Genetics and Genomic Sciences
The UAB Undergraduate Program in Genetics and Genomic Sciences (GGSC) is an interdisciplinary major between the Department of Genetics in the Heersink School of Medicine and the Department of Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences. Genetics refers to study of genes and their roles in inheritance, while genomics describes investigations of large sets of genes or gene products, up to and including the entire genome. Genetics is one of the most important fields in biological sciences, and affects all aspects of our lives. There have been major breakthroughs in the fields of genetics and genomics during the last decade, and this has created a significant need for individuals with training in these cutting-edge disciplines.
The central goals of the GGSC undergraduate major are to provide students with a strong educational foundation in genetics and genomics while preparing them for careers in clinical practice, allied health professions, biomedical research, and healthcare-related fields. The program is designed to equip students with the scientific knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies necessary to pursue clinical training programs, professional health degrees, and research careers, and to contribute meaningfully to advances in genetic and genomic medicine.
Our faculty, through their strong academic, clinical, and research expertise in genetics and genomic sciences, support these goals through the following mechanisms:
Academic coursework – Students receive a rigorous academic foundation through coursework in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, genetics, and genomics, with an emphasis on human health, disease mechanisms, and clinical applications of genetic and genomic knowledge.
Authentic research and clinical exposure – Qualified students have opportunities to participate in laboratory and translational research under faculty mentorship, gaining experience with methods and technologies relevant to clinical diagnostics, precision medicine, and genomic healthcare.
Mentoring and career guidance – Students receive individualized academic and career advising to explore and prepare for a wide range of post-graduate pathways, including medical, dental, genetic counseling, nursing, physician assistant, public health, clinical laboratory sciences, biotechnology, and other allied health professions, as well as graduate research programs and industry positions.
Admissions
The GGSC program is designed for graduating high school seniors and college freshmen or sophomores with a strong academic record and the motivation to pursue a career in the biomedical sciences.
Advising and Information
Dr. Wioletta Czaja
Co-Director, Genetics and Genomic Sciences
Assistant Professor, Department of Genetics
(205) 934-3684
wczaja@uab.edu
Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Genomic Sciences
For a BS degree in Genetics and Genomic Sciences, you must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 120 semester hours including the following:
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Blazer Core | 41 | |
| BY 123 & 123L | Introductory Biology I and Introductory Biology I Laboratory | 4 |
| BY 124 & 124L | Introductory Biology II and Introductory Biology II Laboratory | 4 |
| CH 115 & CH 116 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory | 4 |
| CH 117 & CH 118 | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory | 4 |
| PHL 116 | Bioethics | 3 |
| BY 210 & 210L | Genetics and Genetics Laboratory | 3 |
| BY 330 | Cell Biology | 3 |
| CH 235 & CH 236 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | 4 |
| MA 125 | Calculus I | 4 |
| or MA 225 | Calculus I - Honors | |
| CH 237 & CH 238 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 4 |
| MA 180 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| or PUH 250 | Biostatistics | |
| CH 460 | Fundamentals of Biochemistry | 3 |
| PSDO 200 | Introduction to Research | 1 |
| PH 201 & 201L | College Physics I and College Physics Laboratory I | 4 |
| PH 202 & 202L | College Physics II and College Physics Laboratory II | 4 |
| PSDO 300 | Introduction to the Health Professions | 1 |
| Genetics and Genomic Sciences courses 1 | 13 | |
| Genome Structure and Organization | ||
| Colloquium in Genetics and Genomics Science 2 | ||
| Genetic Basis of Human Disease 4 | ||
| Applications of Bioinformatics 4 | ||
| GGSC Program Final (Taken last term) | ||
| GGS/BY Electives (select at least 2 from the list below) | 6 | |
| Principles of Pharmacogenetics 4 | ||
| Genetics Ventures: Bridging Science and Commercialization 4 | ||
| Immunogenetics 4 | ||
| Mitochondrial Genetics, Metabolism, and Disease 4 | ||
| Genetics Science and Technology 4 | ||
| Model Systems for Genetics Disorders | ||
| Personalized Genomic Medicine 4 | ||
| Principles of DNA Technology | ||
| Capstone Requirement (Choose one of the following) | 3 | |
| Model Systems for Genetics Disorders | ||
| Personalized Genomic Medicine 4 | ||
| Undergraduate Research Seminar in Genetics and Genomic Sciences 3 | ||
| Honors Research Seminar in Genetics and Genomic Sciences 3 | ||
| General Electives | 4 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- 1
A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required
- 2
GGSC majors must take the Colloquium in Genetics and Genomics course (GGSC 320; 1 credit hour per semester) at least 2 times.
- 3
Please contact the program director to discuss the Capstone requirements.
- 4
Course can be used as shared credit for students enrolled in the Multidisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (MBS) Accelerated Bachelors/Master’s Program (ABM). Distinct advantages of MBS-ABM include the use of up to 12 hours of shared credit that is applied to both your BS and MS degrees, taking graduate courses at the undergraduate tuition rate, and additional opportunities for academic advising and mentoring.
Grade Requirement
A grade of C or better is required in all courses applied to the major.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| CAS 112 | 3 | BY 124 & 124L | 4 |
| BY 123 & 123L | 4 | CH 117 & CH 118 | 4 |
| CH 115 & CH 116 | 4 | EH 102 | 3 |
| EH 101 | 3 | PHL 116 | 3 |
| Core Curriculum Area II or IV | 3 | ||
| 17 | 14 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| BY 210 | 4 | GGSC 310 | 3 |
| GGSC 3201 | 1 | GGSC 3201 | 1 |
| CH 235 & CH 236 | 4 | BY 330 | 3 |
| MA 125 | 4 | CH 237 & CH 238 | 4 |
| Core Curriculum Area II or IV | 3 | Core Curriculum Area II or IV | 3 |
| 16 | 14 | ||
| Junior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| GGSC 410 | 3 | GGSC 420 | 3 |
| GGSC 3201 | 1 | GGSC 3201 | 1 |
| GGSC 380 or 390 (or a General Elective Course) | 3 | GGSC 380 or 390 | 3 |
| MA 180 or PUH 250 | 3 | CH 460 | 3 |
| General Elective Course | 3 | General Elective Course | 3 |
| Core Curriculum Area II or IV | 3 | Core Curriculum Area II or IV | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Senior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| Approved GGSC/BY 400 Level Course2 | 3 | Approved GGSC/BY 400 Level Course2 | 3 |
| GGSC 492 or 493 (or a General Elective Course) | 3 | PH 202 or 222 | 4 |
| PH 201 or 221 | 4 | Core Curriculum Area II or IV | 3 |
| Core Curriculum Area II or IV | 3 | General Elective Course | 4 |
| General Elective Course | 3 | ||
| 16 | 14 | ||
| Total credit hours: 123 | |||
Courses
GGSC 101. Your Genome. 3 Hours.
Advances in genetics and genomics, and especially the sequencing of the human genome, are making it possible to customize medical care to the specific needs of an individual. This course will introduce students to basic concepts in genetics and genomic sciences, as well as familiarize them with the various tools available that enable personalization of healthcare. Students from a wide range of disciplines with minimum scientific background can participate, and there is no required textbook. This course is intended for non-Genetics and Genomic Sciences majors.
GGSC 201. Research Experience in Molecular Genetics. 3 Hours.
A course-based authentic research experience with genomic technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 (programmable nucleases) to make genetic modifications in a model organism.
GGSC 250. Special Topics in Genetics and Genomics Sciences. 1-3 Hour.
Covers different topics including fundamentals and applications in the fields of genetics and genomics.
GGSC 310. Genome Structure and Organization. 3 Hours.
This course will cover the general concepts of genomics including gene structure and function, genomic technologies and their applications, and comparative genomics.
Prerequisites: BY 210 [Min Grade: C] and CH 117 [Min Grade: C] and CH 118 [Min Grade: C]
GGSC 320. Colloquium in Genetics and Genomics Science. 1 Hour.
Faculty-led seminar course that exposes students to cutting edge research topics and career opportunities in the fields of genetics and genomics. Students will read assigned articles and be prepared for discussion.
GGSC 330. Principles and Practice of Precision Medicine. 3 Hours.
Students in this CURE course (Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences), will participate in the work-up of real (but de-identified), active PMI cases. Starting from a genetics report, students will research possible molecular mechanisms underlying an individual’s disease, write summary reports of the scientific and medical literature, and present their findings to the PMI team and potentially to the physicians responsible for making treatment decisions. Cases incorporated into the class are current active cases, and therefore will be new for every class.
Prerequisites: BY 210 [Min Grade: C]
GGSC 380. Undergraduate Research in Genetics and Genomics Sciences. 1-3 Hour.
Research project for non-GGS Honors students under the supervision of a faculty sponsor. May be repeated for a total of 9 semester credit hours in a 2 or 3 semester period.
GGSC 390. Honors Research in Genetics and Genomics Sciences. 1-3 Hour.
Research project for GGS Honors students under the supervision of a faculty sponsor. May be repeated for a total of 9 semester credit hours in a 2 or 3 semester period.
GGSC 410. Genetic Basis of Human Disease. 3 Hours.
This course will focus on the medical applications of genetics and genomic technologies. Topics covered include, but are not limited to major forms of chromosomal abnormalities, mutations and genetic disorders, genetic risk assessment and population genetics, and genomic approaches to diagnosis.
Prerequisites: BY 210 [Min Grade: C] and CH 117 [Min Grade: C] and CH 118 [Min Grade: C] and (GGSC 310 [Min Grade: C] or BY 311 [Min Grade: C])
GGSC 415. Aquatic Animal Models of Human Disease. 3 Hours.
This course will cover the basic anatomy, biology, life history, husbandry, and research applications for a variety of aquatic organisms used as animal models of human disease in biomedical research. Species discussed will include zebrafish, Medaka, Xiphorous, Onchorynchus, Xenopus, and Axolotls.
Prerequisites: CH 117 [Min Grade: C] and CH 118 [Min Grade: C] and BY 210 [Min Grade: C] and GGSC 310 [Min Grade: C]
GGSC 416. Genetics Ventures: Bridging Science and Commercialization. 3 Hours.
This course offers a unique blend of genetics and technology transfer, designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills needed to translate genetic discoveries and technologies into successful ventures. Students will explore the foundational concepts of genetics, including genomics, genetic engineering, and personalized medicine, while simultaneously learning the principles of commercialization, market analysis, intellectual property, and business plan development.
Prerequisites: CH 117 [Min Grade: C] and CH 118 [Min Grade: C] and BY 210 [Min Grade: C] and (GGSC 310 [Min Grade: C] or BY 311 [Min Grade: C])
GGSC 420. Applications of Bioinformatics. 3 Hours.
Introduction to computational tools and bioinformatics databases used in the fields of genetics and genomic sciences. This course will cover a wide variety of different bioinformatics applications, which will be taught through use of available on-line bioinformatics resources. Topics covered include large-scale genomic databases, sequence analysis systems, protein sequence analysis, structural bioinformatics, protein folding, and homology modeling.
Prerequisites: BY 210 [Min Grade: C] and CH 117 [Min Grade: C] and CH 118 [Min Grade: C] and (GGSC 310 [Min Grade: C] or BY 311 [Min Grade: C])
GGSC 421. Immunogenetics. 3 Hours.
Immerse into the genetics of the immune system and uncover how genetic variations influence the susceptibility to infections, autoimmune diseases, and the efficacy of vaccines and immunotherapies. This course will provide a detailed exploration of how specific genetic factors and the environment impact immune responses and offer insights into personalized approaches to medicine and treatment. By examining the intricate relationship between genetics and immunology, students will gain a deeper understanding of how to exploit this knowledge to improve health outcomes and advance therapeutic strategies.
Prerequisites: CH 117 [Min Grade: C] and CH 118 [Min Grade: C] and BY 210 [Min Grade: C] and (GGSC 310 [Min Grade: C] or BY 311 [Min Grade: C])
GGSC 434. Mitochondrial Genetics, Metabolism, and Disease. 3 Hours.
This course provides an in-depth exploration of mitochondrial genetics and metabolism, focusing on the structure, function, and inheritance pattern of mitochondrial DNA, and the multifaceted contributions of mitochondria to cellular metabolism. Students will examine the implications of mitochondrial genetics in human health and disease, as well as the latest research and therapeutic approaches in the field.
Prerequisites: CH 117 [Min Grade: C] and CH 118 [Min Grade: C] and BY 210 [Min Grade: C] and (GGSC 310 [Min Grade: C] or BY 311 [Min Grade: C])
GGSC 435. Zebrafish as a Model for Biomedical Research. 3 Hours.
This course will focus on the biology, husbandry, and management of zebrafish used as an animal model of human disease in biomedical research. Topics will include anatomy, physiology, systems design, water quality management, behavior and enrichment, spawning and larviculture, nutrition and live feeds, diseases, quarantine, biosecurity, and regulatory compliance.
Prerequisites: CH 117 [Min Grade: C] and CH 118 [Min Grade: C] and BY 210 [Min Grade: C] and GGSC 310 [Min Grade: C]
GGSC 450. Special Topics in Genetics and Genomic Sciences. 1-3 Hour.
Covers different topics including fundamentals and applications in the fields of genetics and genomics.
GGSC 451. Genetics Science and Technology. 3 Hours.
This course delivers an engaging mix of interactive learning and practical experience through cutting-edge virtual labs. These simulations offer hands-on practice and showcase real-world applications of genetic science. Covering topics from fundamental genetics to advanced DNA technologies, it explores genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their implications for food production and environmental impact. Additionally, the course addresses reproductive technologies like IVF and their associated ethical considerations. Students will gain exposure to the latest innovations in both laboratory settings and clinical environments, preparing them for current and future developments in the field.
Prerequisites: CH 117 [Min Grade: C] and CH 118 [Min Grade: C] and BY 210 [Min Grade: C] and (GGSC 310 [Min Grade: C] or BY 311 [Min Grade: C])
GGSC 470. Principles of Pharmacogenetics. 3 Hours.
Most of the drugs that we use today were developed with the assumption that the same drug will work equally well in all the patients that have the same disease. However, there is considerable variability between individual patients - both in the therapeutic response and the adverse effects of the same drug - that is largely determined by the differences in their genotypes. Pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics study the genetic determinants of drug response, with the goal to identify genetic variants that can be used to predict the efficacy of a particular drug in a particular patient and to avoid adverse drug reactions. This will ultimately enable implementation of personalized treatment options, by selecting the drugs that will have the best efficacy and the least toxicity for each individual patient. This course will introduce students to the basic principles of pharmacogenetics, demonstrate examples of drug/genotype interactions, highlight the available pharmacogenetic resources, and discuss the potential benefits, as well as limitations and challenges of pharmacogenetics and personalized medicine.
Prerequisites: CH 117 [Min Grade: C] and CH 118 [Min Grade: C] and BY 210 [Min Grade: C] and GGSC 310 [Min Grade: C]
GGSC 490. Model Systems for Genetics Disorders. 3 Hours.
Invertebrate and non-human vertebrate species are commonly used in scientific research work to provide significant insights into human genetic processes and disease. This course focuses on the different methods and strategies by which researchers use these systems for genetic and genomic analyses of human biology and relevant disorders. Model organisms covered include, but are not limited to nematodes (C. elegans), fruit flies (Drosophila sp.), zebrafish (Danio rerio), and mice (Mus musculus). Capstone course (GGS majors). Students that enroll in this class as their capstone experience are expected to do writing or presentation assignments to fulfill their capstone requirement.
Prerequisites: BY 210 [Min Grade: C] and CH 117 [Min Grade: C] and CH 118 [Min Grade: C] and (GGSC 310 [Min Grade: C] or BY 311 [Min Grade: C])
GGSC 491. Personalized Genomic Medicine. 3 Hours.
Significant developments in the fields of genetics and genomics are making it possible to tailor medical care to the specific needs of patients. New diagnostic tests, up to and including whole genome sequencing, provide increasingly powerful tools for the identification of the genetic basis of both rare and common disorders. Better understanding of the causes of disease are permitting drugs to be developed that precisely target disease mechanisms, increasing the efficacy and avoiding side effects. These and other new advanced are leading to major changes in healthcare delivery and provide the consumer with new opportunities and complex choices. This course will focus on exploring state-of-the-art genetic, genomic, and informatic tools now available to enable personalization of healthcare. Capstone course (GGS majors). Students that enroll in this class as their capstone experience are expected to do writing or presentation assignments to fulfill their capstone requirement.
Prerequisites: BY 210 [Min Grade: C] and CH 117 [Min Grade: C] and CH 118 [Min Grade: C] and (GGSC 310 [Min Grade: C] or BY 311 [Min Grade: C])
GGSC 492. Undergraduate Research Seminar in Genetics and Genomic Sciences. 3 Hours.
Elective course for non-GGS Honors students who perform at least two semesters of GGSC 380. Over the course of the semester, students will learn how to develop and complete a paper or thesis on their research work while working closely with a supervising faculty member. In addition, the course will prepare them to present their research findings in a seminar format. Through these activities, students will develop effective skills in both written and oral scientific communication. Students will present a formal seminar on their research at the end of the course. This course can be taken the first semester following the completion of the research project, or alternatively can be taken concurrently with Undergraduate Research in Genetics and Genomic Sciences (GGSC 380) during the student’s final semester of supervised research. Designated a Capstone course (GGS majors).
GGSC 493. Honors Research Seminar in Genetics and Genomic Sciences. 3 Hours.
All GGS Honors students are required to take this weekly course. Over the course of the semester, students will learn how to develop and complete a paper or thesis on their research work while working closely with a supervising faculty member. In addition, the course will prepare them to present their research findings in a seminar format. Through these activities, students will develop effective skills in both written and oral scientific communication. Students will present a formal seminar on their research at the end of the course. This course can be taken the first semester following the completion of the research project, or alternatively can be taken concurrently with Honors Research in Genetics and Genomic Sciences (GGSC 390) during the student’s final semester of supervised research. Can be taken as a Capstone course (GGS majors).
GGSC 499. GGSC Program Final. 0 Hours.
This 0-credit hour course includes two self-paced components: One career counseling recorded video and data collection from students via CV submission and an automated exit inerview for documenting learning essentials of GGSC students towards GGSC program evaluation. Students will register for GGSC 499 during their last semester as a requirement for graduation with GGSC major. The GGSC program director(s) will be the faculty instructor(s) with assistance from the GGSC program manager and student advisor.