ABOUT US
A Note from the Directors
Arjun Krishnan & Kelly Sullivan
The Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program 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. We and the HMGGP faculty are committed to nurturing and sustaining 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.
These fields have expanded way beyond the horizon that was visible at the culmination of the Human Genome Project at the turn of this century. Rapid advances in high-throughput and low-cost technologies have enabled the discovery of thousands of genetic variants and genes critical to development, physiology, and diseases both common and rare. The vastness and complexity of the data generated by these technologies have instigated major strides in statistical and computational methods and tools for analyzing these data to generate hypotheses and gain insights. At the same time, advances in experimental systems and tools have enabled direct interrogation of genetic mechanisms of disease pathophysiology. We are in an exciting time where these experimental and computational advances are now leading to effective tests for rapidly identifying genetically susceptible individuals and new technologies for personalized treatment or even prevention of these diseases, contributing to overall improvement of health and quality of life for everyone. 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 is built 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 with a world-class graduate training experience in an interactive and collaborative environment that allows for an individualized learning experience.
Student 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.
Program Curriculum
The HMGGP graduate curriculum includes didactic courses, laboratory rotations, a seminar series, and a seminar-based discussion group. The heart of the first-year curriculum are basic core courses taken by all students in a number of different graduate programs at CU, including Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, and Human Medical Genetics and Genomics during the fall semester. These courses serve as a basic science bridge to the more specific content of Human Medical Genetics and Genomics.
Rotations
Research rotations are designed to introduce students to different areas of research and methodologies, to teach a variety of approaches to scientific problem solving, and to provide the opportunity to explore various laboratories as potential homes for thesis research. Students will complete three 10-week rotations with members of the Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program Training Faculty.
Student Support
Students accepted in the PhD program are provided full tuition, health and dental insurance, and a stipend of $38,110 per year for living expenses. Continued support is contingent upon satisfactory academic and research performance by the student. When a student enters a thesis lab, the thesis mentor assumes complete responsibility for the student’s stipend, benefits, tuition, fees, and associated research costs.
Program Handbook
For detailed information about the program, curriculum, and degree requirements, please review our Program Handbook.