Undergraduate: 

Postgraduate:

View the Faculty of Health Sciences Postgraduate Supervision Guidelines which includes the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between graduate student and supervisor, and the guidelines for the appointment of supervisors. 

 
MBChB
A new curriculum is being developed for undergraduate medical training. Human Genetics is taught in several modes, including a series of lectures in the 'Language of Medicine' module, and the 'Molecular Biology Module', and within each of the cases in the 'problem based learning module'. In addition students are expected to engage with genetics (and other disciplines) within the 'special studies module'
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B.Sc.(Med)(Hons)
Students with a basic degree (BSc) with appropriate majors (molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology amongst others) are accepted for a year's full-time study towards a BScMedHons degree. The curriculum for the Hons programme is constantly updated and provides the graduate with the opportunity to engage in modules in allied subjects aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of the academic and research environment in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
 

 
MSc
Candidates who have achieved good results with a B.Sc.(Hons) may be considered for an MSc in Human Genetics. Here the emphasis is on bench research aimed at mastering technological and methodological skills. The student will be expected to engage with scientific literature critically as a means of contextualising his/her own research.
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MSc (Med) Genetic Counselling

Genetic counsellors work as members of a healthcare team, providing information and support to families who have members  with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. They identify  families at risk, investigate the problem present in the family, interpret information about the disorder, analyse inheritance  patterns and risks of recurrence, and review available options with the family. Internationally, genetic counsellors are recognised as health professionals with specialised graduate degrees and experience in the area of medical genetics and counselling.

This course extends over a minimum of two years (full-time) during which time the student will learn the principles and applications of medical genetics as well as the principles and practices of genetic counselling.  There is a major course-work component comprising tutorials, essays, case reports and experiential role-playing scenarios. In addition, a research project will be undertaken in the second year, which will be written up as a dissertation.   

More information on the MSc (Med) Genetic Counselling Course: 

 
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PhD
Candidates with a proven research record (usually an MSc in a related field) may be accepted to register for a PhD. The student will be exposed to a world class research environment in Human Genetics, and expected to work on one of the current research programmes in the Division. Although the programme emphasises bench and literature-based research, the candidate may be required to take additional modules in allied programmes, if this is deemed beneficial to the project and the candidate.
 

 
Specialisation in Medical Genetics

In August 2007 Medical Genetics was elevated from sub-specialty to primary speciality status in recognition of the increasing importance of genetics in medical practice. Registered medical practitioners are eligible to apply for speciality training in medical genetics. The education program at UCT extends over four years and leads to a Fellowship in Medical Genetics and an MMed in Medical Genetics. Like the field of Medical Genetics, training is very diverse, and specialty training in medical genetics at UCT involves:

  • Clinical rotations in prenatal, paediatric and adult Medical Genetics. These include exposure to dysmorphology, teratogenic disorders, metabolic disorders, neurogenetics, cardiogenetics and cancer genetics, (amongst others)
  • Theoretic and practical education in genetic counselling and communication
  • Laboratory rotations in cytogenetics and molecular genetics
  • A research project leading to an MMed is a requirement
  • Overtime commitments are limited but academic interest is essential

 
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