A new Molecular Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics (MGGB) track has been constituted in the Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine. The MGGB track provides interdisciplinary graduate training focusing on the basic molecular genetic and genomic processes underlying the field of molecular medicine. This track capitalizes on recent advances in our understanding of the molecular genetic mechanisms that regulate development and the bioinformatic analysis of genomic and postgenomic data. Researchers in the MGGB track use cutting-edge tools of genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, and systems biology to understand the mechanistic bases of diseases and fundamental processes in biology. The focus of the MGGB program is broad in terms of systems, organisms, and technologies employed.
The centerpiece of the MGGB training program is a 3 course sequence (fall and spring of first year and spring of the second year) that provides in-depth training in the field of molecular genetic, genomic and bioinformatic research. The initial fall semester CORE course, “Mechanisms in 
Biomedical Sciences” is a shared experience with all Molecular Medicine (and most GRaduate Program in Life Sciences) first-year graduate students. In the spring semester of the first year, students take a track-specific course, “Genomics and Bioinformatics”, that includes both introductory lectures in molecular genetics giving rise to the genomic era, as well as recent advances in genomic and bioinformatic technologies leading to the postgenomic era of biomedical research. In the third semester, MGGB students experience a “Molecular Genetics and Development” course emphasizing model systems like zebrafish, Drosophila, and Caenorhabditis where genetic regulation of fundamental development processes and disease are being understood. In addition to these track-specific courses, students select electives from a wide variety of courses available in various Graduate Programs in Life Sciences at UMB, including Fundamentals of Biostatistics, Hypothesis Testing and Experimental Design, Advances in Functional Genomics, Applied Bioinformatics, Advanced Molecular Biology, Bacterial Pathogenesis, Bacterial Genetics, Basic Virology, Advanced Cancer Biology, Genetics & Metabolism, Basic Human Genetics, Human Cytogenetics, Genetic Epidemiology, Molecular Basis of Human Diseases, and others.
Beginning in the second semester of the first year, MGGB students select the first of 3 lab rotations lasting 8 to 12 weeks each in order to identify a faculty member for mentoring their thesis research. Usually by the summer of their first year or fall of their second year, students choose a thesis laboratory and mentor. Thesis research in MGGB laboratories include high-throughput DNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, genetic knockouts and mutation, and a combination of post-genomic approaches to address problems of fundamental biological importance such as DNA replication and cell division, DNA repair and mutation, gene regulation and development. These studies are central to molecular medicine, e.g. microbial pathogenesis, muscular dystrophies and skeletal diseases, diseases of hematopoiesis and cardiovascular system, tumor genetics, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Please address inquiries to:
Professor Shiladitya DasSarma
Director, Molecular Genetics, Genomic, and Bioinformatics Track
Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine
dassarma@umbi.umd.edu