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Graduate Programs

Human Genetics

 

"When I was applying to graduate school, I was excited about many different aspects of population and medical genetics, and wanted to learn more before narrowing down my main research focus. When I interviewed at UChicago, I talked with faculty members with varied research interests, and had many different and extremely fulfilling conversations. I knew that I would be supported as I explored different themes within human genetics. At the end of my first year, I have learned so much about a variety of topics, had many more fulfilling conversations, and am excited to delve into the topics that excite me the most."

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Shreya Ramachandran

PhD candidate in the lab of Maanasa Raghavan

The Department of Human Genetics is a basic science and clinical department; within the Division of Biological Sciences, it is the home for the study of basic principles of genetics and genomics as applied to human diseases and normal traits. We provide broad training in experimental genetics and genomics, population genetics, biological data science, bioinformatics, and clinical genetics.  A common theme throughout our research is the application of basic genetic principles and strategies to the study of disease mechanism, disease susceptibility, and the genetic architecture of complex traits. Many PhD students combine experimental and computational work in their thesis research and all students are encouraged to take advantage of interactive and collaborative relationships at departmental, divisional, and university-wide levels. Our PhD program in Human Genetics prepares graduates for a variety of positions in academic research, teaching, industry, policy, science communication, and entrepreneurship.

Our 16 primary and 12 secondary faculty members conduct research in a wide variety of areas of human genetics including:

  • Complex Human Diseases and Phenotypes
  • Population and Evolutionary Genetics
  • Genomics of Gene Regulation
  • Animal Models of Human Diseases
  • Systems Biology
  • Epigenetics and Stem Cell Genetics
  • Neurogenetics/Psychiatric Genetics
  • Pharmacogenetics

Faculty in Human Genetics Program Website

  • 28

    Faculty

  • 22

    Current Students

  • NIH

    Supported