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Genomics and Precision Medicine Track with Specialisation in
Genetic Counselling
The Specialisation in Genetic Counselling provides students with comprehensive training in medical genomics, psychosocial counselling and evidence-based practice, with a strong focus on clinical and research practices. Through a combination of online lectures and workshops, role-playing exercises, clinical attachments in hospitals and a dissertation project, students will gain hands-on experience and professional insight in genetic counselling. The programme prepares graduates to apply their knowledge, analytical skills and clinical competence effectively in the field, enabling them to contribute to the advancement of patient-centred genetic and genomic healthcare.
Highlights
Comprehensive training in medical genomics, psychosocial counselling and evidence-based practice
Hands-on experience in genetic counselling
Strong focus on applications in both clinical and research practices
Target Students
- Healthcare professionals seeking training in genetic counselling
- Students from biomedical or health science disciplines aiming to develop skills in genetic counselling
Students with background in counselling but would like to equip themselves with knowledge of medical genomics
Prerequisites
Applicants with one or more of the following backgrounds will have an advantage:
- Basic knowledge of (human) genetics
- Work experience in a medical or clinical setting
- Laboratory or research experience, particularly in translational medicine
Curriculum
Total: 69 Credits
Core Course
(24 credits)
Specialised Course
(18 credits)
Capstone Experience
(27 credits)
The courses listed below are offered subject to availability and minimum student number.
Courses marked with an asterisk “*” are compulsory.
Core Courses (24 credits required)
Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
MSPH7901 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 6 |
MSPH7902 | Introduction to Epidemiology | 6 |
MEDI7901 | Cell Metabolism | 6 |
PAED7901 | Principles to Genetic Counselling* | 6 |
PAED7902 | Introduction to Genomic Medicine and Precision Health | 6 |
PATH7901 | Laboratory Methods and Instrumentation | 6 |
PATH7902 | General Cytopathology | 6 |
PATH7903 | Practical Course in Laboratory Methods | 6 |
PATH7904 | Fundamentals of Common Human Diseases | 6 |
PATH7905 | Recent Advances in Cancer Biology | 6 |
PHAR7901 | Principles of Drug Action | 6 |
PHAR7902 | Clinical Trials Management and Pharmacovigilance | 6 |
MSBS7901 | Molecular Biology of the Gene and Diseases | 6 |
MSBS7902 | Advanced Cell Biology | 6 |
MSBS7903 | Integrative Perspectives of Body Functions | 6 |
SURG7901 | Human Genomics in Healthcare and Society* | 6 |
Specialised Courses (18 credits required)
Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
SURG7101 | Risk Calculation and Effective Communication in Genetic Counselling* | 3 |
SURG7102 | Advancements in Genomics* | 3 |
SURG7103 | Genetics in Medicine 1 (Prenatal)* | 3 |
SURG7104 | Genetics in Medicine 2 (Paediatrics)* | 3 |
SURG7105 | Genetics in Medicine 3 (Cancer)* | 3 |
SURG7106 | Clinical Scenarios Workshop (+/- Clinical Attachment)* | 3 |
Capstone Experience
Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
SURG7000 | Capstone: Genetic Counselling* | 27 |
MMSC6001 | Dissertation Writing* | N/A |
MMSC6003 | Research Ethics* | N/A |
Students will undertake a written capstone project, selecting one topic from the following areas:
- Genetic Counselling
- Advancements in Genomics
- Genetics in Medicine (Prenatal)
- Genetics in Medicine (Paediatrics)
- Genetics in Medicine (Cancer)
- Clinical Scenarios
The project involves literature review, focused study and/or case study, with close supervision and mentorship from faculty.
Admission Advisor
Professor Ava Kwong
Daniel C K Yu Professor in Breast Cancer Research,
Department of Surgery,
School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine
Email: avakwong@hku.hk / genetics@hku.hk
Professor Ava Kwong is Daniel C K Yu Professor in Breast Cancer Research and Clinical Professor of the Department of Surgery at The University of Hong Kong, Chief of Division of Breast Surgery at Queen Mary, Tung Wah Hospital.
Professor Kwong’s research interests focus on breast and ovarian cancer genetics, advanced surgical technologies, epidemiology, psychosocial and clinical trials in oncological treatment. She has authored chapters in textbooks and has over 300 peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals.