University of Chicago

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