Program Overview

Ph.D. in Human Genetics and Genomics

The Interdepartmental PhD Program in Human Genetics and Genomics (HGG) aims to train scientists broadly in areas of human genetics and genomics relevant to human health and disease. Human genetics is a multidisciplinary field that requires training in three core competencies: clinical, molecular, and statistical genetics.

Mission

The mission of the HGG is to prepare the next generation of genomic scientists to conduct research in molecular, statistical and clinical genetics and to translate these research results into improved medical care and public health interventions.

Goals

• Students will demonstrate an overall knowledge and understanding of the core concepts in Human Genetics and Genomics, including the essential skills to conduct research in Human Genetics and Genomics.
• Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills, the capability to develop hypotheses, and the ability to evaluate their hypotheses, paying attention to responsible conduct of research as appropriate.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to write effective scientific reports and to present scientific results orally.

Curriculum Requirements

The PhD in Human Genetics and Genomics (HGG) curriculum allows candidates to pursue a track in molecular or computational genetics by their second year of training; however, all students complete a core curriculum in the first three years of graduate study.

Course List

• Biomedical Science Core:
  • PIB 700: Journal Club (1 credit)
  • PIB 701: Introduction to Biomedical Sciences (5 credits)
  • PIB 702: Scientific Reasoning (3 credits)
  • PIB 705: Biostatistics for the Biosciences (3 credits)
  • PIB 731: Laboratory Research (1-5 credits)
  • PIB 780: Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (1 credit)
  • PIB 782: Professional Development: Skills for Success I (1 credit)
  • PIB 783: Professional Development: Skills for Success II (1 credit)
  • PIB 785: PIBS Bioinformatics Workshop (1 credit)
  • PIB 830: Doctoral Dissertation (1 credit)
• Human Genetics & Genomics Required Courses:
  • HGG 601: Seminar/Journal Club (1 credit)
  • HGG 630: Variation and Disease (2 credits)
  • HGG 631: Genes in Populations (3 credits)
  • HGG 640: Family Studies and Genetic Analysis (2 credits)
  • HGG 660: Bioinformatics Theory and Practice (3 credits)
  • HGG 680: Genome Ethics and Public Policy (3 credits)
  • HGG 681: Human Genetics Clinical Rotation (1 credit)
  • HGG 689: Human Genetics and Genomics Teaching Practicum (1 credit)
• Computational / Molecular Track Course Requirements:
  • HGG 621: Design and Analysis of Human Genomic Studies (3 credits)
  • EPH 602: Biostatistics II (3 credits)
  • HGG 650: Advanced Topics in Molecular Genetics (4 credits)
• Research Credits:
  • HGG 830: Doctoral Dissertation - Pre-Candidacy
  • HGG 840: Doctoral Dissertation - Post Candidacy
  • HGG 850: Research in Residence

Total Credit Hours

The total credit hours required for the program range from 55 to 68 credits.

Plan of Study

The plan of study for the PhD in Human Genetics and Genomics is outlined below:

Plan of Study - Molecular Track

• Year One:
  • Fall: PIB 701, PIB 702, PIB 731, PIB 700, PIB 780, PIB 782 (7-13 credits)
  • Spring: PIB 700, PIB 705, PIB 731, PIB 783, HGG 630, HGG 640 (10-11 credits)
  • Summer: PIB 830 (1 credit)
• Year Two:
  • Fall: HGG 601, HGG 631, HGG 830 (5 credits)
  • Spring: HGG 601, HGG 650, HGG 660, HGG 830 (8 credits)
  • Summer: HGG 680, HGG 830 (4 credits)
• Year Three:
  • Fall: HGG 601, HGG 830 (2 credits)
  • Spring: HGG 601, HGG 840 (2 credits)
  • Summer: HGG 840 (1 credit)
• Year Four:
  • Fall: HGG 601, HGG 681, HGG 840 (4 credits)
  • Spring: HGG 601, HGG 689, HGG 840 (4 credits)
  • Summer: HGG 840 (1 credit)
• Year Five:
  • Fall: HGG 601, HGG 840 (3 credits)
  • Spring: HGG 601, HGG 840, HGG 850 (4 credits)

Plan of Study - Computational Track

• Year One:
  • Fall: PIB 701, PIB 702, PIB 731, PIB 700, PIB 780, PIB 782 (7-13 credits)
  • Spring: PIB 700, PIB 705, PIB 731, PIB 783, HGG 630, HGG 640 (10-11 credits)
  • Summer: PIB 830 (1 credit)
• Year Two:
  • Fall: HGG 601, HGG 621, HGG 631, HGG 830 (8 credits)
  • Spring: HGG 601, HGG 660, HGG 830, EPH 602 (8 credits)
  • Summer: HGG 680, HGG 830 (4 credits)
• Year Three:
  • Fall: HGG 601, HGG 830 (2 credits)
  • Spring: HGG 601, HGG 840 (2 credits)
  • Summer: HGG 840 (1 credit)
• Year Four:
  • Fall: HGG 601, HGG 681, HGG 840 (4 credits)
  • Spring: HGG 601, HGG 689, HGG 840 (4 credits)
  • Summer: HGG 840 (1 credit)
• Year Five:
  • Fall: HGG 601, HGG 840 (3 credits)
  • Spring: HGG 601, HGG 840, HGG 850 (4 credits)

The total credit hours required for the Molecular Track range from 56 to 63 credits, and for the Computational Track, the total credit hours range from 59 to 66 credits.

It is expected that on average, students will complete the program in five years.