Human Genetics Graduate Students must be proficient in the areas listed below. Discussions with a faculty mentor and the Associate Chair for Education will tailor each student's course of study to their individual background and future career goals.
For more details on our courses, please see the descriptions below.
3 Credits
Course Description:
The course covers the molecular basis of the organization, expression, and transmittance of genetic information. Using research literature, students will develop a modern understanding of major concepts in genetics: (1) how genetic information is transmitted through mitosis and meiosis; (2) how genetic information is organized in genomes; (3) how information is impacted by mutagenesis and repair; and, (4) how genes are functionally expressed to generate phenotypes. Students will learn the core concepts that underlie the investigation of molecular, cellular, and organismal genetics. As a graduate level course, students are expected to enter HUMGEN 545 with an advanced understanding of the nature of biological systems, genetic information inheritance, and the processes of nucleic acid maintenance, replication, and transcription. The class will use experimental research in model systems and humans to understand the scientific processes that have uncovered the transmission and encoding of genetic information, as well as exposing the gaps in current understanding. We will emphasize comprehending primary research strategies and experimental design, including: (i) developing hypotheses; (ii) building strong experimental rationale; (iii) explaining expected results; and, (iv) understanding the limitations of experimental systems. The course includes recent genome-wide analysis strategies that are dramatically changing how we investigate phenotypes. Students will learn the foundational laboratory and analytical strategies used in modern genetics. Upon completion of HUMGEN 545, students will understand current research directions and experimental strategies across diverse areas of genetics. Instructor approval is required for enrollment in this course.
Prerequisites:
An undergraduate-level course in general biology and a specialized undergraduate-level course in genetics (e.g. BIOLOGY 305) is required.
Specific subjects include:
Mendelian Genetics
Gene Structure and Organization
Chromosomal and Nuclear Organization
Gene Regulatory Networks
Transcription and RNA Processing
Translation
Mobile Genetic Elements
DNA Replication and Mutagenesis
DNA Repair and Recombination
Chromatin and Epigenetics
Long and Small Functional Noncoding RNAs
Director:
Kalantry
Instructors:
Kalantry, Moon, Mueller, Wilson
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus
Schedule:
Fall Term
Mon / Wed / Fri 9:00AM-10:00AM
Syllabus:
TBA
4 Credits
Course Description:
This course covers human genetic variation and the processes that lead to diversity in human phenotypes. Using the genetics research literature, students will develop a modern understanding of major concepts in human genetics including: (1) how human genetics research uncovers disease-associated genetic variants; (2) the impact of gene-by-environment interactions on phenotypes; (3) the communication of genetic information to stakeholders; (4) the use of experimental systems to study the mechanisms by which human variation causes human disease phenotypes; and (5) the impact of population and evolutionary forces on the gene pool. The course will use primary genetic literature and will take a problem-solving approach to studying the genetic mechanisms underlying human phenotypes. We will emphasize comprehending primary research strategies and experimental design, including: (i) developing hypotheses; (ii) building strong experimental rationale; (iii) explaining expected results; and, (iv) understanding the limitations of experimental systems. Upon completion of HUMGEN 546, students will understand how disease-associated genes are identified and studied, as well as the concepts and analysis methods used for studying variation in human populations.
Prerequisites:
Students are expected to take BIOLOGY 305, BIOCHEM, and HUMGEN 545. Instructor approval is required for enrollment in this course.
Co-Directors:
Antonellis, Burke
Instructors:
TBA
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus
Schedule:
Winter Term
Monday (9-10:20am)/Wednesday (9-10:20am)/Friday (9-9:50am)
Syllabus:
TBA
3 Credits
Course Description:
Introduction to the theory and practice of genomic data analysis. Includes DNA sequence mapping and assembly, variant calling, gene expression analysis, and gene network analysis. This course will introduce the use of Python for manipulation of data. The course project will require use of existing genomics tools on a distributed Linux computer cluster.
Prerequisites:
Experience with basic concepts in genetics and molecular biology.
Director:
Kidd
Instructors:
Kidd, Kitzman, Mills
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus
Schedule:
Winter Term
Tue/Thu 10:00AM-11:30AM
Syllabus:
TBA
3 Credits
Course Description:
This seminar and reading course is focused on cellular and molecular aspects of mammalian developmental neurobiology. Genetic and epigenetic principles underlying the emergence and maintenance of the mammalian nervous system will be explored in the context of human disorders that lead to structural brain abnormalities, intellectual disability and autism. The intent of this course is to present current topics in developmental neuroscience in the context of animal models and human diseases that have contributed to our understanding of the biochemical, molecular and cellular processes of brain development and function. Graduate students are required to write an analysis of a primary research paper to receive graduate level credit for HUMGEN 580.
Prerequisites:
BIO 225 and BIO 305
Course Director:
Bielas
Instructors:
Bielas, Iwase, Kwan
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus
Schedule:
Winter Term
Tue/Thu 1:00pm-2:30pm
Syllabus:
TBA
1 Credit
Course Description:
This course consists of a series of seminars and discussions on a special topic of interest to students, presented by invited speakers over several weeks each semester. The seminars are open to the University community. Registration for this course is limited to PIBS students, graduate students in CMB, and students supported by the Predoctoral Genetics Training Program. These “short courses” are coordinated and sponsored cooperatively by the CMB Program and the Genetics Predoctoral Training Program.
The topic of the Fall 2024 Short Course, sponsored by Cellular and Molecular Biology, is “AI in Action: Applications in Cellular and Molecular Biology."
Prerequisites:
Instructor approval is required for enrollment in this course. Please send a request to Ashley Andreae @ [email protected].
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus
Schedule:
Fall & Winter Terms
1 Credit
Course Description:
The GTP trainees will take this course in the winter term and discuss papers focusing on the short course topic. The goal of this course is to prepare students for seminars from the visiting short course speakers. Each student will present a practice talk to their PI the week before their formal presentation. Dr. John Moran and members of the GTP faculty will provide written feedback on the presentation to the students. In addition to the content of the course, Genetics 631 provides rigorous training in critical analysis of the primary literature and the preparation of effective oral presentations.
Prerequisites:
Instructor approval is required for enrollment in this course. Please send a request to Ashley Andreae @ [email protected].
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus
Schedule:
Winter Term
Syllabus:
TBA
1 Credit
Course Description:
The GTP trainees participate in this course in the Fall term. Active GTP faculty members present informal seminars (i.e., in the form a chalk talk presentation) about a research area in their laboratories to introduce GTP students to genetic strategies, research, and technologies used at the Michigan undergraduate and medical school campuses. The small group setting facilitates interaction and discussion among students and faculty. A recent, relevant publication (typically a review article) is distributed to the students one week prior to the class meeting to help them prepare for the discussion. A second faculty serves as a moderator to ensure an active discussion among the participants.
Prerequisites:
Instructor approval is required for enrollment in this course. Please send a request to Ashley Andreae @ [email protected].
Director:
Moran
Presenters:
Hastings, Kozik, Marand, Niederer, Todd, Wang
Moderators:
TBA
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus; 4917 Buhl (DHG Classroom)
Schedule:
Fall Term
Mon 1:00PM-2:15PM
Syllabus:
2024 Schedule
3 Credits
Prerequisites:
Limited to First Term Genetic Counseling Graduate Students.
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus
Schedule:
Fall Term
2 Credits
Prerequisites:
Instructor approval is required for enrollment in this course.
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus
Schedule:
Fall Term
1 Credit
Course Description:
This course will provide students with an overview of the research process and emphasize fundamental skills in both quantitative and qualitative research. Students will learn to evaluate the research process and develop skills in hypothesis generation, data acquisition, analysis and interpretation through lectures, group discussions and individual study. Special emphasis will be placed on unique issues related to human genetics, in both basic and applied research.
Prerequisites:
Limited to Genetic Counseling Graduate Students. Instructor approval is required for enrollment in this course.
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus
Schedule:
Fall Term
1 Credit
Course Description:
This course provides a working structural knowledge of how the normal human body develops from the fertilized egg. The fundamental mechanisms underlying normal developmental processes and the basic principles underlying abnormal development are covered. The nature of mechanisms that result in specific congenital malformations are addressed.
Prerequisites:
Enrollment in the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program or Instructor approval is required.
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus
Schedule:
Winter Term
1 Credit
Prerequisites:
Limited to Genetic Counseling Graduate Students.
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus
Schedule:
Winter Term
2 Credits
Course Description:
This course will focus on the quickly evolving field of cancer genetics. The course objective is to enable students to identify, counsel, and manage high-risk cancer patients. Numerous themes will be explored including the biological basis of cancer, risk assessment models, inherited cancer syndromes, genetic testing for cancer, screening and cancer prevention, and ethical and psychosocial issues encountered in cancer syndrome families.
Prerequisites:
Instructor approval is required for enrollment in this course.
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus
Schedule:
Winter Term
1 Credit
Course Description:
This course will focus on risk assessment and factors to consider when ordering a genetic test. Topics include pedigree and Bayesian analysis, cytogenetics, laboratory selection and billing/insurance issues. Predictive genetic testing and ethical issues raised by genetic testing will also be discussed. Teaching will include case based discussions.
Prerequisites:
Instructor approval is required for enrollment in this course.
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus
Schedule:
Winter Term
3 Credits
Course Description:
This class will introduce genetic counseling graduate trainees to fundamentals of human anatomy with applications of this knowledge to common clinical issues encountered in the practice of genetic counseling. Content will be delivered via lectures and small group work will be used to integrate lecture content and explore applications to clinical practice.
Prerequisites:
Limited to Genetic Counseling Graduate Students. Instructor approval is required for enrollment in this course.
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus
Schedule:
Winter Term
3 Credit
Course Description:
This course supports the development of interviewing skills and explores the ways in which interviewing facilitates health care communication and supports client decision making. Students work on acquiring an understanding of their own patient interviewing style and developing the ability to apply these skills in a variety of simulated circumstances.
Prerequisites:
Instructor approval is required for enrollment in this course.
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus
Schedule:
Winter Term
3 Credit
Course Description:
This course is designed to enhance competence with specific counseling interventions in genetic counseling and to deepen understanding of the theoretical bases of grief responses, crisis interventions, counselor empathy, complicated grieving and stigmatizing loss. Ethical issues will be addressed as they relate to genetic counseling. Diversity issues and on-going awareness to multicultural factors in clinical practice will also be considered.
Prerequisites:
Limited to First Year Medical Students and Human Genetics Graduate Students.
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus
Schedule:
Fall Term
1 Credit
Course Description:
The growing awareness of the central role of genetic factors in the causation of human disease has made genetics one of the most rapidly developing fields in medicine. Much of this progress has been propelled by advances that, in turn have been applied directly to the diagnosis and management of disease. The objective of this course is to present the basic principles of medical genetics and their application to clinical medicine, with an emphasis on clinical approaches to the individual who has (or has a family member with) a genetic disorder or congenital anomaly. This approach will be grounded in molecular genetics and will provide students with the necessary background to understand ongoing developments in genetics and their application to clinical problems.
Prerequisites:
Limited to Genetic Counseling Graduate Students.
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus
Schedule:
Fall Term
1 Credit
Course Description:
The growing awareness of the central role of genetic factors in the causation of human disease has made genetics one of the most rapidly developing fields in medicine. Much of this progress has been propelled by advanced that, in turn have been applied directly to the diagnosis and management of disease. The objective of this course is to present the basic principles of medical genetics and their applications to clinical medicine, with an emphasis on clinical approaches to the individual who has (or has a family member with) a genetic disorder or congenital anomaly. This approach will be grounded in molecular genetics and will provide students with the necessary background to understand ongoing developments in genetics and their application to clinical problems.
Prerequisites:
HUMGEN 542
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus
Schedule:
Winter Term
3 Credits
Course Description:
This class helps students make the transition from student to independent practitioner. Class work considers professional roles and responsibilities, helps students develop advanced clinical skills and critical analytical thinking. Students also explore the ethical, legal and social implications of genomic medicine.
Prerequisites:
HUMGEN 640;648;649
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus
Schedule:
Winter Term
1-3 Credits
Course Description:
This supervised internship supports the development of clinical genetic counseling skills (family and medical history taking, case preparation and management, patient education and counseling) through direct patient contact in genetic counseling clinics. Student will enroll during 3 of their 4 academic semesters. Responsibilities will increase in each semester and be based on those mastered previously.
Prerequisites:
Limited to Genetic Counseling Graduate Students
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus
Schedule:
Fall & Winter Terms
3 Credits
Course Description:
Advanced course in population genetics, focusing on mathematical models and statistical methods for data analysis. Topics include infinite and finite population phenomena, population structure, admixture, mutation models, coalescent methods, recombination, and linkage disequilibrium.
2 Credits
Course Description:
The field of Human Genetics has grown dramatically in recent years, in large part due to rapid advances in new technologies for discovery and the explosion of new data and resources. This course provides students with an opportunity to learn about cutting edge technologies, a new mechanisms of genetic regulation, and the application of experimental approaches to genetics research.
Topics for Winter 2023 will include the following:
- New therapeutic approaches to genetic disease including modification of endogenous gene expression, post-translational processing, RNAi mediated gene knockdown, pathway modification, alteration of splicing, suppression of repeat expansion, and success with small molecules in intractable diseases
- Somatic mosaicism in human genetic disease
- Modeling epigenetic regulation through X inactivation
- Sex chromosomes
- New technologies to measure and predict variant effects
- Effect of structural haplotypes on disease risk
- Genetic manipulation of model organisms including CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome engineering
- Exploring the genetic basis of autism and neuropsychiatric disease
- Human pluripotent stem cell models of neurological development and disease
- Computational and functional characterization of transcriptional regulation important for human development and disease
- Complexity of histone modifications and state of the art methods of characterization
Recently published research manuscripts from the genetics field will be discussed during each of the weekly sessions. The class places a heavy emphasis on student-led presentations, critical analysis and active participation from all students enrolled in the course. Grading in HUMGEN 803 is based on class participation--there are no exams. HUMGEN 803 (2 credits) meets twice weekly for 2-hour sessions; class size is limited to 15.
Prerequisites:
HUMGEN 545 or HUMGEN 546. Instructor approval is required for enrollment in this course.
Director:
Moon
Instructors:
Antonellis, Bielas, Iwase, Keegan, Kidd, Kitzman, Lukaszewicz, Meisler, Mills, Moon, Mueller, Zhang
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus; Taubman Library 5380
Schedule:
Winter Term
Wed 3:00PM-5:00PM
Syllabus:
TBA
1 Credit
Course Description:
In order to enhance knowledge of topics in genetics-related research as well as critical thinking and seminar presentation skills, students present papers from the current genetics literature. Students in the Ph.D. Program in the Department of Human Genetics are required to register and participate in 4 semesters of HUMGEN 821/822; presentations are required in two of these semesters. Genetic Counseling and Human Genetics Master's Programs students and MSTP students are required to register for two semesters and present a seminar in one of the semesters. All students participate in weekly practice sessions for the speakers and in post-presentation reviews.
Director:
Hammoud, McLoughlin
Instructors:
Antonellis, Burke, Camper, Glover, Kitzman, Li, Meisler, Mueller, Prasov, Shavit, Zhang
Location:
Ann Arbor Campus; 5915 Buhl (DHG Classroom)
Schedule:
Fall & Winter Terms
Wed 12:00PM-1:00PM
Syllabus:
TBA
