic.
Course Structure & Available Subjects: Students enrolled in the Master of Genetic Counselling must successfully complete six core subjects, including a supervised placement, to qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Genetic Counselling.

Students should also check with the course coordinator for the appropriate sequence of subjects.
Subject Options:

Core Subjects

Core Subjects:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1
12.50
Semester 1, Semester 2
8
Semester 2
12.50
Entry Requirements: A tertiary degree, preferably in science, the humanities or nursing, together with relevant work experience.
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website : http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
Graduate Attributes: This course aims to provide the first part of the two part certification process for professional certification as a genetic counsellor and is the pre-requisite for obtaining employment in the field of genetic counselling.

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