Genetics in society 15 EC

Explore the dynamics between genetics and society through transdisciplinary teamwork driven by design thinking.

This 15 or 30 EC minor explores how genetics shapes, and is shaped by, society. Rapid advances in genetic technologies raise complex questions about ethics, governance, and implementation. Should everyone be genetically screened for heart disease risk? What is the value of DNA in the courtroom? Who decides if and how humans will be genetically modified in the near future? How do you report the finding of a serious genetic disease to a patient?

In the first 10 weeks, you will work in a multidisciplinary team to identify a societal genetics issue and produce a societal problem analysis. In the second 10 weeks, you will deepen your analysis through literature review and stakeholder interviews, culminating in a scientific report. Alongside this group work, you will choose a track in the first 10 weeks: the research track teaches you how to design socially relevant studies using the Research for Impact paradigm, while the counseling track focuses on genetic counseling skills through simulated patient sessions and reflective practice. Interactive lectures cover molecular biology, ethics, governance, and science communication, complemented by design-thinking workshops and mentor sessions. By combining theory with hands-on experience, this minor prepares you to bridge science and society, showcasing research, counseling and stakeholder engagement as essential tools for creating positive impact.

You will be able to:

• Critically analyze societal issues in genetics, including analysis of relevant sources (15EC) and scientific / grey literature (30EC).
• Understand (15EC) / apply (30EC) perspectives in governance and ethics on societal issues in genetics.
• Describe basic molecular and cellular biology concepts (15EC) and apply this understanding in analyzing societal issues in genetics (30EC).
• Describe basic diagnostic technologies and their applications.
• Demonstrate knowledge of (15EC) / apply (30EC) the research for impact paradigm.
• Collaborate with different disciplines on analyzing a societal issue in genetics (15EC) / on a scientifically grounded definition of a societal issue in genetics (30EC).
• Counseling track: Demonstrate how to establish a reciprocal professional relationship with an individual seeking genetic counseling.
• Research track: Apply parts of the research for impact paradigm to the field of genetics.
• Conduct interviews with stakeholders on issues of genetics in society (30 EC).
• Explain the link between research practice and societal issues within the genetics domain (30EC).
• Reflect on professional development and behavior.

This minor is broadening and interesting for students studying bachelors like Medicine, Psychology, Pedagogical Sciences, Clinical Technology, BMG, Biomedical Sciences, Liberal Arts & Sciences, Philosophy and Criminology. English proficiency is required. This minor is designed to be accessible to students both with and without prior biological knowledge, introducing key concepts to those new to the field while challenging and stimulating to those with prior knowledge. Attendance is mandatory for all educational activities in this minor. This minor serves as an ideal stepping stone towards the research master program of the Clinical Genetics department, which prepares the next generation of researchers to work in an interdisciplinary context, while thinking constructively about societal and ethical aspects of biomedical science for positive societal impact.

Teaching methods
Learn through interactive lectures, design-thinking workshops, and hands-on teamwork in multidisciplinary groups. Collaborate closely, choose a counseling or research track, and meet mentors for personal feedback. Dialogue-based learning and self-study help you connect genetics with society in a dynamic way. Expect active participation, peer feedback, and real-world problem-solving throughout the program.

Teaching materials
Canvas is our comfortable digital learning environment, where you find the course manual, slides, assignments, rubrics, and feedback. All student products, including reflections and reports, are uploaded there. Materials include scientific articles, case studies, videos, counseling handbooks, and research design toolboxes to support lectures, workshops, and self-study.

Method of examination
There is no final written exam, but rather, portfolio building, and continuous feedback on submitted assignments in addition to the grades. Students compile reflections on their growth with regards to the learning goals, group products, and track-specific assignments across two phases. Key deliverables include a pitch, societal problem analysis, scientific report, counseling file or research paper, and presentations. Mentor sessions guide professional growth, while midterm and final interviews verify attainment of learning objectives. Evaluation focuses on development, collaboration, and impact, rather than isolated grades.

Composition final grade
The final grade is based on a portfolio compiled over 10 or 20 weeks, integrating reflections, some written assignments, group products, and research or counseling track assignments. Mentor assessments and one (10 weeks) or two (20 weeks) interviews allow you to demonstrate your growth according to the learning objectives, and are used to verify your progress. All elements of the portfolio must meet minimum standards, and growth and integration of feedback are central.