Dear MGG Students, Faculty, and Friends;
This is an exciting time for Molecular Genetics and Genomics research. The rapid development of new technologies and computational approaches is allowing us to begin to unlock the secrets of the human genome and to harness that information to improve health and combat disease. The Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics continues its 25-year history of educating graduate students and preparing them for carriers in this exciting field. To remain on the cutting edge of research and education we constantly monitor and evaluate our graduate programs to ensure that they remain current and forward-looking and provide the best possible opportunities for our students. One way that we do this is to periodically assess how the program is achieving its overall mission goals and individual learning objectives. On these pages we share with you the results of these periodic assessments. We invite you to check back from time to time to see how we are doing. We also welcome your comments and suggestions.
Sincerely,
Molecular Genetics and Genomics Graduate Programs
Master of Science in Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Mission Statement
The mission of the Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics is in large measure research and education. Falling within this mission is the Center’s M.S. degree program in Molecular Genetics and Genomics. Its goal is to provide students with a broad understanding of current molecular genetics and genomics including current areas of research and research methodologies. We offer a unique training environment that includes a didactic, laboratory and human-biology oriented curriculum. Our M.S. program is designed to facilitate career advancement of individuals employed in the areas of biomedical research and science education. In special cases successful completion of the M.S. program may serve as a springboard for admission to our Ph.D. program.
Learning Outcomes
1. Students will acquire a broad understanding of current molecular genetics and genomics including current areas of research and research methodologies.
2. Students will master data analysis and learn to critically evaluate their own data and data in the research literature.
3. Students will learn to identify important outstanding problems in molecular genetics and genomics and to plan research to address these problems.
4. Students will learn to organize and present research plans and results to an audience, including preparation of research proposals and manuscripts for publication in scientific journals.
Assessment Methods
Assessment for Learning Outcome 1:Students will acquire a broad understanding of current molecular genetics and genomics including current areas of research and research methodologies. Assessed by a grade of “B” or higher in core courses: MGG 7010 (Molecular Biology and Genetics), MGG 7015 (Introduction to Genetics), MGG 7050 (Bioinformatics: Theory and Practice), and FPH 7015 (Biostatistics I).
Assessment for Learning Outcome 2:Students will master data analysis and learn to critically evaluate their own data and data in the research literature. Assessed by a grade of “B” or higher in core courses, by progress in or a grade of B or higher in MGG 7030 (Functional Genomics), and by participation in the CMMG seminar series.
Assessment for Learning Outcome 3:Students will learn to identify important outstanding problems in molecular genetics and genomics and to plan research to address these problems. Assessed by a grade of “B” or higher in core courses and by progress in or a grade of B or higher in MGG 7460 (Research Training in Molecular Biology and Genetics) and MGG7998 (Master’s Essay in Molecular Genetics and Genomics) or MGG 8999 (Master’s Thesis Research and Direction).
Assessment for Learning Outcome 4:Students will learn to organize and present research plans and results to an audience, including preparation of research proposals and manuscripts for publication in scientific journals. Assessed by a grade of B or higher in MGG 7091 (Scientific Communication) progress or a grade of B or higher in MGG7998 (Master’s Essay in Molecular Genetics and Genomics) or MGG 8999 (Master’s Thesis Research and Direction), and by participation in the CMMG seminar series, presentations at scientific meetings, and by successful preparation of a Master’s Thesis or Essay, and oral Thesis Defense.