Advanced Courses

The following course list includes both required and elective advanced courses offered by the Genetics faculty.  Students may also enroll in advanced courses in other disciplines with approval from their Advisory Committee.

MIMG 6301.  Molecular Genetics 2 SCH. (Required Genetics Core)

This course provides an integrated discussion of genomic structure and function from the initiation and maintenance of genetic diversity through mutation and recombination as well as genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation and expression, including DNA methylation and non-coding RNA. Discussion will include eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems and an introduction to approaches for microbiome and metagenomic analysis. Prerequisite: Student must complete BMSC 6201, BMSC 6202, BMSC 6203, and BMSC 6204. Offered Spring. Letter Grade

MIMG 6302. Medical Genetics 2 SCH. (Required Genetics Core)

This course introduces the role and application of genetics in medical practice. Topics to be discussed include: the history of genetics in medicine, the chromosomal basis for heredity and clinical cytogenetics, molecular and biochemical basis for genetic disease, pharmacogenetics, human genetic biogeography, and genetics of complex diseases. Prerequisite: Student must complete BMSC 6201, BMSC 6202, BMSC 6203, and BMSC 6204.Offered Spring. Letter Grade

MIMG 6303. Statistical Genetics 2 SCH.

In this course, the students will explore the basic premises of underlying statistical models for genetic data and be able to understand how genetic variation can be interpreted in terms of probability models. Students will learn the principles of conducting quantitative analyses of date for determining 1) when to infer positive family history is regarded as a risk factor for disease; 2) how to proceed with establishing genetics as a significant risk factor; 3) mode of inheritance; and 4) localization of genes underlining a familial trait. The concept of interactions of genetic and environmental /life style risk factors and the methods to detect such effects will also be addressed. Stress will be placed on concepts and assumptions and their implications for finding genes for diseases, localization of disease-susceptibility genes, and estimation of genetic risks. Also emphasized in this course will be the application of statistics in societal problems where genetic principles may be useful. Students are required to have taken calculus and statistics. Offered Spring – Odd Years. Letter Grade

MIMG 6304. Introduction to Genomics and Bioinformatics 2 SCH.

This course will provide an introduction to a knowledge base of genomics (e.g., Genome mapping and organization, gene expression, genomic phylogenetics, genome sequencing projects, sequence polymorphisms in genomes, etc.), new technologies (e.g., microarray, next generation sequencing, mass spectrometry, etc.), and bioinformatics algorithms and tools (e.g., sequence search and alignment, genetic linkage and association, next generation sequencing analysis, etc.). Prerequisites: BMSC 6201, BMSC 6202, BMSC 6203, and BMSC 6204. Offered Fall Odd Years. Letter Grade

MIMG 6200. Mitochondria and Complex Diseases 2 SCH.

Mitochondria are extremely dynamic organelles that are involved in an array of complex molecular processes which extend far beyond ATP production. This course focuses on the role of mitochondria and mitochondrial genetics in human disease, ranging from primary mitochondrial diseases to complex diseases, many of which include mitochondrial dysfunction as a key feature of their pathogenesis. Lecture Topics: basic mitochondrial genetics, bioenergetics, and biogenesis; the Warburg Phenomenon and other metabolic alternations of cancer cells; mitochondrial control of apoptosis and cancer; mitochondrial ROS in cancer, mitochondrial genetic alternation in cancer; known mitochondrial diseases; role of mitochondria in aging; techniques used in mitochondrial research. Prerequisites: BMSC 6201, BMSC 6202, BMSC 6203, and BMSC 6204. Offered Fall Even Years. Letter Grade

MIMG 6340. Molecular Evolutionary Genetics 2 SCH.

The analysis of DNA and/or protein sequences at the gene, population, and species level has become a powerful tool for studying molecular evolution and understanding the effects of genetic change. Statistical and computational methods to effectively evaluate and interpret the data obtained from molecular level investigations have become more involved. The goal of this course is to introduce appropriate theory and methods needed to effectively analyze nucleotide and protein sequence data. Topics covered will include: measurement of sequence divergence, models of evolution, various approaches to phylogenetic evaluation and tree construction, statistical tests for detection of selection and evolutionary rates, inference of ancestral amino acid sequences, and the evolutionary significance of genetic polymorphism. Emphasis is given to practical methods of data analysis using multiple software packages designed to appropriately evaluate genetic data. Recommended Prerequisites: MMED 6301, MMED 6302. Offered on request. Letter Grade

MIMG 5500 Emerging Role of the Microbiome in Health & Disease 2 SCH.

This course will focus on recent research revealing the importance of the human microbiome to host metabolism, development, and immune health and disease. Ecology of bacteria and their communities will be discussed along with host responses. Experimental techniques and instrumentation unique to this field of inquiry will also be addressed. Prerequisite: Student must complete BMSC 6201, BMSC 6202, BMSC 6203, and BMSC 6204.  Offered Spring-Even Years Letter Grade