MS in Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine
The Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine track provides broad training in human genetics at both the PhD and MS levels for students wanting to understand human genetic variation and its relation to health and disease. Through our core curriculum, students first receive a broad overview of the key areas of human genetics (molecular, biochemical, clinical, cytogenetics, and genetic epidemiology), and then specialize in their own particular areas of interest. The track utilizes a multidisciplinary team approach to research training that involves a diverse set of faculty from throughout the campus. Recent students have carried out their research in a wide range of areas, including:
- Mechanisms of DNA repair
- Cancer genetics/cytogenetics
- Biochemical/clinical genetics and screening
- Gene mapping in simple and complex diseases
- Gene discovery and characterization of gene function
- Mechanisms and roles of recombination and mutation in bacteria causing human disease
- Population genetics and genetic epidemiology
- Clinical utility of telomerase measurements in monitoring cancer patients
- Characterization of chromosomal diversity in an Amish population
Curriculum
- HGEN 601: Basic Human Genetics I (4)
- HGEN 602: Basic Human Genetics II (4)
- PREV 620: Biostatistics (3)
- HGEN 608: Human Genetics Seminar (1)
- At least two of the following seven courses:
-
- GPLS 712/ HGEN 701: Human Cytogenetics (2)
- 722/ HGEN 720: Genetics and Metabolism (2)
- GPLS 711/ PREV 711/ HGEN 711: Genetic Epidemiology (3)
- GPLS 731/ GEN 731: Clinical Genetics II (2)
- PREV 780/Molecular Epidemiology (3)
- GPLS 716: Bioinformatics (4)
- GPLS 601/602/603: Mechanisms in Biomedical Science (8)
Students may take additional courses during their training in their specific areas of interest.
The MS program in Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine is a 2-year program with a thesis serving as the centerpiece in year 2.