Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (DEPM)

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PhD Track in Molecular Epidemiology

The track is designed for students who wish to undertake research that combines molecular, genetic and epidemiologic techniques and to apply these technologies to the understanding of human health problems. The recent, striking advances made in genomics have added a new dimension to the understanding of risk factors for illness and disease transmission/acquisition. Students in this track are provided with a solid knowledge base in epidemiology and biostatistics, while also gaining the laboratory and informatics skills needed to incorporate genomic data into their research.

The molecular epidemiology track has been designed to allow students the ability to maintain as much flexibility in the program as possible, while still retaining the essential core courses in epidemiology. Students in the molecular epidemiology track are encouraged to use their elective time (16 credit hours) to develop a focus in one of three areas:

1. Microbial molecular epidemiology;
2. Epidemiology of complex diseases; or
3. Toxicology.

The required courses that constitute the program’s core consist of a mix of laboratory-based and classroom-based courses, and include molecular and genetic epidemiology. The elective courses include courses in epidemiology that lay a foundation of basic knowledge as well as identify the state of science in that area.

Note: Students without a molecular biology background will be required to complete a molecular biology course.

Required Courses (30 credits)

• PREV 600 Principles of Epidemiology 3
• PREV 619 Biostatistical Computing 2
• PREV 620 Principles of Biostatistics 3
• PREV 659 Observational Studies in Epidemiology 3
• PREV 703 Complex Disorders Seminar 2
• PREV 711 Genetic Epidemiology (evolution, linkage analysis, informatics) 3
• PREV 720 Statistical Methods in Epidemiology 4
• PREV 747 Research Practicum I 3
• PREV 748 Research Practicum II 2
• PREV 780 Molecular Epidemiology 3
• PREV 802 Statistics for Molecular Biology 2

Elective Courses (minimum of 16 credits)

Possible Electives

• PREV 704 * Molecular Epidemiology Practicum (rotation through labs) 3
• PREV 749 Infectious Disease Epidemiology 3
• PREV 803 Clinical Trials and Experimental Epidemiology 3
• HGEN 601 Basic Human Genetics I 4
• MMCB 716 ** Applied Bioinformatics 3
• MMIC 703 Basic Parasitology 3
• MMIC 701 Principles of Bacterial Pathogenesis 3
• MMIC 704 Basic Virology 3
• MMIC 720 ** Molecular Bacterial Pathogenesis and Epidemiology 3
• MPHY 612 ** Physiology of Reproduction 2
• MPHY 750 Molecular Medicine 3
• TOXI 601 Advanced Toxicology I 3
• TOXI 602 Advanced Toxicology II 3
• TOXI 604 Biochemical Pharmacology 3
• TOXI 615 Toxic Cell Injury 2

* Required of students who do not have adequate experience in laboratory methods
** Prerequisites: MPHY 601 or 644 and 645, or equivalent.

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