Applied Genomics

Overview

The Professional Science Master’s in Applied Genomics at University of Connecticut is a program that was designed to train students for employment in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, diagnostic, government and academic sectors. This program differs from traditional coursework M.S. (with its emphasis on discipline competency through formal, theoretical coursework), and the traditional thesis M.S. (with its emphasis on research in specific subject area and a formal thesis that is publicly defended). The Professional Master’s Degree captures the best of both traditional degrees while adding a unique laboratory training, internship and professional development training elements that are needed for successful performance in business or corporate environments.

One key component of the training are short, intensive modular classes where participants learn specific techniques over the course of two to five days. Some of these “modules” are offered during the semester such as “Introduction to Molecular Techniques” and “Real-Time PCR” while other more advanced modules are taught during the Winter and Summer sessions. These can include “Introduction to the Illumina MiSeq” where students learn how to perform Next-Generation Sequencing and “Advanced Liquid Handling” where students learn how to operate robots that setup PCR reactions. In our PSM cohort classes, students learn lab management and communication. During professional development speakers from the industry and alumni from companies in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and diagnostic areas as well as from government and academic laboratories come and provide our students with learning and networking opportunities. The final component of the training is a 3-month internship where students work full-time in a company or laboratory.

How are internships and contacts with potential employers made?

• Through our cohort classes students learn how to find employment opportunities and by attending our professional development hour students build a network of contacts. This provides our students with the tools for finding internship opportunities in coordination with the director of the PSM program. In addition, we work closely with some organizations that have internships set aside for our PSM students or alert us to internship opportunities, which we disseminate to our students. Examples of where our students have done their internships include The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Boehringer-Ingelheim, AxioMx, Genomas, and the NYU Genomics Center.