Program Overview

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Introduction to the Genetics and Genomic Sciences Program

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) offers an interdisciplinary undergraduate program in Genetics and Genomic Sciences (GGSC). This program is a collaboration between the Department of Genetics in the Heersink School of Medicine and the Department of Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Program Overview

The GGSC program aims to provide students with a strong educational and research background in genetics and genomics. The program prepares students to become accomplished research scientists, clinicians, and healthcare professionals who can contribute to future discoveries in genetics and genomics.

Academic Coursework

The program provides a strong academic and intellectual foundation through coursework in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, genetics, and genomics. Students are required to complete a minimum of 120 semester hours, including:

• Blazer Core: 41 hours
• Introductory Biology I and II: 8 hours
• General Chemistry I and II: 8 hours
• Bioethics: 3 hours
• Genetics: 4 hours
• Cell Biology: 3 hours
• Organic Chemistry I and II: 8 hours
• Calculus I: 4 hours
• Introduction to Statistics: 3 hours
• Fundamentals of Biochemistry: 3 hours
• College Physics I and II: 8 hours
• Introduction to Research: 1 hour
• Introduction to the Health Professions: 1 hour
• Genetics and Genomic Sciences courses: 13 hours
• GGS/BY Electives: 6 hours
• Capstone Requirement: 3 hours
• General Electives: 3 hours

Research Experience

Qualified students are offered opportunities to perform laboratory research under the direction of faculty mentors. This authentic research experience helps students learn cutting-edge experimental approaches and innovative methods in genetics and genomics research.

Mentoring and Career Guidance

Students receive academic and career counseling to identify graduate and professional programs or jobs that suit their interests. The program directors and faculty mentors provide guidance and support to help students achieve their career goals.

Honors Program

The GGSC Honors Program is designed for students who want to pursue a more intensive research experience. To be accepted into the Honors Program, students must have completed at least 45 credit hours, have a 3.5 GPA in GGSC and biology courses, and have a 3.2 GPA overall.

Courses

The GGSC program offers a range of courses, including:

GGSC 101: Your Genome

• Introduction to basic concepts in genetics and genomic sciences
• Exploration of tools available for personalization of healthcare

GGSC 201: Research Experience in Molecular Genetics

• Authentic research experience with genomic technologies
• Genetic modifications in a model organism

GGSC 310: Genome Structure and Organization

• General concepts of genomics, including gene structure and function
• Genomic technologies and their applications

GGSC 320: Colloquium in Genetics and Genomics Science

• Faculty-led seminar course exploring cutting-edge research topics and career opportunities

GGSC 380: Undergraduate Research in Genetics and Genomics Sciences

• Research project under the supervision of a faculty sponsor

GGSC 390: Honors Research in Genetics and Genomics Sciences

• Research project for GGS Honors students under the supervision of a faculty sponsor

GGSC 410: Genetic Basis of Human Disease

• Medical applications of genetics and genomic technologies

GGSC 415: Aquatic Animal Models of Human Disease

• Biology, husbandry, and research applications of aquatic organisms used as animal models

GGSC 420: Applications of Bioinformatics

• Introduction to computational tools and bioinformatics databases

GGSC 435: Zebrafish as a Model for Biomedical Research

• Biology, husbandry, and management of zebrafish used as an animal model

GGSC 470: Principles of Pharmacogenetics

• Study of genetic determinants of drug response

GGSC 490: Model Systems for Genetics Disorders

• Use of invertebrate and non-human vertebrate species in scientific research

GGSC 491: Personalized Genomic Medicine

• Exploration of state-of-the-art genetic, genomic, and informatic tools for personalization of healthcare

GGSC 492: Undergraduate Research Seminar in Genetics and Genomic Sciences

• Development and completion of a paper or thesis on research work

GGSC 493: Honors Research Seminar in Genetics and Genomic Sciences

• Development and completion of a paper or thesis on research work for GGS Honors students

GGSC 499: GGSC Program Final

• Career counseling and data collection for program evaluation

Admission Requirements

The GGSC program is designed for graduating high school seniors and college freshmen or sophomores with a strong academic record and motivation to pursue a career in the biomedical sciences.

Advising and Information

The program directors, Dr. Wioletta Czaja and Dr. Samiksha Ashok Raut, provide academic and career counseling to students. They can be contacted for information about the program and its requirements.

Resources

Students in the GGSC program have access to various resources, including:

• First Year Experience
• Libraries
• Math Learning Lab
• Writing Center
• Academic Testing Center
• Disability Support Services
• Career Center

Conclusion

The Genetics and Genomic Sciences program at UAB provides students with a comprehensive education and research experience in genetics and genomics. The program prepares students for careers in research, healthcare, and industry, and provides a strong foundation for graduate and professional studies.