Human Genetics: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Human Genetics?
There are two main branches to Human Genetics as a professional discipline in the UK: Medical Genetics Medical Genetics is a medical specialty, which deals with conditions which are or may be caused by changes in genes. Genetic conditions may run in families. Examples include Down syndrome, haemophilia and cystic fibrosis. Members of the BSHG are involved in the front line of delivering services to the public in Regional Genetics Centres throughout the UK. ...
Source: www.bshg.org.uk
What is the difference between (human) genetics and genomics?
Genetics is the study of inheritance, or the way traits are passed down from one generation to another. Genes carry the instructions for making proteins, which in turn direct the activities of cells and functions of the body that influence traits such as hair and eye color. Genomics is a newer term that describes the study of all the genes in person, as well as interactions of those genes with each other and with that person's environment. ...
Source: www.ct.gov
What kind of career can a PhD in Human Genetics lead to?
The Prospects website has useful information about who employs genetics graduates as well as tips on finding employment.
Source: www.ncl.ac.uk
How does the Committee on Genetics, Genomics & Systems Biology differ from the Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology?
The GGSB is designed to provide broad, in-depth training in diverse areas of genetics including population genetics, evolution, molecular genetics, genomics, systems biology, transmission genetics, model organism genetics, and human genetics.
Source: cg.bsd.uchicago.edu
Can I substitute Human Genetics or Behavioral Genetics for the General Genetics requirement?
A general genetics course gives you a broad overview of the field.
Source: www.colorado.edu
Can I visit Sarah Lawrence College and the Joan H. Marks Graduate Program in Human Genetics?
Yes. Please contact Manny Lomax or Caroline Lieber for information. Course Questions
Source: www.slc.edu
How do the American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG) and the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) differ from ACMG?
All three organizations are dedicated to supporting genetics professionals. They operate independently but often work in conjunction with one another on various projects and issues. Each group has its own bylaws, mission statements, elected leaders and staff offices. ABMG is the certifying body that accredits medical genetics training programs and conducts certification examinations for and certifies medical geneticists. ABMG also facilitates maintenance of certification for ABMG diplomates. ...
Source: www.acmg.net
What is the difference between the BSc and the MSci degrees in Biology, Zoology, Genetics and Human Genetics?
The four-year MSci degree differs from the three-year BSc degree in its specialised training in research skills in the fourth year, particularly the intensive full-time project which occupies half of the year. The BSc degree has a project also, but this is taken along with lecture modules, and would normally involve two days work a week. ...
Source: www.nott.ac.uk
What is CDC doing to address the public health opportunities presented by advances in human genetics?
In September 1996, Dr. David Satcher, former Director of the CDC, appointed an agency-wide Task Force on Genetics and Disease Prevention to develop a strategic plan for coordinating and strengthening CDCs activities in genetics and public health. In October 1997, the Strategic Plan was approved and CDCs National Office of Public Health Genomics (NOPHG) was formed. ...
Source: www.cdc.gov
Are all NIDA-funded investigators studying the human molecular genetics of addiction encouraged to join the NGC?
Yes. Because of economies of scale and the need to facilitate sharing through the centralized resource, all NIDA-funded investigators are encouraged to contribute to and use the resources of the NIDA Center for Genetic Studies. By joining the NGC the applicant will: Increase statistical power of the studies using samples being collected; Enhance quality control of the data collected; Facilitate and enhance opportunities for collaboration; Have access to a data management facility to create extensively documented files at no cost; ...
Source: www.nida.nih.gov
May BIOL 1114 Human Development and Genetics be counted towards a biology major or minor?
BIOL 1114 is intended for non-science students. This course may not be counted as credit for a biology major ; however, it may be counted for a minor in biology. Updated 1 June 2007 Biology Department Mount Saint Vincent University Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3M 2J6 Canada Phone: 902-457-6229 Fax: 902-457-6134
Source: www.msvu.ca
Does NIDA require membership in the NGC for all principal investigators of NIDA-funded grants studying the human molecular genetics of drug addiction?
No. NIDA strongly encourages, but does not require, membership in the NGC for investigators principal investigators of NIDA-funded grants studying the human molecular genetics of drug addiction. Investigators who choose not to join the NGC, however, will have to use resources from their grant to meet NIH and NIDA's expectations for data sharing for human molecular genetic studies of addiction (see Q13).
Source: www.nida.nih.gov

