Genetics and Genomics PhD Curriculum | Icahn School of Medicine

PHD PROGRAMS

PhD in Biomedical Sciences

The Genetic and Genomic Sciences curriculum provides students with comprehensive training in genetics, genomics, and computational biology. You have the opportunity to take advanced elective courses in numerous areas including biomedical informatics, biostatistics, cancer biology, immunology, microbiology, neuroscience, pharmacology and therapeutics design, and regeneration and stem cells.

You will begin by taking courses in genetics, genomics, genome analysis, and data science in your first year, followed by short rotation projects to explore your interests, develop additional skills, and explore potential thesis advisors.

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Meet the Co-Directors

Anne Bowcock, PhD

PROFESSOR | Oncological Sciences

PROFESSOR | Dermatology

PROFESSOR | Genetics and Genomic Sciences

Dr. Bowcock looks for genetic risk factors for common and rare inflammatory diseases of the skin and joints and for genetic drivers for different forms of melanoma.

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Sander Houten, PhD

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | Genetics and Genomic Sciences

Dr. Houten studies inborn errors of metabolism in order to develop new treatment options for patients affected by these orphan diseases.

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Curriculum and Courses

Year One Fall courses include (credits):

BSR1012 Biomedical Science (6)
Biostatistics; one of three: BIO6400 Biostatistics for Biomedical Research (3); MPH0300 Intro to Biostatistics (3); or BSR1715 Modern Statistics for Modern Biology (4)
BSR1021 Responsible Conduct of Research (.5)
BSR1006 Lab Rotation (4)

Year One Spring courses include:

BSR1013 Biomedical Science (6)
BSR1022 Rigor and Reproducibility (.5)
BSR1007 Lab Rotation (4)

Laboratory Rotations

Students complete two-to-three, eight-to-ten-week laboratory rotations, working an average of 20 hours a week in the laboratory. These rotations give students opportunities to explore their scientific interests, gain new skills and knowledge, and explore potential host labs for their dissertation.

Year Two Fall courses include:

Elective
Independent Research
Seminar: Genetics and Genomic Science
Journal Club: Genetics and Genomic Science
Genetics and Genomic Science Work-in-Progress

Year Two Spring courses include:

Independent Research
Seminar: Genetics and Genomic Science
Journal Club: Genetics and Genomic Science
Genetics and Genomic Science Work-in-Progress

Journal Clubs and Seminars

Beginning in their second year, students are required to participate in a Genetics and Genomic Sciences weekly seminar, work-in-progress meeting, and journal club.

In addition, students have opportunities to participate in many additional seminars and journal clubs organized by specific institutes and centers across the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Below are some of the most popular seminars among our students:

Cellular Modeling Seminar
Computational Genomics Seminar
Institute for Personalized Medicine Seminar
Neurogenomics Seminar

Thesis Proposal Exam

You are required to pass a thesis proposal exam in your second year. The exam consists of a written proposal in the style of a six-page National Institutes of Health F30 proposal, a 20-minute oral presentation, and an oral exam. The exam is administered by your research advisor and two to three additional faculty with relevant knowledge on the thesis topic.

Thesis Committee Meetings

Starting your second year, you will meet with your thesis committee one to two times per year to solicit feedback and advice in preparation for your thesis defense.

Thesis Defense

You are required to give a public presentation of your thesis and must also pass a closed oral defense exam immediately following your thesis presentation. The exam is administrated by your thesis committee.

Year Three courses include: