Human Genetics, Master of Science (M.S.)
Shiang, Dr. Rita
Graduate Program Director
rshiang@vcu.edu
(804) 628-4083
Grotewiel, Dr. Michael S.
Genetics
msgrotewiel@vcu.edu
(804) 628-4086
Web:
www.gen.vcu.edu
Admission requirements summary
Human Genetics, Master of Science (M.S.)
| |||
| Degree: M.S. |
Semester(s) of entry: Fall |
Deadline dates: Applications received prior to Feb 1 given priority consideration |
Test requirements: GRE |
| Special requirements: International applicants must score 100 or greater on the TOEFL | |||
The Department of Human and Molecular Genetics offers a comprehensive program in graduate study leading to a Master of Science in Human Genetics. The program includes the completion of an original research project under the supervision of a faculty adviser and a background/foundation of courses that prepare students for research-oriented careers in the rapidly expanding field of human genetics. Major areas of study available to master’s students in the program include clinical and molecular cytogenetics, molecular genetics, developmental genetics, cancer genetics, behavior genetics, population and quantitative genetics, genetic epidemiology, clinical genetics, and genetic counseling.
Curriculum
Typical course plan for the full-time student
| Credits | |
| Fall 1 | |
| BIOC/MICR 503 Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology | 5 |
| BIOS/STAT 543 Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| HGEN 501/BIOL 530 Human Genetics | 3 |
| HGEN 605 Experimental Methods in Human Genetics* | 3 |
| HGEN 690 Genetics Research Seminar | 1 |
| HGEN 691 Special Topics in Genetics (classic papers in human genetics) | 1 |
| Total | 16 |
| *For HGEN 605, the student and faculty member will design a project that can reasonably be completed in 12 weeks. The student will spend approximately 12 weeks in that lab for a minimum of eight hours/week. The student’s performance in the laboratory will serve as the basis for the grade that is received for this course. | |
| Spring 1 | |
| BIOC/MICR 504 Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology or BIOS/STAT 544 Statistical Methods II |
5 or 3 |
| HGEN 502 Advanced Human Genetics | 3 |
| HGEN 605 Experimental Methods in Human Genetics* | 3 |
| HGEN 606 Introduction to Clinical Genetics | 1 |
| HGEN 610 Current Literature in Human and Molecular Genetics or HGEN 691 Special Topics in Genetics (journal club) |
1 |
| HGEN 690 Genetics Research Seminar | 1 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total | 15-17 |
| Summer 1 | |
| HGEN 697 Directed Research in Genetics | 3-6 |
| Total | 3-6 |
| Fall 2 | |
| HGEN 603 Mathematical and Statistical Genetics or HGEN 614 Pathogenesis of Human Genetic Disease |
3 |
| HGEN 610 Current Literature in Human and Molecular Genetics or HGEN 691 Special Topics in Genetics (journal club) |
1 |
| HGEN 690 Genetics Research Seminar | 1 |
| HGEN 697 Directed Research in Genetics | 3 |
| OVPR 601 Scientific Integrity | 1 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Total | 15 |
| Spring 2 | |
| HGEN 610 Current Literature in Human and Molecular Genetics or HGEN 691 Special Topics in Genetics (journal club) |
1 |
| HGEN 690 Genetics Research Seminar | 1 |
| HGEN 697 Directed Research in Genetics | 13 |
| Total | 15 |
| If needed, six additional credit hours will be taken in HGEN 697 after the second spring semester. | |
Additional information on the program can be found online at www.gen.vcu.edu.