Clinical Genetics Technology (Advanced Diploma Program)

This course is designed to assist students in managing workplace challenges in professional practice, and developing communication and other interpersonal skills. Students will learn teamwork, collaborative troubleshooting, and the importance of cooperation and respectful behaviour towards fellow Clinical Genetics technologists and other health care professionals.

Introduction to Cytogenetics Laboratory Technology and Methodology is an entry-level course that utilizes hands-on training through demonstrations, lectures, and laboratories. The principles and methodologies involved in clinical cytogenetics testing in somatic genetics diseases are stressed. The students' background in the sciences is utilized to aid in the explanation of the relationship of results, application, and interpretation. The emphasis is also on lab organization, time management, individual and group activities, and the attainment of specified competencies related to the CSMLS document.

Through an extensive collection of normal and abnormal 5×7 G-b prints, CytoVision® reprints, and slides, the student is exposed to the many morphological and band characteristic variations of human metaphase chromosomes. Abnormal/normal karyotypes are described according to the ISCN (2016) criteria. The correlation between the chromosome outcomes and phenotype expression is stressed. A system for the analysis of human metaphase chromosomes in print or under the microscope is established. This allows for the consistent analysis of each metaphase to be studied and reduces errors. The student also does critical chromosome analysis on experimental tissue culture preparations (fibroblasts, amnion/chorion and amniotic fluid).

This course is designed to allow the student to assimilate previous academic and practical experience, with CLGT training, and to explore some of the subject matter as outlined in the competencies for clinical genetics published by the CSMLS (January, 2016) . Students will be given assigned readings/case studies, and will use online discussion forums to post individual and group comments, and to create resources for self review. Students will also participate in weekly in-class discussions . The written final examination will consist of questions based on all readings and case studies.

This is an introductory course in computer assisted imaging for human, banded, metaphase chromosomes. Beginning at the microscope, students will learn the principles and techniques to capture "high quality" images of metaphase chromosomes on Cytovision. Principles and practical applications of computer assisted karyotyping will be covered. Students will learn how the principles of traditional photomicroscopy can also apply in part to the process of image enhancement and capture using Cytovision software. Students will critically compare traditional photographs to images produced with assisted image analysis instrumentation (Cytovision). Similarities and differences, always with the intent of improving the image(s) produced, will be reviewed.

This is an introductory course in the use of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities. The theoretical and practical principles will be discussed including: prnciples of the FISH technique, preparation of tissues for FISH, types of DNA probes, epi-fluorescent microscopy, clinical applications of FISH, and analysis and interpretation of results. During the laboratory sessions, emphasis will be placed on the development of observational and troubleshooting skills. Documentation and interpretation of results will be emphasized.

A comprehensive introduction to diagnostic molecular techniques for constitutional genetic disease and cancer. This course will include foundational training in the basics of lab safety and human DNA preparation from various sources (blood, cell cultures, and solid tissue). In-class lectures, online resources and hands-on laboratory components of this course will also be focussed on techniques such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, gel and capillary electrophoresis, and Sanger sequencing . Students will be introduced to speciality software used for the analysis, interpretation and validation of these assays. The theory behind Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) as a method for detection of pathogenic mutations will also be introduced.

Introduction to chromosomal microarray technology (CMA) is an entry-level course that utilizes lectures and tutorials to introduce the principles of microarray technology and its application to the assessment of copy number variants and copy neutral aberrations in clinical genetics.

A continuation of CLGT 5501 but with increased emphasis on the quality of preparations and troubleshooting. Slide making techniques and theory are reviewed and are applied to blood cultures/suspensions. High resolution chromosomes are derived from specialized protocols using PHA, FUdR, and thymidine. Various G­banding methods are studied and applied. Special banding procedures are reviewed. The need for an organized, professional approach to laboratory procedures/experiments is strongly emphasized. Students study workflow in blood culturing from accessioning to harvest and slide making. This is also strongly emphasized. It is a CSMLS competency and is given maximum time and resources.
Prerequisite(s): CLGT 5501

The students are exposed to an increasing level of complexity in the chromosome abnormalities and increased band resolution that are to be examined. The system for selecting metaphases and analysis is reviewed and stressed. Through the analysis of test prints/slides and assigned cultures, a level of confidence and competence is reached. Pairs and partial karyotypes of prophase chromosomes as well as special stains and banding are organized. The selection of metaphases with chromosomes of high quality and the accuracy of the subsequent analysis are critical for success in this course. Understanding the relationship of chromosome analysis and karyotyping under the microscope with image reproduction support is crucial in this course and life as a professional cytogenetics technologist. G-banding testing of selected metaphases is a critical skill that all students must work hard to achieve consistent critical success in.
Prerequisite(s): CLGT 5502

This course is designed to allow the student to continue to assimilate previous academic and practical experience, with CLGT training, to explore some of the subject matter as outlined in the competencies for clinical genetics published by the CSMLS (January, 2016). Students will be given assigned readings/case studies, and will use online discussion forums to post individual comments. Student-led In-class discussions will occur for review and to practice teamwork skills. The written final examination will consist of questions based on all readings and case studies.
Prerequisite(s): CLGT 5503

This course is a continuation of CLGT 5504 and provides the students with an opportunity to refine digital imaging skills using CytoVision®. Emphasis will be placed on the quality of the finished karyotype/metaphase for band resolution, contrast, and analyzability. It is a critical skill for students to be able to use the software to maximize the resolution of the bands for all karotypes and WM produced for all exercises submitted.
Prerequisite(s): CLGT 5504

This course is a continuation of CLGT 5505 and will build on the basic skills introduced in the first term. Additional interphase FISH techniques will be covered. The use and application of whole chromosome paint probes and loci-specific DNA probes will be introduced. ISCN nomenclature describing the use of FISH for detection of micro-deletions and translocations will be covered. Documentation and interpretation of results will be emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): CLGT 5505

A comprehensive continuation to the training in diagnostic molecular techniques begun in CLGT 5506. In-class lectures, online resources and hands-on laboratory components of this course will focus on advanced techniques such as real time PCR, RNA based diagnostic assays and Multiplex Ligation Dependant Probe amplification (MLPA). Students will be trained in speciality software for the analysis, interpretation and validation of these assays. Analysis of data from Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) assays as a method for detection of pathogenic mutations will also be introduced.
Prerequisite(s): CLGT 5506

This course builds on the theory and principles learned in CLGT 5507 and introduces the students to wet-lab processing of microarrays. Students will gain additional experience analyzing CMA data files and become more familiar with a variety of CMA results and their clinical implications. This course will offer an introduction to genetic counselling issues and emerging applications of CMA to the field of clinical genetics.
Prerequisite(s): CLGT 5507

The practicum is 30 weeks in length and is divided between cytogenetics and molecular diagnostic technology. The cytogenetics portion of the practicum is 18 weeks in length and deals with the theoretical and technical content of courses CLGT 5501/6601, 5502/6602, 5505/6605, and 5507/6609, as well as methods not covered at BCIT due to time/equipment constraints. It may be necessary to locate some students to Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba due to a limited number of cytogenetics sites in the Lower Mainland.

The practicum is 30 weeks in length and is divided evenly between cytogenetics/FISH technology and molecular genetics technology. The molecular genetics portion of the practicum is approximately 12 weeks in length and deals with the theoretical and technical content of courses CLGT 5506/6606 as well as methods not covered at BCIT due to time/equipment constraints. It may be necessary to locate some students to Alberta and/or Manitoba due to a limited number of molecular genetics sites.