Individualized Genomics and Health, Master of Science

MS in Individualized Genomics and Health

advanced.jhu.edu/igh

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

Course List

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

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Electives
Select three of the following:		12
AS.410.641	Clinical & Molecular Diagnostics
AS.410.656	Recombinant DNA Laboratory
AS.410.659	Advanced Recombinant DNA Lab
AS.410.666	Next Generation DNA Sequencing and Analysis
AS.410.671	Gene Expression Data Analysis and Visualization
Total Credits		12

Genomics

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Electives
Select three of the following:		12
AS.410.634	Practical Computer Concepts for Bioinformatics
AS.410.635	Bioinformatics: Tools for Genome Analysis
AS.410.666	Next Generation DNA Sequencing and Analysis
AS.410.671	Gene Expression Data Analysis and Visualization
AS.410.709	Cancer Genomics
AS.410.734	Practical Introduction to Metagenomics
Total Credits		12

Regulatory

Course List

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

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Electives
Select three of the following:		12
AS.410.708	Medical Product Reimbursement
AS.410.721	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.