What is Genetic Counselling? (FutureLearn)

You will discover why people seek genetic counselling and how it compares in different contexts and countries. You will explore the main skills and knowledge genetic counsellors need, as well as their key responsibilities to patients. You will discuss the ethical issues of genetic counselling, and its opportunities and challenges for the future.

What topics will you cover?

- Why people would see a genetic counsellor

- Some of a genetic counsellor’s key tasks

- A genetic counsellor’s key skills and knowledge: counselling skills, medical and scientific knowledge

- Ethical issues in genetic counselling

- What the future might hold for genetic counsellors

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

- identify why people have genetic counselling and the different contexts in which people receive genetic counselling

- describe the different skills and knowledges needed by genetic counsellors

- compare genetic counselling in different contexts and different countries

- reflect on some ethical issues that arise in genetic counselling

- discuss the role of genetic counselling in healthcare as we enter the ‘genomic era'

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for healthcare professionals, clinicians, biomedical research scientists, and anyone curious about genetic counselling.

Although not required, a basic knowledge of genetics, genetic testing technologies, and inheritance patterns would help support your learning on this course.