Courses

Fall term - 2 credits

Course Description:
The concepts and analytic methods for studying variation in human populations are the subject matter of this course. The topics covered include the distribution of genetic variation, major forces of genetic stasis and change, quantitative traits, linkage analysis, association tests, and the role of the environment. We take a problem solving approach and present the basic models of population, quantitative, and statistical genetics at a mathematical level appropriate to students in the life sciences. Our focus is on current human genetics research. However, most of what we present is broadly useful and applies to natural populations of other species.

Prerequisites:
A foundation in genetics and familiarity with the basic statistics and probability.

Director:
Burke

Instructors:
Burke, Antonellis, Kidd, Kitzman, Mueller

Location:
(see syllabus below)

Schedule:
Mon & Wed 3:00pm-4:00pm

Fall term - 3 credits

Course Description:
This course explores how the information content of the DNA genome is (i) organized, propagated, and altered, and (ii) functionally expressed by regulated transcription into RNA - the core molecular properties and processes of genetic systems that underlie all further investigations of organismal, clinical, and population genetics. As a graduate level course, it is expected that students will enter HG545 with a basic understanding of the nature of biological systems, DNA, RNA, replication, and transcription. HG545 will focus on developing an advanced modern understanding of these molecules and reactions. We will explore what experimental research in model organisms and humans has taught us about the molecular encoding of genetic information while simultaneously exposing gaps in our understanding. Throughout, attention will be given to newer genome-wide analysis methods that are dramatically increasing our understanding of the extent of genetic variation and the many modes of gene expression. Also, students will be introduced to recombinant DNA technologies as one important way that molecular genetic insight is reduced to practice in biological research. Upon completion of HG545, students will appreciate the directions research in molecular genetics is heading and be able to draw on this insight as they pursue further studies and research in diverse areas of genetics and biology.

Prerequisites:
An undergraduate-level course in general biology is required; a specialized undergraduate-level course in genetics (e.g. BIOLOGY 305) is strongly recommended.

Director:
Kalantry

Instructors:
Kalantry, Moran, 

Location:
(see syllabus below)

Schedule:
Mon / Wed / Fri 9:00AM-10:00AM

Winter term - 4 credits

Course Description:
This course will emphasize the principles and methods of genetics and molecular genetics as they relate to human disease.  The course covers the topics of monogenic traits, cytogenetics, non-Mendelian inheritance, cancer genetics, and complex genetic disease.  In each section, principles of genetics are presented by way of illustration of particular human genetic diseases or conditions.  Papers from the current and classic literature will supplement lecture material.

Prerequisites:

Director:
Antonellis

Instructors:
Antonellis, Glover, Moran, Sekiguchi, Parker 

Location:
(see syllabus below)

Schedule:
Mon / Wed / Fri 9:00AM-10:00AM

Winter term - 3 credits

Course Description:
Introduction to the theory and practice of genomic data analysis. Includes DNA sequence mapping and assembly, variant calling, gene expression analysis, and gene network analysis. This course will introduce the use of Python for manipulation of data. The course project will require use of existing genomics tools on a distributed Linux computer cluster.

Prerequisites:
Experience with basic concepts in genetics and molecular biology.

Director:
Kidd

Instructors:
Kidd, Kitzman, Mills

Location:
(see syllabus below)

Schedule:
Tue/Thu 10:00AM-11:30AM

Winter term - 3 credits

Course Description:
This seminar and reading course is focused on cellular and molecular aspects of mammalian developmental neurobiology. Genetic and epigenetic principles underlying the emergence and maintenance of the mammalian nervous system will be explored in the context of human disorders that lead to structural brain abnormalities, intellectual disability and autism. The intent of this course is to present current topics in developmental neuroscience in the context of animal models and human diseases that have contributed to our understanding of the biochemical, molecular and cellular processes of brain development and function. Graduate students are required to write an analysis of a primary research paper to receive graduate level credit for HG580.

Course Director:
Bielas ([email protected])

Instructors:
Bielas, Iwase, Kwan

Location:
(see syllabus below)

Schedule:
Tue/Thu 1:00pm-2:30pm

Fall/Winter terms - 1 credit

Course Description:
This course consists of a series of seminars and discussions on a special topic of interest to students, presented by invited speakers over several weeks each semester. The seminars are open to the University community. Registration for this course is limited to PIBS students, graduate students in CMB, and students supported by the Predoctoral Genetics Training Program. These “short courses” are coordinated and sponsored cooperatively by the CMB Program and the Genetics Predoctoral Training Program.

Prerequisites:
Must have instructor permission to register (send request to Ashley Andreae at [email protected]).

Schedule

Winter term - 1 credit

Course Description:
The GTP trainees will take this course in the winter term and discuss papers focusing on the short course topic. The goal of this course is to prepare students for seminars from the visiting short course speakers. Each student will present a practice talk to their PI the week before their formal presentation. Dr. John Moran and members of the GTP faculty will provide written feedback on the presentation to the students. In addition to the content of the course, Genetics 631 provides rigorous training in critical analysis of the primary literature and the preparation of effective oral presentations.

Prerequisites:
Must have instructor permission to register (send request to Ashley Andreae at [email protected]).

Fall term - 1 credit

Course Description:
The GTP trainees participate in this course in the fall term. Active GTP faculty members present informal seminars about a research area in their laboratories to introduce GTP students to genetic strategies, research, and technologies used at the Michigan undergraduate and medical school campuses. The small group setting facilitates interaction and discussion among students and faculty. A recent, relevant publication is distributed to the students to read prior to the class meeting.

Director:
Mueller

Prerequisites:
Must have instructor permission to register (send request to Ashley Andreae at [email protected]).

Winter term - 2 credits

Course Description:

The Human Genetics "Advanced Topics in Genetics" course (HG803) will be offered in Winter semester 2020.  The field of Human Genetics has grown dramatically in recent years, in large part due to rapid advances in new technologies for discovery and the explosion of new data and resources. HG803 provides students with an opportunity to learn about cutting edge technologies, new mechanisms of genetic regulation, and the application of experimental approaches to genetics research.

Topics for Winter 2020 will include the following:

• New therapeutic approaches to genetic disease including modification of endogenous gene expression, post-translational processing, RNAi mediated gene knockdown, pathway modification, alteration of splicing, suppression of repeat expansion, and success with small molecules in intractable diseases
• Somatic mosaicism in human genetic disease
• Modeling epigenetic regulation through X inactivation
• Sex chromosomes
• New technologies to measure and predict variant effects
• Effect of structural haplotypes on disease risk
• Genetic manipulation of model organisms including CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome engineering
• Exploring the genetic basis of autism and neuropsychiatric disease
• Human pluripotent stem cell models of neurological development and disease
• Computational and functional characterization of transcriptional regulation important for human development and disease
• Complexity of histone modifications and state of the art methods of characterization

Recently published research manuscripts from the genetics field will be discussed during each of the weekly sessions. The class places a heavy emphasis on student-led presentations, critical analysis and active participation from all students enrolled in the course. Grading in HG803 is based on class participation--there are no exams.  HG803 (2 cr) meets twice weekly for 2-hour sessions; class size is limited to 15.

Prerequisites:
HG545 or HG546 and permission of instructor.

Director:
Kidd

Instructors:
Kidd, Bielas, Iwase, Keegan, Kitzman, Meisler, Mills, Moon, Mueller, Narla

Location:
(see syllabus below)

Schedule:
Wed 3:00PM-5:00PM

Fall/Winter terms - 1 credit

Course Description:
In order to enhance knowledge of topics in genetics-related research as well as critical thinking and seminar presentation skills, students present papers from the current genetics literature. Students in the Ph.D. Program in the Department of Human Genetics are required to register and participate in 4 semesters of HG821/822; presentations are required in two of these semesters. Genetic Counseling and Human Genetics Master's Programs students and MSTP students are required to register for two semesters and present a seminar in one of the semesters. All students participate in weekly practice sessions for the speakers and in post-presentation reviews.

Director:
Hammoud and McLoughlin

Instructors:
Hammoud, McLoughlin, Arlt, Burke, Camper, Kitzman, Kohrman, Meisler, Parker

Location:
WLH - MSII

Schedule:
Wed 12:00PM-1:00PM