Introduction to the Committee on Genetics, Genomics, and Systems Biology

The Committee on Genetics, Genomics, and Systems Biology (GGSB) is an interdisciplinary PhD granting program that brings together over 70 training faculty representing numerous departments at the University of Chicago. The GGSB program is aimed at training PhD scholars for careers as independent scientists in basic and applied biomedical research and education, leading to Doctor of Philosophy in Genetics.

Program Overview

The GGSB program combines a foundation in modern genetic analysis with training in current methods for formulating and addressing biological questions in the context of complex systems. The presence of both basic and clinical sciences in the Division of Biological Sciences enhances the Committee's broad interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research. GGSB provides an exciting environment to pursue rigorous, high-quality training with flexibility in designing programs to meet individual needs. GGSB's goal is to provide an intellectually stimulating, collegial, and supportive environment for students to progress smoothly from research training to careers as independent scientists.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

GGSB is dedicated to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). In brief, we reject the historical and ongoing systemic biases that cause unacceptable inequities in academia. We strive to ensure GGSB is a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of race/ethnicity, religion, sex/gender, age, sexual orientation, and/or disability.

Curriculum and Timeline - First Year

To obtain a PhD in the Division of Biological Sciences, nine graded courses are required as detailed below.

• GGSB Empirical Track:
  • Four required courses and four electives must be taken, one of which may be a reading course.
  • The electives can be selected according to the student’s interests and the availability of courses.
  • Four required courses in genetics:
    • MGCB 31400 Genetics Analysis of Model Organisms (Autumn)
    • HGEN 47300 Genomics and Systems Biology (Spring)
    • One of the following two courses: MGCB 31200 Molecular Biology I (Winter) or MGCB 31300 Molecular Biology II (Spring)
    • One of the following four courses: ECEV 44000 Molecular Evolution 1: Fundamentals and Principles (Winter), ECEV 35600 Principles of Population Genetics I (Winter), ECEV 35901 Genomic Evolution (Autumn), or HGEN 46900 Human Variation and Disease (Spring)
  • Additional required courses: HGEN 31900 Introduction to Research. “Allstars” (Autumn) and BSDG 55100 Responsible, rigorous, and reproducible conduct of research: R3CR (Winter)
• GGSB Computational Track:
  • Three required courses and three core electives plus two additional electives must be taken.
  • Three required courses in computational biology and statistics:
    • STAT 24400 Statistical Theory and Methods I (Autumn)
    • HGEN 48600 Fundamentals of Computational Biology: Models and Inference (Winter)
    • HGEN 48800 Fundamentals of Computational Biology: Algorithms and Applications
  • Three core elective courses chosen from the following list:
    • HGEN 47000 Human Genetics I (Autumn)
    • MGCB 31400 Genetic Analysis of Model Organisms (Autumn)
    • HGEN 47500 Genetic Mechanisms from Variation to Evolution (Autumn)
    • HGEN 47100 Introductory Statistical Genetics (Winter)
    • ECEV 35600 Principles of Population Genetics I (Winter)
    • ECEV 31100 Evolution of Biological Molecules (Winter)
    • BCMB 32200 Biophysics of Biomolecules (Spring)
    • HGEN 46900 Human Variation and Disease (Spring)
    • HGEN 47800 Quantitative Genetics for the 21st Century (Spring)
    • HGEN 47300 Genomics and Systems Biology (Spring)
    • HGEN 47900 Decoding and Engineering Genes and Genomes (Spring)
    • MGCB 32000 Quantitative Analysis of Biological Dynamics (Spring)
  • Additional required courses: HGEN 31900 Introduction to Research. “Allstars” (Autumn) and BSDG 55100 Responsible, rigorous, and reproducible conduct of research: R3CR (Winter)

Rotations

Students undertake short research projects in at least two different laboratories before beginning their dissertation research. The purpose of the rotation is to expose the student to different research environments, broaden their acquaintance with useful laboratory techniques, and introduce him/her to the conceptual framework of experimental design.

Curriculum and Timeline - Second Year

At the beginning of the second year of training, students choose a research advisor. Most of the second year is spent developing a research project. A Thesis Advisory Committee is chosen by the student in consultation with their mentor and the GGSB Student Advisory Committee. A written research proposal is provided to the Thesis Advisory Committee in advance of the first committee meeting. During this meeting, the student will present and defend their proposal. This first meeting constitutes the Qualifying Exam for PhD candidacy.

Curriculum and Timeline - Advanced Years

After passing the Qualifying Exam and throughout the duration of their studies, students conduct full-time thesis research while continuing to attend seminars, journal clubs, and other educational meetings. Students are welcome to audit courses in which they have an interest. Finally, each graduating student writes a dissertation culminating in a public Thesis Defense.

Teaching Assistantships

All graduate students are required to serve as a Teaching Assistant in two courses for academic credit before the PhD degree is awarded. Courses can be undergraduate, graduate, or medical, but must be in the Biological Sciences Division.

Genetics Courses

• GENE 31800. Current Topics in Genetics: This course will expose students to current research topics in genetics for the bi-monthly GGSB Invited Seminar Series.
• GENE 31900. Introduction to Research: Lectures on current research by departmental faculty and other invited speakers. A required course for all first-year graduate students.
• GENE 35400. Advanced Developmental Biology: This course provides both an overview of developmental biology and an in-depth coverage of selected topics, emphasizing the origins of classical concepts in the field as well as modern molecular and genetic approaches to the study of developmental processes.
• GENE 36420. Statistical Inference in Biology: Intuition from a Historical Perspective: Biology is undergoing a substantial transition. With the advent of new technologies that enable the collection of massive amounts of data coupled with advances in computational frameworks and hardware, Biology is squarely in the era of statistical learning-inferring models of how Biology works from statistics rather than a deep understanding of complex mechanism.
• GENE 39900. Readings: Genetics: A course designed by a student and faculty member. All reading courses must be approved by the Curriculum/Student Affairs Committee prior to registration.
• GENE 40100. Thesis Research: Genetics: Thesis Research: Genetics
• GENE 40200. Non-Thesis Research: Genetics: Non-Thesis Research: Genetics
• GENE 45100. Chemical Biology of Drug Actions and Metabolism: This course is designed for graduate and advanced undergraduate students, offering an in-depth exploration of both established and emerging classes of molecular therapeutics for treating cancer, neurological diseases, autoimmune disorders, and rare genetic conditions.
• GENE 46100. Deep Learning in Genomics: This fast-paced, hands-on course is designed for students who want to apply deep learning techniques to solve problems in genomics. The course focuses on equipping students with the computational skills needed to leverage deep learning in biological research.

University of Chicago Summary

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Overview:

The University of Chicago is a prestigious research university located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. It is known for its rigorous academic programs, emphasis on independent thinking, and commitment to intellectual freedom. The university boasts a diverse community of scholars and students who contribute to groundbreaking research and advancements in various fields.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university offers a vibrant campus experience with a diverse community, access to arts and culture, and a strong connection to the surrounding South Side neighborhood. Students can expect a challenging academic environment that fosters independent thinking and critical analysis.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Rigorous academic programs:

The university is renowned for its challenging and intellectually stimulating curriculum.

Emphasis on independent thinking:

Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills and engage in original research.

Intellectual freedom:

The university provides a supportive environment for faculty and students to pursue their research interests without limitations.

Field-defining research:

The university has a long history of groundbreaking research and discoveries that have shaped various fields.

Global impact:

The university is actively involved in addressing global challenges through research, initiatives, and programs across the world.

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Academic Programs:

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Other:

The university is deeply connected to its surrounding community and invests in the South Side through initiatives in health, education, economic growth, and the arts. It also emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, fostering a welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds.