Molecular Biology And Human Genetics

[Gaynelle Brigges]

TheDepartment of Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine is transforming medicine by expanding the role of genetics and genomics in science and medicine through major discoveries and integration of basic research, clinical, and diagnostic activities. Our talented faculty, trainees and staff have designed an environment that promotes and supports diversity, inclusion, and equity.

Our department consistently ranks first in the nation in funding from the National Institutes of Health. In addition to numerous NIH, National Science Foundation, and other competitive research grants, the faculty have received national recognition and support from the Pew Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Our educational programs attract the most highly qualified candidates. Our clinical genetics program, the largest in the country, offers patients unparalleled, single-source genetic testing and services.

We offer an array of valuable educational and training opportunities for medical students, graduate students, residents, fellows, and postdoctoral trainees who are interested in human and molecular genetics and genomics.

The Office of Community Engagement and Equity in our department works to promote an environment that fosters inclusion, education and understanding for faculty, trainees, staff, and the community-at-large.

At the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine Department of Genetic Medicine, we are committed to providing educational opportunities for our graduate and medical students, residents and fellows to empower them to deliver state-of-the-art patient care and genetics research. Through our multifaceted programs, we guide our trainees to enhance the integration of genetics into all medicine. New! Ph.D. students in STEM fields: learn about the Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative, a new endowed fellowship program at Johns Hopkins for students who have attended a historically black college and university (HBCU) or other minority serving institution (MSI) for undergraduate study.

Human Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program

The human genetics and genomics graduate program provides a solid foundation in human and molecular biology, human genetics and our state-of-the-art research methodology.

Clinical Genetics Residency Programs

Our program offers preparation for ABMG certification, including intensive mentored research training to prepare trainees to compete for research funding and for academic careers in genetic medicine.

Medical Students

Our one-month elective rotation in clinical genetics offers the opportunity to participate in outpatient genetics clinics and inpatient services and consultations.

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

As a cornerstone of the Johns Hopkins mission, continuing education provides physicians and other health care providers with necessary knowledge and skills for their respective fields.

Advances in human genetics and genomics continue at an astounding rate and increasingly they are being integrated into medical practice. The Human Genetics and Genomics Program aims to educate highly motivated and capable students with the knowledge and experimental tools that will enable them to answer important questions at the interface between genetics and medicine. Ultimately, our trainees will be the leaders in delivering the promise of genetics to human health.

This program is also offered as training for medical students in the combined M.D./Ph.D. program. Students apply to the combined program at the time of application to the M.D. program. (See section entitled Medical Scientist Training Program).

Research laboratories are well equipped to carry out sophisticated research in all areas of genetics. The proximity to renown clinical facilities of the Johns Hopkins Hospital, including the Department of Genetic Medicine, and Oncology Center provides faculty and students with access to a wealth of material for study. Computer and library facilities are excellent. Laboratories involved in the Human Genetics Program span Johns Hopkins University; consequently supporting facilities are extensive.

The program is supported by a training grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. These fellowships, which are restricted to United States citizens and permanent United States residents, cover tuition, health care insurance and a stipend during year one. Once a student has joined a thesis lab, all financial responsibilities belong to the mentor. Students are encouraged, however, to apply for fellowships from outside sources (e.g., the National Science Foundation, Fulbright Scholars Program, Howard Hughes Medical Institute) before entering the program.

Applicants for admission should show a strong academic foundation with coursework in biology, chemistry and quantitative analysis. Applicants are encouraged to have exposure to lab research or to data science. A bachelor's degree from a qualified college or university will be required for matriculation. GREs are no longer required.

The program includes the following required core courses: Advanced Topics in Human Genetics, Evolving Concept of the Gene, Molecular Biology and Genomics, Cell Structure and Dynamics, Computational Bootcamp, Pathways and Regulation, Genomic Technologies, Rigor and Reproducibility in Research, and Systems, Genes and Mechanisms of Disease. Numerous elective courses are available and are listed under sponsoring departments.

The courses offered by the faculty of the program are listed below. All courses are open to graduate students from any university program as well as selected undergraduates with permission of the course director.

Trainees must complete three research rotations before deciding on their thesis lab. They must also participate in the Responsible Conduct of Research sessions offered by the Biomedical Program; starting at year 3, students must attend at least two Research Integrity Colloquium lectures per year.

Graduates from the Human Genetics program pursue careers in academia, medicine, industry, teaching, government, law, as well the private sector. Our trainees are encouraged to explore the full spectrum of professional venues in which their training my provide a strong foundation. Driven by curiosity and a desire for excellence, our trainees stand out as leaders in the chosen arenas of professional life. They are supported in the development of their career plans by a program faculty and administration who are dedicated to their success, and by a myriad of support networks across the Johns Hopkins University, many of which are provided by the Professional Development Career Office of the School of Medicine.

This program is designed to give students a solid foundation in the theoretical, experimental, and practical aspects of genetics. Our courses are taught by outstanding faculty members who are internationally recognized leaders in their fields, with an emphasis on the integration of biological knowledge with technology and computational approaches to research.

A wide range of research opportunities in genetic model systems and human genetic diseases, along with a strong genetics background, enables students to become highly trained specialists in their area of interest. The skills and knowledge gained through this program will prepare its graduates to be successful working in academia, government, or industry.

In this research focus, genetic principles are applied to investigate basic mechanisms of transcription, gene expression, transcription factor interactions with DNA, chromatin structure, protein-protein interactions that regulate gene activity, and mechanisms that function to regulate epigenetic inheritance.

Offers research opportunities that explore elucidating the genetic programs and circuitry that occur during development and differentiation. Topics include investigating the temporal and molecular genetic events underlying bacterial sporulation, muscle development, T and B cell differentiation, germ cell specification and renewal, stem cell differentiation, development of the nervous system and the eye, sex determination, and plant root development.

Research topics include understanding cancer formation and malignant progression using bioinformatics and array technologies, DNA methylation and epigenetic mechanisms of human carcinogenesis, genetic regulation of cell cycle control, apoptosis, and angiogenesis.

Offers research opportunities in the studies of inborn errors of metabolism, chromosomal disorders, single gene disorders, and multifactorial disorders. The program uses cutting-edge molecular biological techniques, state-of-the-art proteomics technology, stem cell technology, genetic epidemiological methods, multi-omics approach, and directed evolution studies.

Offers research opportunities that explore cancer, cell and developmental biology, epigenetics, and the principles of human disease. The program uses gene expression profiles, copy number variation, genetic polymorphisms, transcription-factor occupancy across the genome, epigenetic modifications, and advanced DNA sequencing methodologies are available for use and training.

GMB graduates are highly sought after by employers in various industries, including business consulting companies, engineering firms, and government agencies. They work as researchers, laboratory managers, and technical specialists in the industry and pursue independent research careers at universities or medical schools.

Our faculty members are some of the most distinguished scholars in their fields and work closely with undergraduate students on research projects, independent study courses, or senior thesis projects.

Located just 6 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, Emory's 704-acre campus is in a beautifully wooded area that offers students a peaceful environment to study but also provides easy access to Atlanta's bustling cultural scene.

Molecular Biology and Genetics seek to understand how the molecules that make up cells determine the behavior of living things. Biologists use molecular and genetic tools to study the function of those molecules in the complex milieu of the living cell. Groups in our department are using these approaches to study a wide variety of questions, including the fundamental processes of transcription and translation, mechanisms of global gene control including signal transduction pathways, the function of the visual and olfactory systems, and the nature of genetic diversity in natural populations and how that affects their evolution, among others. The systems under study cover the range of model organisms (bacteria, yeast, slime molds, worms, fruit flies, zebrafish, and mice) though the results of these studies relate directly or indirectly to human health.

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