Prospective Students

Master's Degree in Genetic Epidemiology

Overview of the Computational Track
Overview of the Clinical Track
M.S. General Admissions Requirements
Prerequisites
M.S. Application Procedures

M.S. Degree: “Computational Track” Overview

July 1 through August 15 of the following year

This 14-month program offers excellent training in genetic epidemiology methods and software for undergraduates majoring in biology and/or mathematics/statistics, and prepares graduates for employment in academia, industry or to prepare for further graduate studies.

For descriptions of core courses and electives see "Curriculum"

Required Credit Hours
Thirty-five (35) total credit hours are required.
Students may be exempt from requirements satisfied elsewhere (which must be nearly identical to the courses offered here) on a case-by-case basis along with any tuition implications. Independent Research may not be exempt.

Grading
Letter Grades A – Superior, B – Good, C-Fair.
Plus or minus marks may be added to a letter grade.
GPA of 3.0 required to pass.
M21-599 and M21-610 offered as Pass/Fail.

Standard duration of study
July 1 through August 15 the following year (full time).
Degree Candidates must participate in the July 1 - 8, 2010 orientation and workshops
Math/Statistics July , 2, and 6, 2010
Computing/Unix July 7, 2010
Part-time students will be allowed one additional year to complete the program by August 15, 2012.

Electives
Electives will be selected from an appropriate porfolio in consultation with the student's advisor.Back to top

M.S. Degree: “Clinical Track” Overview

July 1 through June 15 of the following year

For descriptions of core courses and electives see "Curriculum"

Required Credit Hours
Thirty-five (35) total credit hours are required, including up to 6 credits for prior clinical training/experience. Those who do not qualify for this will be required to take 6 credits in electives instead.

A minimum of twenty-three (23) credits of core courses, and 6 to 12 credits of electives are required (depending on whether the student is granted credit for previous training/experience).

Prior experience and tuition implications will be considered on a case-by-case basis: students may be exempt from requirements satisfied elsewhere (which must be nearly identical to the courses offered here) except for research credits. Students with prior research experience may be allowed to undertake less intensive research studies (for 3 credits). Tuition will be adjusted accordingly.

Grading
Grading will be Pass/Fail for all courses.

Standard duration of study
July 5 through June 15 the following year (full time).
Part-time students will be allowed one additional year to complete the course of study.

Orientation and Workshops
Candidates are strongly encouraged to attend the July 1-8, 2010 orientation and workshops:
Orientation: July 1 and 8, 2010
Math/Statistics, July 1, 2, and 6, 2010
Computing/Unix on July 7 in 2010.

Electives
Electives will be selected from an appropriate portfolio, in consultation with the Program Director. The portfolio includes some courses from other training programs at Washington University, especially in DBBS. All optional GEMS computer lab courses * offered are highly recommended and will count toward elective credits.

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General Admissions Requirements for the M.S. Degree

Since genetic epidemiology is an interdisciplinary field, we expect students with diverse backgrounds and possibly at different points in their careers to apply to the GEMS degree program. We believe that this likely mixture of student populations will foster a unique learning environment and thus constitutes a strength for the inter-disciplinary nature of the program. The following individuals may be interested in applying to the GEMS degree: 

• Recent recipients of at least an undergraduate degree or higher degree in biology and/or mathematics or computer science from an accredited institution,
• Individuals with terminal degrees in other (related) disciplines who seek to gain expertise in genetic epidemiology; and
• Current employees of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies seeking additional training and formal credentials in the field.

For students entering the program with a background in the biological sciences, we would prefer that they also have some training in mathematics (through calculus) and at least one semester of statistics. Conversely, students applying with a background in the quantitative sciences must have completed a basic human biology course and a basic genetics course. These prerequisites (see Prerequisites below) should be completed at the time of entering the program. In some rare cases, it may be possible to complete them (at additional cost) during or just prior to starting on the GEMS program. Prospective students should also provide evidence of basic skills in computer programming through coursework, documented experience, or by passing a proficiency test. 

In most cases GEMS degree students should be able to devote full time to the Program, especially if planning to enroll in the Computational Track. Exceptions to this should be discussed with the Program Administratore before submitting an application, and if granted, must be addressed in the Personal Statement of the application form.

The GRE is not required, but if you have taken the exam, please enclose a copy of your latest score notification.

The TOEFL is required of international students.

Students are only admitted to the program annually for entry in the summer semester, due to the sequence of courses. All applications must be postmarked by February 15 of the entry year, or see the deadline on main GEMS web page.

Contact the GEMS Program Manager at pa@wubios.wustl.edu or by telephone at (314) 362-1052, if you have any questions or concerns.

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Prerequisites (Equivalents to Washington University courses listed below as examples)

For students coming with training in biology (at least through L41 2970, 'Principles of Biology II,' or equivalent), we additionally require some background in mathematics (through calculus) and one semester of statistics (Math 320, 'Elementary Probability and Statistics' or equivalent).

Conversely, students applying with strong quantitative skills (at least one year of college-level calculus, and at least through Math 475, 'Statistical Computation', or equivalent) also will be required to have a basic biology course (L41 303A, 'Human Biology', or equivalent) and a basic genetics course (U29 BIO 4391, 'Modern Genetics', or equivalent).

Preference will be given to candidates with strengths in both biological and quantitative sciences. Candidates who are proficient in either area also can be admitted, but will work with the Program Director to develop a plan to rectify any deficiencies.

All prospective students must provide evidence of basic skills in computer programming (see suggestions below) through coursework, documented experience, or by passing a proficiency exam. Promising candidates can arrange to take the appropriate courses to rectify deficiencies with the approval of the Program Director.

Subject: Mathematics
Appropriate math background through calculus is required for all prospective students

Department: Math/ University College
Course Name/Subject: Elementary Probability and Statistics
Course Number: Math 320/ U20 Math 305
Description: An elementary introduction to probability theory and statistics. Discrete and continuous random variables, mean and variance, hypothesis testing and confidence limits, nonparametric methods, student´s analysis of variance, regression, and contingency tables. Prerequisite: Math 131.

Department: Math/ University College
Course Name/Subject: Statistical Computation
Course Number: Math 475/ U20 Math 475
Description: Applied statistics using SAS. An introduction to SAS and SAS programming, contingency tables and Mantel-Haenszel tests; general linear models and matric operations; simple, multilinear, and stepwise regressions: ANOVAs with nested and crossed interactions; ANOVAS and regressions with vector-valued data (MANOVAs). Topics chosen from discriminant analysis, principal components analysis, logistic regression, survival analysis, and generalized linear models. Prereq: Math 320 and 494 Probability (or 493 concurrently).

Subject: Biology

Department: Biology
Course Name/Subject: Human Biology
Course Number: L41 303A
Description: This is an overview of the basic biological processes in the human body. After a brief introduction to chemistry and cell biology we will examine healthy function and disease of all the major systems of the human body. These include: the nervous, cardiovascular, renal, digestive, immune, and reproductive systems. This course is designed for students who do not plan to major in science and no science background is expected. Prereq: Sophomore standing.

Department: Biology
Course Name/Subject: Principles of Biology I
Course Number: L41 Biol 2960
Description: An introduction to biological molecules and biochemical strategies employed by the three domains of life. The flow of genetic information within cells is discussed in the context of cellular structure, organization, and function. Investigation and manipulation of genetic information by molecular genetic technologies, such as recombinant DNA, forms the final phase of the course. Weekly labs reinforce concepts from lecture, and explore common laboratory techniques and computer-based resources. Prerequisite: Chem 111 and Chem 112 (concurrently). Three hours of lecture and 2 hours of lab per week.

Department: Biology
Course Name/Subject: Principles of Biology II
Course Number: L41 Biol 2970
Description: A broad overview of genetics, including Mendelian assortment, linkage, chromosomal aberrations, variations in chromosome number, mutation, developmental genetics, quantitative genetics, population genetics, mechanisms of evolution, and phylogenetics. Three lectures and one laboratory period a week. Does not count toward the laboratory requirement of the biology major. Students must sign up for a lab during preregistration. Prerequisite: Biology 2960, or permission of instructor. Large class and small lab sections.

Department: University College
Course Name/Subject: Modern Genetics
Course Number: U29 4391
Description: This course aims to introduce concepts in genetics from Mendel to the molecular structure of genes. The course will include discussion of current literature with emphasis on modern experimental techniques. Suitable for, but not limited to, science teachers, medical technicians, and health care workers.

Subject: Scientific Programming Language
Basic proficiency in one of the programming languages (like FORTRAN, C, C+, PLI, SAS, or SPSS, etc.) is required for all prospective students, as demonstrated either through formal course work or by passing a qualifying test.

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Application Procedures for the Master of Science Degree in Genetic Epidemiology

The following application materials may be obtained by downloading here the M.S.Application and the Recommendation forms.

Your application for admission to the GEMS Training Program should consist of the following:

1.  The completed application packet which includes:  

• The application form itself,
• Your curriciulum vita,
• A summary of your background in the three academic areas, as noted on the application form (biology/genetics, math/statistics, computer programming),
• Your statement of personal goals,
• Your TOEFL score (for international students only),
• A $50.00 non-refundable processing fee (check or money-order only, made payable to “Washington University”.

2.  At least two appropriate letters of recommendation mailed directly to us (download the form here). These should be from recent academic advisors or teachers. Those students, who have obtained their degree greater than one year ago, may provide letters from mentors and/or scientific colleagues in lieu of the above. A personal letter of recommendation is optional, after submitting at least two of the academic/scientific type.

3.  Official transcripts of all academic work, at the higher education level, to be submitted in a sealed envelope sent directly by the appropriate university.

4. International students should have official TOEFL scores (no older than two years) sent directly to us. Note: the Washington University code is 6929, departmental code 99.

5.  Postmark your application by no later than the deadline on our home page for the current year.

6.  Mail all documents to:
       GEMS Program Administrator
       Washington University School of Medicine
       Division of Biostatistics
       Campus Box 8067
       660 South. Euclid
       St. Louis, MO 63110.

7. Timeline. The Program Executive and Admissions Committee will review applications beginning January 15. Applicants may be interviewed when necessary. A written notification of the decision of the committee will be provided to the applicant as soon as possible after March 1 or 2 weeks after the final deadline.

The applicant will then have thirty (30) days to either accept or decline in writing any offer of admission in order to hold his/her place in the first year class. Should the applicant accept the offer, a letter of acceptance with a $100.00 deposit will hold their place until formal registration takes place. Candidates must participate in the mini-courses and orientation preceeding the summer semester. Registration must be completed via the Program Administrator before classes begin in July 2010. The $100.00 deposit will be credited to the student's fall tuition account after the summer semester tuition is paid in full.

Download here the M.S.Application Form and the Recommendation Forms for the M.S. Degree

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