• Molecular diagnostics is a laboratory field which focuses on gene mutations and polymorphisms that contribute to disease states. The main difference between the two is that cytogenetics is chromosome based (microscopy techniques) whereas molecular diagnostics is PCR/molecular-based (primarily gel-techniques). Both fields are growing rapidly due to ongoing discoveries of genes associated with disease.?Students participate in two clinical practicum experiences ? one at the sophomore level and another at the senior level.?The senior practicum is conducted at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.