GPGG Core Courses

Integrated Core Curriculum: Foundations in the Biomedical Sciences

Full details about the integrated curriculum can be found online here and here.

Principles of Genetics & Genomics

GMS GE 701, 4 credits
Fall Semester, First Year

This course will serve as a foundation for understanding the heritable basis of numerous biological traits, the relationships among genes, and the regulation of their expression. We will focus on the ability to use genetic systems to probe these problems, and therefore will heavily explore the experimental aspects of these investigations. In addition, we will discuss the impact of the genome sequences on the practice of modern science. Moreover, we will use a case study approach to investigate the rich variety of scientific insights gained through genetic studies.

Translational Genetics and Genomics

GMS FC 705, 2 credits
Spring Semester, First Year

This course will explore the process by which insights from basic science research ultimately lead to new strategies for patient care with a focus on examples from genetics and more recent genome-wide experimental approaches. The course will cover examples of translational research using genetic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, approaches in human and/or model systems. Research that leads to new approaches for establishing disease diagnosis, prognosis, therapy, and personalized medicine will be discussed. The ethical and societal implications of these developments will also be considered.

Genetics and Genomics Colloquium

GMS GE 703 and 704, 2 credits each
Fall and Spring Semesters, Second Year

The Genetics and Genomics Colloquium will be a highly participatory journal club where the students will be asked to give presentations on cutting edge research with the focus on communication skills rather than scientific content. This approach will allow students to become more comfortable with public speaking while developing the skills necessary for effective communication of scientific ideas.

Electives

(Six credits, Second Year)

Cancer Biology and Genetics

GMS MM 703, 2 credits

The course will begin with an historical perspective; review the major mechanistic pathways relating to oncogenes, antioncogenes, cell cycle control, genome instability, repair, and apoptosis; discuss standard and experimental genomic principles of cancer treatment and diagnosis; and conclude with a discussion of cancer epidemiology and health policy issues that affect all basic translational cancer research.

Additional electives offered by various Departments at BUSM are also approved including:

Fall Semester

Human Genetics, GMS MS 781, 4 credits

Cellular Aspects of Development and Differentiation, GRS BI 610, 4 credits

Computational Biology: Genomes, Networks, Evolution, ENG BE 562, 4 credits

Genetics and Epidemiology of Disease, GMS MM 701, 2 credits

Comprehensive Immunology, GMS MI 713, 4 credits

Cancer Biology and Genetics, GMS MM 703, 2 credits

Pharmacogenomics, GMS PM 832, 2 credits

Protein Structure and Function, GMS BI 783, 2 credits

Molecular Mechanisms of Growth and Development, GMS BI 787, 2 credits

Receptors and Signal Transduction, GMS BI 790, 2 credits

DNA and Protein Sequence Analysis, ENG BE 561, 4 credits

Gene Regulation and Pharmacology, GMS PM 880, 2 credits

Molecular Basis of Neurological Disease, GMS MS 783, 2 credits

Systems Neuroscience, GMS AN 810, 4 credits

Spring Semester

Gene Targeting in Transgenic Mice, GMS BI 776, 2 credits

Biochemical Mechanisms of Aging, GMS BI 786, 2 credits

Mass Spectrometry and Functional Genomics, GMS BI 793, 2 credits

Elementary Biostatistics, GMS MS 700, 2 credits

Genetics of Microorganisms, GMS MI 714, 4 credits

Growth Control and Cell Transformation, GMS MI 717, 4 credits

Teaching Methods in the Biomedical Sciences, GMS AN 804, 2 credits

Technology Commercialization: From Lab to Market, MET AD 893, 4 credits

Mechanisms and Models of Cellular Regulation, ENG BE 700, 4 credits

Genetics, Ethics, and the Law, GMS BT 440, 4 credits

Technology Commercialization: From Lab to Market, MET AD 893, 4 credits

Neuroanatomical Basis of Neurological Disorders, GMS AN 808 ,2 credits

Cognitive Neuroscience, GMS AN 811, 4 credits

Medical School Course

Medical Genetics (for MD students)

The pace of genetic advances during the last century has been unparalleled scientifically, and these discoveries have already made and are poised to make an incredible impact on the practice of medicine. Currently, OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man) lists over 2000 identified disease genes, and GeneTests lists over 1000 diseases for which there are molecular tests. Moreover, OMIM lists over 19,000 loci that are associated with particular phenotypes. In this course we will explore the precise molecular determinants of medical conditions and of human phenotypic variation that are being elucidated on a daily basis. Clearly, a detailed understanding of the genetic basis of human disease will lead to more precise molecular assays and diagnostics, better-targeted treatments, and more efficient treatment plans overall. Moreover, these developments will certainly affect all clinical specialties of the medical field since genetic components have a clear influence on a wide variety of human traits and conditions, from height and developmental birth defects to cancer susceptibility and neurological degeneration.