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

 

PhD Program 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 PhD and MD/PhD. degree programs in Molecular Genetics and Genomics. The goal of these programs 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 and laboratory-based curriculum that is customized for each student. The programs include a strong focus on training and participation in research aimed at increasing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human disease. 

 

Learning Outcomes

1. Students will acquire a broad and comprehensive understanding of current molecular genetics and genomics relevant to human biology and disease, 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. Students will plan and execute experiments that address a research problem.

4. To develop within each student the approach to scientific thinking and exploration needed for original research as an independent investigator in molecular genetics and genomics.

5. Students will learn to organize and present research plans and results to a variety of audiences, including preparation of research proposals and manuscripts for publication in scientific journals.

Assessment Methods

Assessment for Learning Outcome 1:Students will acquire a broad and comprehensive understanding of current molecular genetics and genomics relevant to human biology and disease, including current areas of research and research methodologies. Assessed by a grade of “B” or higher in core courses IBS 7015 (Interdisciplinary Cellular and Molecular Biology), MGG 7015 (Introduction to Genetics), MGG 7050 (Bioinformatics: Theory and Practice), MGG 7600 (Advanced Human Genetics), FPH 7015 (Biostatistics I). LO1 is further assessed by progress (and grades of B or higher) in MGG 7460 (Research Training in Molecular Genetics and Genomics), First Year Laboratory Rotations and presentations, and by passing the Written Qualifying Exam.

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. Ongoing assessment will evaluate progress in developing a dissertation research project.

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. Students will plan and execute experiments that address a research problem. Assessed beginning with the First Year Laboratory Research Rotation presentations, by progress (and grades of B or higher) in MGG 7460 (Research Training in Molecular Genetics and Genomics), success at the written and oral defense of the research Prospectus, annual evaluations by the student’s Dissertation Committee, progress in MBG 9991-9994 (Dissertation Research), and ultimately, by passing the student’s Dissertation Defense.

Assessment for Learning Outcome 4:To develop within each student the approach to scientific thinking and exploration needed for original research as an independent investigator in molecular genetics and genomics.  Assessed by achieving a grade of B or higher in core courses and doctoral dissertation research, and annual evaluations by the student’s Dissertation Committee.

Assessment for Learning Outcome 5: Students will learn to organize and present research plans and results to a variety of audiences, including preparation of research proposals and manuscripts for publication in scientific journals. Assessed by a grade of B or higher core courses including in MGG 7091 (Scientific Communication), success at the written and oral defense of the research Prospectus, and annual evaluations by the student’s Dissertation Committee. This LO is also assessed by participation in CMMG Student Seminar Series, presentations at scientific meetings, and by authorship of peer-reviewed publications in a scientific journal.

 

Outcomes Summary