Human Medical Genetics & Genomics (PhD)

Overview

The Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program (HMGGP) at CU Anschutz is an interdisciplinary, interdepartmental program designed to coordinate outstanding graduate training and research opportunities in all aspects of Human and Medical Genetics. The HMGGP faculty are committed to a dynamic and outstanding program that provides training and mentorship to the next generation of leaders in the fields of human and medical genetics and genomics.

The Human Genome Project and a diverse group of technological advances have brought about a revolution in almost all fields of medicine and biomedical research. The availability of genomic DNA sequences of humans and other species has enabled discovery of genes critical to development and disease and genetic variations that predispose to common debilitating diseases. Furthermore, tests to rapidly identify genetically susceptible individuals are being developed, and new technologies to treat or even prevent these diseases are being brought on line. Genetics and genomics provides the foundation for “Precision” or "Personalized" medicine which will bring about improved health, longevity, and quality of life.

It is the mission of the Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program to be at the forefront of this revolution. The Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program builds on close engagement with our students, who are integral to our ongoing mission to build towards the future. The Program is continually adding new Training Faculty, providing students with an outstanding group of scientists from whom to select as Thesis Advisors and mentors. Our goal is to provide students a world-class graduate training experience in an interactive and collaborative environment that allows for an individualized learning experience.

Admission Requirements

Admission Philosophy

Students are selected on the basis of past academic performance, previous laboratory research experience, and, where possible, individual interviews. We select students who show high intellectual achievement, creativity, independence, and strong motivation to become successful scientists. Our Program recognizes that students who are attracted to a career in genetics and genomics can have highly varied backgrounds.

Admissions Requirements

Coursework | Although there are no formal undergraduate course requirements, students with a solid undergraduate foundation in mathematics and biological and chemical sciences have performed best in the Program. It is suggested that applicants have completed courses in biology, chemistry (general and organic), physics, genetics, calculus, and statistics before entering the Program.

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) | The GRE General Test and Subject Test are not required for application to HMGGP but will be considered if submitted. To send scores directly to HMGGP, please designate GRE code 4875.

How to Apply

APPLICATION WILL OPEN ON SEPTEMBER 1^st.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS DECEMBER 1^st.

PRIORITY DEADLINE FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS IS NOVEMBER 1^st.

To apply for admission applicants must submit the following:

Online Graduate School application (included in the application is the Research Statement, Professional Background, and Future Goals Statement, and Colorado residency form).
A $50.00 domestic and $75.00 international non-refundable application fee. No application will be processed unless this fee is paid.
Three (3) letters of recommendation.
GRE test scores (optional). Use GRE code 4875 (optional)
TOEFL or IELTS scores and financial support verification (international students only).
One (1) official transcript of all academic work completed to date. To be considered "official", the transcripts must come from the issuing institution directly to the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus graduate program. Use the following address:

Electronic Transcripts should be sent to: graduate.school@cuanschutz.edu

If sending a physical transcript, please mail to:

University of Colorado Denver
Graduate School
Mail Stop C296
Fitzsimons Building, C5000
13001 E. 17th Place
Aurora, CO 80045

Degree Requirements

First Year Students

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Hours
BMSC 7806	Core I: Foundations in Biomedical Sciences	6
BMSC 7810	Core Topics in Biomedical Science	2
HMGP 7610	Topics in Human Genetics	1
HMGP 7650	Research in Human Medical Genetics (Sections 001 AND 002)	1-10
	Hours	10-19
	Total Hours	10-19

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Spring		Hours
HMGP 7600	Survey of Human Genetics	3-4
HMGP 7610	Topics in Human Genetics	1
HMGP 7650	Research in Human Medical Genetics	1-10
	Hours	5-15
	Total Hours	5-15

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Summer		Hours
HMGP 8990	Doctoral Thesis	1-10
	Hours	1-10
	Total Hours	1-10

Second Year Students

Plan of Study Grid
Second Year
Fall		Hours
HMGP 7610	Topics in Human Genetics	1
HMGP 7650	Research in Human Medical Genetics (Section 0V3)	1-10
	Hours	2-11
	Total Hours	2-11

Plan of Study Grid
Second Year
Spring		Hours
HMGP 7610	Topics in Human Genetics	1
HMGP 7650	Research in Human Medical Genetics (Section 0V3)	1-10
	Hours	2-11
	Total Hours	2-11

Plan of Study Grid
Second Year
Summer		Hours
HMGP 8990	Doctoral Thesis	1-10
	Hours	1-10
	Total Hours	1-10

Third Year Students

Plan of Study Grid
Third Year
Fall		Hours
HMGP 7610	Topics in Human Genetics	1
HMGP 8990	Doctoral Thesis	1-10
	Hours	2-11
	Total Hours	2-11

Plan of Study Grid
Year 3
Spring		Hours
HMGP 7610	Topics in Human Genetics	1
HMGP 8990	Doctoral Thesis	1-10
	Hours	2-11
	Total Hours	2-11

Plan of Study Grid
Third Year
Summer		Hours
HMGP 8990	Doctoral Thesis	1-10
	Hours	1-10
	Total Hours	1-10

Fourth Year Students & Beyond

Plan of Study Grid
Year 4
Fall		Hours
HMGP 8990	Doctoral Thesis	1-10
	Hours	1-10
	Total Hours	1-10

Plan of Study Grid
Year 4
Spring		Hours
HMGP 8990	Doctoral Thesis	1-10
	Hours	1-10
	Total Hours	1-10

Plan of Study Grid
Year 3
Summer		Hours
HMGP 8990	Doctoral Thesis	1-10
	Hours	1-10
	Total Hours	1-10

Learning Objectives

The PhD program in Human Medical Genetics trains graduate students to become proficient and successful investigators who are able to:

Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
Understand current concepts in human genetics and genomics.
Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field and design, conduct, and interpret their own research projects.
Present research results in peer-reviewed publications and in a dissertation.
Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific seminars, conferences, and other venues.
Write a competitive application for research funding.
Develop ancillary skills, where necessary, to obtain positions outside of scientific research.

Courses

BMSC 7806 - Core I: Foundations in Biomedical Sciences (6 Credits)

Course will focus on the fundamental principles of biomedical sciences. Lectures and recitations/discussions will primarily address the basics of molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, cell biology and energetic principles. Course is typically limited to biomedical science PhD and BSBT MS students. Previously offered as IDPT 7806

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.

Typically Offered: Fall.

BMSC 7810 - Core Topics in Biomedical Science (2 Credits)

Sections focus on different core topics in biomedical science, and will address subject areas such as protein structure and function, neurobiology, embryology, stem cell research, and cancer biology. Students can enroll in multiple Core Topic Courses topics in one semester. Previously offered as IDPT 7810.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 20.

AMC-PHD PhD Students only

Typically Offered: Fall.

HMGP 7600 - Survey of Human Genetics (3-4 Credits)

Survey of human genetics, including Mendelian and other types of inheritance, chromosomes and cytogenetics, molecular and biochemical basis of genetic disease, quantitative genetics and gene mapping, developmental and cancer genetics, clinical genetics, and genetic screening and prenatal diagnosis.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 4.