In recent years, the importance of genetics has increased in nearly all medical, biomedical and natural science disciplines as well as in the pharmaceutical industry. Knowledge and skills in molecular genetics, cytogenetics and genetic counseling have become basic requirements for diagnosis, prognosis, therapy and prevention of a growing number of diseases that affect people of all ages. Despite the great dynamics and complexity of findings from the human genome project, it is our goal to integrate them into the curricula of the Medical University of Graz. In addition to standard degree programs, we are especially keen to provide a better understanding of medical genetics in postgraduate courses.
The interdisciplinary nature of human genetics is reflected in the numerous cooperations in diagnostics and research and above all in the curriculum for medical students. The clinical relevance of genetically determined anomalies in cell biology and biochemical processes is indicated early on in the degree program, and a special emphasis is placed on the basic methods of molecular biology that are applied in diagnostics and research.
Human genetics is anchored in clinical teaching as an area of emphasis in the modules on pediatrics and gynecology. Thanks to cooperation in clinical care and joint interdisciplinary research, medical genetics content is included in most of the required clinical modules.
Nearly without exception, all rotations, theses and dissertations conducted at our institute are linked to the clinical disciplines.
