Writing Case Studies

Select an interesting topic area for the case study. The popular press and media are good sources of current topics that may be of interest to students. True cases which can be used to generate a few open ended, ethical questions work well. Students can write case studies too, but this would probably work best after the students have worked through some examples.

Personalize the case study by including names of persons about whom the case study is written. When working from a real case, you may want to change the names of persons involved in the case. Include details as necessary to make the case interesting, but a suggestion would be to make the case study no more than one double spaced page.

Use the linked form to gather the information you need to make your case interesting.

Your investigation should include medical information important for people with this disease so that they can live a healthy and prolonged life. This might include:

• a pedigree for the family described
• family members who appear to possibly have the disease
• a prediction of the chances of their offspring having this disease
• the ethical and social issues involved in this particular case for the child and the parents

Each image must have a caption. The presentation will be given using ClarisWorks® or Microsoft PowerPoint® presentation software. It should be written such that someone else could view the presentation and understand the key points without an accompanying verbal explanation.

You may not violate copyright laws. Any images or other resources retrieved from the internet and used in your presentation must be accompanied by a reference telling where it was obtained.

Technology Support

Netscape Basics

Here you can find a wealth of helpful information about your Netscape software and how to overcome any problems you might encounter with it.

Finding Information

Finding what you want on the Internet can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Online search tools help you track down whatever it is you're looking for.

Helpful Exercises

The following exercises were designed to help you understand human genetic diseases, including the medical facts, diagnosis, probable course of the disorder, and the available management. While these exercises are, of course, optional, you are strongly encouraged to complete them:

Guidelines for Reporting and Writing About People with Disabilities

The University of Kansas and other national associations have endorsed a a set of clear guidelines to help you make better choices in terms of language and portrayal. The "Guidelines" explain preferred terminology and offer suggestions for appropriate ways to describe people with disabilities.

Understanding Gene Testing

This represents an effort by the National Cancer Institute and the National Center for Human Genome Research to provide basic information about gene testing and key genetic concepts. This booklet also provides answers to a number of frequently asked questions about the science, potential benefits, and potential risks of gene testing.

Genetic Counseling: Coping With the Human Impact of Genetic Disease

Genetic Consultation/Counseling: The Process

Describes what they do and how they do it.

Genetic Testing-Health Care Issues:An Interview with Dr. Neil Holzman

An excerpt from an interview with Dr. Neil Holzman that took place at the "Winding Your Way through DNA" symposium at the University of California San Francisco in 1992. Dr. Holzman is an M.D. and a health policy expert.

Genetic Conditions/ Rare Conditions: Support Groups & Information

Medical Genetics, University of Kansas Medical Center Professionals, educators, or individuals seeking information on genetic conditions or birth defects may find this list helpful; find additional information through the national and the international organizations listed below; or contact a genetic counselor or clinical geneticist.

OMIM Home Page--Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man

This database is a catalog of human genes and genetic disorders authored and edited by Dr. Victor A. McKusick and his colleagues at Johns Hopkins and elsewhere, and developed for the World Wide Web by NCBI, the National Center for Biotechnology Information. The database contains textual information, pictures, and reference information.

Mendelian Genetics, an interactive computer program which covers the main concepts of genetics

Genetic Counseling, March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation

Newborn Screening

The Virtual Hospital™ uses the World-Wide Web (WWW) software technology to store, organize, and distribute multimedia textbooks including the Clinician's Handbook of Preventive Services.

DOE Primer on Molecular Genetics

This primer was prepared by Denise Casey (Human Genome Management Information System - Oak Ridge National Laboratory) for the1991-92 DOE Human Genome Program Report.

Home Page for Genetic Professionals

Information for genetic professionals at the University of Kansas Medical Center is updated regularly for genetic counselors, clinical geneticists, and medical geneticists with links to a variety of clinical, research and educational resources.

Genetics & Public Issues

The National Center for Genome Resources (NCGR) in Santa Fe, New Mexico is assembling educational and informational resources for the public, physicians and other professionals. This information is selected to help the public direct and make informed decisions about genetic information, technology and services. It is also selected to help industry and policymakers guide the application of genetic research and biotechnology. .

Geneticists & Ethicists Mentor Network,

Teachers and students can send questions to professionals in genetics, law, public policy, and ethics.

 

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