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.
Elective Courses and Internship
In addition to the required courses listed above, M.S. in Genome Bioinformatics students are expected to select 2-17 credits of elective courses and must complete an bioinformatics internship in an industry, academic, or governmental setting after the first year.
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