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2020-2021 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog
University of Pittsburgh
   
2020-2021 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog 
    
 
  Mar 28, 2024
 
2020-2021 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Genome Bioinformatics, MS


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The Master of Science in Genome Bioinformatics (MSGB) program prepares students for careers analyzing the human genome both in academia and in pharmaceutical and genomic testing industries. Graduates of the program will meet the growing need for computational analysts with expertise in manipulating, annotating, and interpreting human genome data. In addition to coursework and hands-on training, students will participate in a structured internship experience in industry or other non-academic setting to provide real world exposure to genome bioinformatics and hone analytic and communication skills in preparation for entering the job market.

Vision

Our MSGB graduates will be experts in applying computation tools for studying and interpreting the human genome in a future where genomics is central to precision medicine and biomedical research.

More information about the program can be found by visiting the Pitt Public Health website, Department of Human Genetics, and accessing the Master of Science (MSGB) in Genome Bioinformatics program designation.

MS in Genome Bioinformatics Program Requirements


MS in GENOME BIOINFORMATICS COMPETENCIES

The goal of the MS in Genome Bioinformatics program is to prepare students for careers analyzing the human genome both in academia and in pharmaceutical and genomic testing industries. Toward this end, students will gain proficiency in the knowledge and skills required to manipulate, annotate, and interpret human genome data. These educational goals are organized into eight program-specific competencies. After successful completion of the MS in Genome Bioinformatics program, students will be able to:

  • Describe the methods for generating genomic data
  • Describe data structures for holding genetic and genomic data
  • Process genetic and genomic data
  • Construct pipelines for high-throughput analysis of data
  • Analyze genetic and genomic data to address research questions
  • Annotate analysis results using contemporary bioinformatic resources
  • Visualize quality metrics and analysis results
  • Communicate analysis methods and results to stakeholders

Human Genetics Competencies

In addition to gaining expertise in genome data analysis and interpretation, students completing the MS in Genome Bioinformatics program will gain proficiency in the foundations of the field of Human Genetics. Specifically, after completing the program, students will be able to:

  • Describe basic genetic mechanisms and how they affect proteins, chromosomes, cells, individuals, and populations of organisms in normal and disease states
  • Describe mechanisms by which genes and the environment interact to affect the distribution of health and disease in human populations
  • Describe the importance of ethical principles, diversity, and inclusion in genetics research

COURSEWORK

Coursework for students in the MS in Genome Bioinformatics program is typically undertaken across two years (four semesters) with an industry internship after the first year. Three core didactic courses covering data processing and structures, genomic analysis pipeline and tools, and genomic data visualizations and annotation are taken during the first year of the graduate program.  These courses, along with foundational knowledge of human genetics and biostatistics obtained through the Pitt Public Health curriculum, will prepare students to succeed in their summer internships. During the second year of the program students will expand their repertoire of analysis skills and communicate the results of their internship as part of the Bioinformatics Capstone course. Finally, students will develop their internship-based bioinformatics analysis project into an industry style data report, serving as the MS thesis and culminating experience of the degree program. 

Required Human Genetics Courses


School Core Course Requirements


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