The discipline Medical Genetics focuses on the study of hereditary diseases and congenital anomalies. The rapid advancement of this field necessitates the continuous updating of teaching content. Since 2005, a major reorganization of the educational program has been implemented. The teaching process is conducted at a high professional level, incorporating the latest achievements in genetic science. The curriculum and methods of content delivery have been almost entirely updated. A test-based system for ongoing student assessment has been introduced, in addition to the final semester examination.
The hospital facilities of the Laboratory of Medical Genetics, as well as the Center for Cell Therapy and Translational Medicine, established in 2014 at Saint Marina University Hospital in Varna, are equipped with state-of-the-art instruments for tissue culture and molecular genetic studies. These facilities also serve as training and specialization bases for physicians from Bulgaria and abroad and provide methodological support to other genetic centers across the country.
At the Faculty of Medicine, Medical Genetics is taught in the 7th semester (4th year of medical education), with a total of 60 academic hours (30 lectures and 30 seminars) in both Bulgarian and English. The course awards 2 ECTS credits in accordance with the Medical University Varna credit system. Clinical Immunology is taught in the 7th semester (4th year of medical education), with a total of 30 academic hours (15 lectures and 15 seminars) in both Bulgarian and English. The course awards 2 ECTS credits in accordance with the Medical University Varna credit system.
At the Faculty of Pharmacy, the course is delivered in the 6th semester, with a total of 30 academic hours (15 lectures and 15 practical sessions).
At the Medical College, the discipline is taught to students in the following programs: Medical Laboratory Technician (Varna), Nursing, and Midwifery (Varna, Sliven, Shumen, and Veliko Tarnovo).
The Medical Laboratory Technician program includes 45 academic hours (30 lectures and 15 seminars) in the 4th semester.
The Midwifery program includes 30 academic hours (25 lectures and 5 seminars) in the 3rd semester.
The Nursing program includes 15 academic hours (10 lectures and 5 seminars) in the 6th semester.
In addition to the core curriculum, an elective course titled Fundamentals of Clinical Genetics (30 academic hours) is offered to medical students. The department also provides training for residents, with a Medical Genetics module in pediatrics and neonatology, as well as thematic lectures for residents in cardiology, hematology, general medicine, and other specialties.
Assessment of students' knowledge includes continuous test-based evaluation. Final semester assessments consist of a written test and oral examination for medical and pharmacy students, and a written test for students in the Medical Laboratory Technician, Midwifery, and Nursing programs.
