Overview
The PhD sub-specialization in Genetic and Genomic Counselling will develop researchers who generate knowledge through empirical research that will advance and inform evidence-based practice in the genetic counselling profession, resulting in improved health outcomes.
This thesis-based, 18-credit program will accept applications from competitive MSc/MS graduates from accredited genetic counselling training programs who are board certified/board eligible with the Canadian Association of Genetic Counselling and/or American Board of Genetic Counseling and who are motivated to pursue doctoral studies to become thought leaders in this emerging field. Reasonably comparable training and certification/experience from international students will be considered. A proven track record in research is important.
The program will typically require at least 48 months of full-time study. Courses will be delivered in various forms including didactic lecture, online learning, group discussions, student presentations and independent study and research. The program will develop graduates who are thought leaders utilizing their training to advance the field of genetic counselling in academic research and education, industry, ethics and health policy.
Overall Program Goals
Enhance the strength and rigour of genetic counselling as an academic discipline.
Improve the evidence base for genetic counselling practice in the era of genomic medicine.
Consolidate the international stature of BC and UBC as world-leaders for genetic and genomic counselling, genomics and translational medicine.
Application Requirements
Step 1: Application Documents
- Statement of Interest describing their research interests, reason for pursuing doctoral studies and commitment to advancing the field of genetic and genomic counselling
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Official post-secondary transcripts and degree certificates (issued by the university, not web transcripts) and grading key
- Copy of board certification in genetic counselling (if applicable)
- TOEFL or IELTS test score (if required) (see https://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective- students/application-admission/admission-requirements)
- Permanent Resident card copy (if applicable)
- References (3 in total) and must include one from a supervisor who can speak to the candidate’s research potential and one from a supervisor from the Genetic Counselling training program who can speak to the candidate’s commitment to advancing the profession
Applications are made via UBC’s Graduate Studies Online Application Portal.
Step 2: Application Review
An advisory and admissions committee has been established for the PhD sub-specialization in Genetic and Genomic Counselling. Faculty members who comprise this committee will review applications and determine successful applicants. Applicants deemed competitive by the Program Committee (see below) will be interviewed via Zoom by at least one committee member to explore areas of research interests, commitment to a doctoral program, etc.
Completed applications are reviewed and ranked by the Genetic and Genomic Counselling Admissions Committee in consultation with the Medical Genetics Admissions Committee. Applicants will be emailed the status of their application review: “admissible” or “declined”. Admissible applicants must secure the commitment of a Research Supervisor who agrees to provide supervision and financial support. An interview will be part of this process.
The admissible applicant will receive an official offer of admission letter from UBC once they have secured the written commitment of a Research Supervisor.
Step 3: Following an Offer of Admission
Mail or courier official, degree-conferred transcripts and degree certificates to:
Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies, University of British Columbia, 6371 Crescent Rd
Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z2
CANADA
Admission will be based on:
Academic excellence, letters of reference, CV, research interest and potential and securing a thesis supervisor.
Program Graduation Requirements
In order to graduate from the PhD in Medical Genetics Genetic and Genomic Counselling sub-specialization, students must complete the following (including 18 academic credits):
- MEDG_V 596 – Advanced Research Topics in Genetic and Genomic Counselling (6 Credits) (mandatory)
- MEDG_V 548 – Directed Studies (6 Credits) For the majority of students, the Directed Studies Course will be in the form of a Scoping Review with support from the Health Science Library staff. The Scoping Review will be related to the student’s thesis topic.
- Approved Electives (6 Credits)
- Electives will be approved by the student’s supervisory committee and must relate to the focus area of inquiry.
- Submit a proposal and successfully defend a comprehensive examination (see https://med-fom- medgen.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2020/08/Guidelines-for-the-PhD-Comprehensive-Examination.pdf)
- Complete and successfully defend a dissertation (MEDG_V 649 – Thesis Course 0 Credits)
Program Structure and Curriculum Design
PhD students in this sub-specialization must complete their 18 credits of courses during the first two terms of their program. Students required to take additional courses after their first year (including auditing a course) must receive permission from their Supervisor, the Supervisory Committee, and the Graduate Advisor for the PhD in Genetic and Genomic Counselling.
Comprehensive Examination
Overview: The student in the PhD sub-specialization in Genetic and Genomic Counselling is required to pass a comprehensive examination in genetic and genomic counselling. This oral examination is held after completion of all required coursework. It is intended to test the student’s grasp of their field of study as a whole, as well as their ability to communicate their understanding.
Purpose: The purpose of the comprehensive examination is to evaluate the candidate’s knowledge of the areas of specialization relevant to their research project, and of general genetic and genomic counselling. The ability to reason and to integrate knowledge of the discipline related to the student’s thesis project will be emphasized. The exam is intended to determine whether the student has developed:
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities;
- Required breadth and in-depth knowledge of the discipline;
- Required academic background for the specific doctoral research to follow;
- Potential ability to conduct independent and original research; and
- Demonstrated ability to communicate knowledge of the discipline.
The comprehensive examination is intended to test the student’s grasp of the chosen field of study as a whole, and the student’s ability to communicate his or her understanding of it in English.
Timing of Examination: PhD students in the Genetic and Genomic Counselling sub-specialization should take the comprehensive exam by 20 months and no later than 24 months of initial registration in their program.
Contact
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at GCPHD.MEDG@ubc.ca.