Cancer Genetic Counseling

Student Corner

Resources for Students Interested in Genetics and Genetic Counseling

http://www.genome.gov/10506367
This website hosted by the National Human Genome Research Institute provides information about DNA Day events and also has links to a wealth of genetic education resources. There are fact sheets, teaching tools, tips for speakers, an online education toolkit, genetic education modules, and links to other online resources.

http://www.nsgc.org/career/
This part of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) website provides information about the genetic counseling profession and pursuing a career in genetic counseling. It has information about training programs in genetic counseling and provides links to websites for individual training programs. There are also several sections of advice from program directors on applying to training programs.

http://www.genetics.com.au/factsheet/index.html
This site for the Australian Centre for Genetics Education contains numerous fact sheets on a variety of topics in general human genetics, genetic technology, and clinical genetics. Available topics include genes and chromosomes, genetic counseling, genes and cancer, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, hereditary colon cancer, forensics, gene therapy, and cloning. The fact sheets are very detailed but easy to understand due to the use of simple language and plenty of pictures.

http://www.sickkids.ca/childphysiology/cpwp/Genetics/geneticsintro.htm
Medical illustrators at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada developed this illustrative website that covers the basics of genetics, as well as the brain, heart, lungs & airway and skeleton. This site is a must-see for children and adults who want a well organized, innovative and beautifully designed guide to genetics and these organ systems. Genes, chromosomes and inheritance are completed and the genetics & health section is being developed. What a great resource for any student working on a school project or any adult who wants to understand the ins and outs of genetics!

http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/
The Genetic Science Learning Center is an excellent resource that provides innovative and effective genetic science learning programs for teachers, students, and the public. This site should not be missed by anyone with an interest in better understanding the field of genetics.

http://www.kumc.edu/gec/
This is the Genetics Education Center website of the University of Kansas Medical Center and it is an amazing resource for educators and individuals interested in learning more about genetics. It provides access to hundreds of resources including books, videos, lesson plans, activities, and glossaries on a variety of subjects related to basic genetics, genetic diseases, and the Human Genome Project.

http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov
The “Guide to Understanding Genetic Conditions” is produced by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. It currently contains information about over 200 genetic conditions with plans to continually expand the list of conditions. It also includes a glossary of genetic terms, an introduction to basic genetics, and resources for more information on a variety of topics for patients and families, educators, and individuals interested in genetics.

http://www.dnalc.org/home.html
Fascinating animated multimedia exhibits captivate viewers as they are guided through segments on the basics of heredity, genetic disorders, eugenics, DNA sequencing, and cancer and plant genetics. Hosted by the Dolan DNA Learning Center at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, this site is dedicated to informing students, teachers, and families about the concepts of genetics. The Learning Center also offers public workshops, exhibitions, presentations, field trips, summer day camps, and teacher training.

http://www.genetics.gsk.com/kids/index_kids.htm
This website provides a fun, interactive introduction to basic genetics for children. It includes simple text descriptions, interactive pictures, video clips, and games. Some of the text and videos are more complex and may be more appropriate for older children and adults. Topics covered include DNA, genes, heredity, and the role of genetics in diseases.

http://www.eurekascience.com/ICanDoThat/
A fun, simple introduction to genetics for children (and adults) using drawings and characters, this website introduces the basics of cell structures and DNA as well as explaining new technologies (i.e. cloning and genetic engineering). There are also many links to other sites for science-related information.