Program Overview

Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics

The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics at the University of Iowa offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with a deep understanding of genetics and its applications. The program is structured to provide students with a strong foundation in genetic principles, as well as the opportunity to explore specialized areas of interest.

Program Structure

The program is divided into several components, including:

• A. Typical Year of Graduate School in the Genetics Program: This section outlines the requirements and expectations for a typical year in the program.
• B. Courses Required for all Genetics Ph.D. Students: The following courses are required for all students:
  • GENE:6150 - Genetic Analysis of Biological Systems (3 s.h.)
  • GENE:6200 - Current Topics in Genetics (1 s.h.)
  • GENE:6210 - Seminars in Genetics (1 s.h.)
  • BIOL:3172 - Evolution (4 s.h.)
  • BIOL:3713 - Molecular Genetics (3 s.h.)
  • BIOL:4333 - Genes and Development (3 s.h.)
  • GENE:7191 - Human Molecular Genetics (3 s.h.)
  • BMED:5207 - Principles of Molecular and Cellular Biology (3 s.h.)
  • BMED:7270 - Scholarly Integrity/Responsible Conduct of Research I (0 s.h.)
  • BMED:7271 - Scholarly Integrity/Responsible Conduct of Research II (0 s.h.)
  • STAT:3510:0A21 - Biostatistics (3 s.h.)
  • BIOS:4120 - Introduction to Biostatistics (3 s.h.)
• C. Electives (7 s.h. chosen from the following): Students must choose 7 semester hours of electives from the following courses:
  • BIOL:3212 - Bioinformatics for Beginners (3 s.h.)
  • BIOL:3713 - Molecular Genetics (4 s.h.)
  • BIOL:4333 - Genes and Development (3 s.h.)
  • BIOL:4386 - Introduction to Scientific Computing (3 s.h.)
  • BIOL:5172 - Evolution (4 s.h.)
  • BIOS:6720 - Machine Learning for Biomedical Data (3 s.h.)
  • BIOS:7330 - Advanced Biostatistical Computing (3 s.h.)
  • CS:5430 - Machine Learning (3 s.h.)
  • EPID:5241 - Statistical Methods in Epidemiology (4 s.h.)
  • EPID:6250 - Genetics & Epidemiology (3 s.h.)
  • FRRB:7001 - Molecular and Cellular Biology of Cancer (3 s.h.)
  • GENE:4213 - Bioinformatics (4 s.h.)
  • GENE:7191 - Human Molecular Genetics (3 s.h.)
  • IGPI:6480 - Knowledge Discovery (3 s.h.)
  • MICR:6268 - Biology and Pathogenesis of Viruses (2 s.h.)
  • MMED:6220 - Mechanisms of Cellular Organization (3 s.h.)
  • MMED:6226 - Cell Cycle Control (1 s.h.)
  • MMED:6227 - Cell Fate Decisions (1 s.h.)
  • NSCI:7235 - Neurobiology of Disease (3 s.h.)
  • PCOL:6225 - Growth Factor Receptor Signaling (1 s.h.)
  • STAT:4580 - Data Visualization and Data Technologies (3 s.h.)
• D. Seminars (3 s.h. chosen from the following): Students must choose 3 semester hours of seminars from the following courses:
  • ACB:6237 - Critical Thinking in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (1 s.h.)
  • ACB:6238 - Critical Thinking in Genetics (1 s.h.)
  • ACB:6239 - Critical Thinking in Cell Biology (1 s.h.)
  • ACB:6248 - Critical Thinking in Development (1 s.h.)
  • ACB:6249 - Critical Thinking in Cellular Physiology (1 s.h.)
  • BIOL:6188 - Seminar in Writing in the Natural Sciences (2 s.h.)
  • MMED:6280 - Critical Thinking in Molecular Medicine (1 s.h.)
  • PCOL:6015 - Topics in Pharmacology and Neuroscience (1 s.h.)
• E. Scholarly Integrity/Responsible Conduct of Research: Students must enroll in the following courses:
  • BMED:7270 - Scholarly Integrity/Responsible Conduct of Research 1 (fall)
  • BMED:7271 - Scholarly Integrity/Responsible Conduct of Research 2 (spring)
• F. ESL Requirement for Foreign Students: All foreign students must pass the "B" level on the "University Request for Evaluation for TA Certification" form by the end of their 2nd year.

The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics at the University of Iowa provides students with a comprehensive education in genetics, as well as the opportunity to explore specialized areas of interest. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their future careers.