Design genomic and epigenetic research with appropriate controls
Degree Program
Biological Sciences & Genetics
Biological Sciences & GeneticsDegree Program · Life, Earth & Environmental Sciences
Genomics, Epigenetics & Biological Systems
Advanced study in genomic variation, gene regulation, long-read sequencing, bioinformatics, environment, and biological systems.
Program purpose
Master of Science
Students develop rigorous laboratory and computational research around genome structure, regulation, adaptation, environmental influence, and biological variation.
Learning outcomes
What graduates are prepared to do
Program outcomes connect disciplinary knowledge to methods, judgment, communication, and independently evaluated work.
Develop long-read and computational analysis workflows
Interpret biological variation across molecular, environmental, and population contexts
Produce reproducible scientific research and technical documentation
Curriculum architecture
How the pathway is organized
Coursework progresses from foundations to methods, integration, and a culminating demonstration of capability.
Foundations
Build the knowledge, skills, and mindset for inquiry.
Application
Apply methods and tools to real-world questions.
Integration
Synthesize across disciplines and perspectives.
Demonstration
Produce and present work that creates impact.
- 01
Advanced genetics and genomics
- 02
Epigenetic regulation and environmental biology
- 03
Long-read sequencing and bioinformatics
- 04
Statistics, reproducibility, and research ethics
- 05
Thesis or technical research project
Course sequence
Selected curriculum
GEN-220
Genetics, Genomics & Inheritance
Develops genetic reasoning from inheritance and molecular mechanisms to genomic variation, population patterns, and ethical interpretation.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Long-Read Sequencing & Nanopore Analysis
Covers long-read sequencing workflows from sample and library considerations through basecalling, quality control, alignment, variant analysis, and reproducible reporting.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 4.0
Culture, Environment & Epigenetics
Examines how biological regulation and lived environments interact across development, stress, nutrition, exposure, behavior, and social life.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Data Management & Reproducible Research
Develops durable data structures, metadata, versioning, cleaning, provenance, documentation, and reproducible analysis workflows.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Research Computing & Visualization
Uses computational notebooks, scripting, visualization, statistical workflows, and research software practices to analyze and communicate complex evidence.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Environmental DNA Field Methods
Integrates field sampling, contamination control, molecular workflows, sequence analysis, and ecological interpretation for environmental DNA research.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 4.0
Learning environments
Field, laboratory & studio work
- Genomics and molecular laboratory
- Long-read sequencing platform
- Bioinformatics and research computing
- Data stewardship and visualization
Professional directions
Where the capability can lead
- Genomics research
- Bioinformatics
- Biotechnology and laboratory operations
- Environmental and evolutionary genomics
- Doctoral study
Culminating work
Capstone, thesis, dissertation, or professional demonstration
A thesis or technical research project produces a validated genomic or epigenetic analysis, method, dataset, or biological systems contribution.
Admissions preparation
Materials and background
Admissions review considers preparation, purpose, prior work, and the fit between the applicant’s goals and the program.
Bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent
Academic records and evidence of disciplinary or methodological preparation
Statement of purpose identifying questions, methods, and intended outcomes
Writing, research, technical, or professional sample
Two academic or professional recommendations
Faculty & academic leadership
Program relationships
Next step
Connect this pathway to your academic goals.
Request information for a focused conversation or begin an application through the Stella Nova Student Information System.