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Degrees Offered: Ph.D., M.Sc.
Members
Professor
L. Arbour, J. Austin, I. Birol, A. Brooks-Wilson, C. J. Brown, F. Capon, B. Carleton, E. Conibear, C. J. Eaves, J. M. Friedman, W. Gibson, M. R. Hayden, P. A. Hieter, R. Holt, P. Hoodless, D. Huntsman, W. Jefferies, X. Jiang, S. Jones, M. Kobor, S. F. Langlois, B. Leavitt, M. Lorincz, M. Marra, W. R. McMaster, K. M. McNagny, F. Miller, B. Nelson, J. Penninger, W. P. Robinson, C. Ross, F. Rossi, A. D. Sadovnick, E. M. Simpson, W. W. Wasserman, J. Wong, P. Zandstra.
Professor Emeritus
P. A. Baird, M. Burgess, L. A. Clarke, L. Field, D. Goldowitz, J. Hall, D. Juriloff, R. Kay, D. L. Mager, B. McGillivray, A. M. Rose, S. Wood.
Associate Professor
L. Brunham, A. Elliott, L. Lefebvre, G. Morin, M. Pouladi, S. Taubert, C. Van Raamsdonk.
Associate Professor Emeritus
M. Harris.
Assistant Professor
J. Dennis, L. Evgin, K. Schrader, A. Steif, C. Vilariño-Güell.
Program Overview
The Department of Medical Genetics offers Master’s and PhD degree programs, including a PhD sub-specialization in Genetic and Genomic Counselling for board certified/eligible genetic counsellors who are interested in conducting empirical research that will advance the profession and practice of genetic and genomic counselling. The admissions requirements, process and course work are distinct for the sub-specialization.
These programs attract students from across Canada and around the world. Trainees conduct research in laboratories affiliated with the University of British Columbia, an institution that consistently ranks among the world’s best universities. UBC is located in Vancouver, British Columbia, one of the world’s most livable cities.
Faculty members in the Department of Medical Genetics are at the forefront of their fields, employing cutting edge genetic, epigenetic, genomic and bioinformatic methodologies to gain insight into diseases such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative and neurological disorders, and other genetic diseases. Researchers in the Department are highly interactive and collaborate with local, national, and international colleagues, which further enriches the research experience for trainees.
Areas of Research
- Cancer Genetics & Genomics
- Clinical Genetics, Ethics & Policy
- Developmental Genetics and Birth Defects
- DNA Repair & Genome Stability
- Epigenetics, Epigenomics & Gene Regulation
- Genetic and Genomic Counselling
- Genetic Epidemiology & Population Genetics
- Genomics & Bioinformatics
- Immunogenetics
- Neuroscience & Neurodegenerative Disease Genetics
- Pharmacogenomics
- Proteomics
- Stem Cells & Gene Therapy
Individual labs conduct clinical and/or translational research (human genetics, genetic and genomic counselling) and basic experimental research engaging a wide variety of approaches including the use of model organisms such as mice, flies (D. melanogaster), worms (C. elegans), and yeast (S. cerevisiae). Research facilities are located at the UBC Vancouver campus as well as additional affiliated sites.
Doctor of Philosophy
Admission Requirements
The sub-specialization in Genetic and Genomic Counselling has distinct admission requirements. Prospective applicants should refer to the sub-specialization requirements below.
Students applying to Ph.D. studies in Medical Genetics normally hold a M.Sc. degree in genetics or a related field. In exceptional cases, high-ranking applicants may be eligible for admittance to Ph.D. studies directly from an honours Bachelor's degree.
Admission will be competitive and limited.
All applicants must have a strong overall grade point average and a first class standing in upper-level courses in genetics and/or genomics; and in one or more of the following: biochemistry, molecular biology, biostatistics (statistics) and bioinformatics.
Eligibility is based on academic background and achievement, relevant laboratory experience and excellent references that provide an assessment of the applicant’s research expertise and aptitude.
See the department website or contact the program for more detailed information on application requirements and adjudication.
Academically admissible applicants must also obtain the commitment of a research supervisor in the Department of Medical Genetics before receiving an admission offer from the Program and the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Program Requirements
Students pursuing the sub-specialization in Genetic and Genomic Counselling should refer to the sub-specialization requirements below.
Ph.D. students (general stream) typically take 12 credits of Medical Genetics core courses and up to six credits of electives in their first year. See the Medical Genetics courses listing in the UBC Calendar. The requirements are different for the sub-specialization and are listed below.
All doctoral students are required to successfully complete a comprehensive examination. The major requirement for the Ph.D. degree is the completion of a research dissertation and defence that meets the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies guidelines.
Sub-Specialization in Genetic and Genomic Counselling
Admission Requirements
Successful applicants must meet UBC’s doctoral-level admission requirements. In addition, applicants to the Genetic and Genomic Counselling sub-specialization must hold an MSc or MS degree from an accredited genetic counselling training program, and must be board certified/eligible with the Canadian Board of Genetic Counselling (CBGC) or the American Board of Genetic Counselling (ABGC).
Comparable training and certification/experience from international students will be considered.
Admission will be competitive and limited.
All applicants must have a strong overall grade point average and first class standing in upper-level courses in genetics and/or genomics and/or genetic counselling.
Eligibility is based on academic background and achievement, relevant research experience and excellent references and/or letters of recommendation that provide an assessment of the applicant’s research expertise and aptitude. Eligible applicants will also be interviewed by program faculty as part of the selection process.
See the department website or contact the program for more detailed information on application requirements and adjudication.
All academically admissible applicants must also obtain the commitment of a research supervisor in the Department of Medical Genetics before receiving an admission offer from the Program and the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Program Requirements
Ph.D. students pursuing the Genetic and Genomic Counselling sub-specialization must successfully complete 18 credits including MEDG_V 596 (6), MEDG_V 548 (6) and 6 credits of relevant electives determined in consultation with the students’ supervisory committee. MEDG_V 596 must be completed in the first year of the program.
All doctoral students are required to successfully complete a comprehensive examination. The major requirement for the Ph.D. degree is the completion of a research dissertation and defence that meets the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies guidelines.
Master of Science
Admission Requirements
Students applying to M.Sc. studies in Medical Genetics must have a strong overall grade point average and a first class standing in upper-level courses in genetics and/or genomics; and in one or more of the following: biochemistry, molecular biology, biostatistics (statistics) and bioinformatics.
Eligibility is based on academic background and achievement, relevant laboratory experience and excellent references that provide an assessment of the applicant’s research expertise and aptitude. Academically admissible applicants must also obtain the commitment of a research supervisor in the Department of Medical Genetics before receiving an admission offer from the Program and the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Program Requirements
M.Sc. students are required to take 12 credits of Medical Genetics core courses and six credits of electives in their first year. See the Medical Genetics courses listing in the UBC Calendar. The major requirement for the M.Sc. degree is the completion of a research thesis and defence that meets the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies guidelines.
Contact Information - Medical Genetics
Medical Genetics Graduate Program
Life Sciences Centre
Room 1364-2350 Health Sciences Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z3
Tel: 604.822.5312
Email: medical.genetics@ubc.ca
Web: medgen.med.ubc.ca/
Azin Zeinali, Graduate Program Coordinator
Contact Information - Genetic and Genomic Counselling
Dr. Alison Elliott, PhD, MS, CGC Associate Professor
Dept of Medical Genetics, UBC
BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute Clinical Services Building V3-326
West 28th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4
Email: aelliott@bcchr.ca