MS in Individualized Genomics and Health
Individualized genomics and health is a rapidly growing area of research and applied science. The growth is due in large part to the increasing dependence on DNA and RNA sequence analysis of human and microbial genomes for diagnosis and treatment of disease. This emerging field requires a workforce with multi-disciplinary skills in bioinformatics, bioscience, regulatory science, policy, and ethics. The goal of this degree program is to produce a highly skilled workforce with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to meet the demands of the academic, research, and business communities.
As the field of individualized genomics and health requires practitioners to have multiple competencies, the core of the Master’s degree will include foundation courses in epigenetics, human molecular genetics, ethical, legal and regulatory aspects of individualized genomics, bioinformatics, and individual genome analysis. After completion of the core requirements, students may choose to concentrate in Laboratory Diagnostics, Genomics, Regulatory Science or Policy, or choose a general concentration.
Admissions Criteria for all Advanced Academic Programs
PROGRAM SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the materials and credentials required for all programs, the Master of Science in Individualized Genomics and Health requires:
- A 4-year bachelor’s degree in the life sciences or engineering with a grade-point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0
- Organic chemistry or AS.410.302 Bio-Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry or AS.410.601 Biochemistry
- Advanced cell biology I, or AS.410.603 Advanced Cell Biology
- Molecular biology, or AS.410.602 Molecular Biology
- Biostatistics or AS.410.645 Biostatistics
The Admissions Committee reserves the right to request additional information, such as a GRE score or letters of recommendation, from applicants to assess their candidacy for admission.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
- Six required core courses
- Four electives
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Core Courses - Required: | ||
AS.410.610 | Epigenetics, Gene Organization & Expression | 4 |
AS.410.612 | Human Molecular Genetics | 4 |
AS.410.629 | Genes & Disease | 4 |
AS.410.633 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 4 |
AS.410.687 | Ethical,Legal & Regulatory Aspects of the Biotechnology Enterprise | 4 |
AS.410.736 | Genomic and Personalized Medicine | 4 |
Electives (Four required) | 16 | |
Total Credits | 40 |
Electives
Choose any graduate level course from the Biotechnology Center.
Concentrations
LabOratory Diagnostics
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Electives | ||
Select three of the following: | 12 | |
Clinical & Molecular Diagnostics | ||
Recombinant DNA Laboratory | ||
Advanced Recombinant DNA Lab | ||
Next Generation DNA Sequencing and Analysis | ||
Gene Expression Data Analysis and Visualization | ||
Total Credits | 12 |
Genomics
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Electives | ||
Select three of the following: | 12 | |
Practical Computer Concepts for Bioinformatics | ||
Bioinformatics: Tools for Genome Analysis | ||
Next Generation DNA Sequencing and Analysis | ||
Gene Expression Data Analysis and Visualization | ||
Cancer Genomics | ||
Practical Introduction to Metagenomics | ||
Total Credits | 12 |
Regulatory
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Electives | ||
Select three of the following: | ||
AS.410.676 | Food And Drug Law | 4 |
AS.410.702 | Biomedical Software Regulation | 4 |
AS.410.721 | In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation | 4 |
Total Credits | 12 |
Policy
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Electives | ||
Select three of the following: | 12 | |
Medical Product Reimbursement | ||
In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation | ||
Additional courses being developed | ||
Total Credits | 12 |
MS in Individualized Genomics and Health with Thesis Option
Students interested in pursuing the MS in Individualized Genomics and Health with the thesis are required to take 11 courses. The thesis requires a two-semester research project. Students complete AS.410.800 Independent Research in Biotechnology, and then AS.410.801 Biotechnology Thesis the following semester. Students interested in this option should consult with the program adviser.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will be able to:
- Explain the molecular and genetic basis for human disease including the role of epigenetic.
- Analyze interaction between Inherited, symbiotic, disease, and environmental inputs to health.
- Apply bioinformatics tools to the analysis of human DNA sequences.
- Explain the ethical, legal and regulatory aspects of individualized genomics and health.
- Discuss the laboratory methods required to identifying genes responsible for disease.