PROGRAMS
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED GENETICS PROGRAM – MSC
The MSc. Program in Applied Genetics will train students to an international standard, incorporating current biomolecular technology. Quite simply, use of biotechnology, in particular molecular genetics applications, is now ubiquitous in commerce and research. Examples of how this technology is currently being deployed include:
- Pathogen detection: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based procedures are routinely used in aquatic and terrestrial systems to detect human, plant, and animal pathogens. Industry has recognized the power of this technology, and now sells kits for PCR detection of human pathogens from food and environmental samples—Salmonella, Listeria, Campylobacter, and pathogenic E. coli, among others (e.g., http://www.bio-rad.com/en-us/category/real-time-pcr-kits).
- Population monitoring: Molecular methods are routinely used to monitor wildlife populations for conservation, in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Using noninvasive genetic sampling techniques, for example, wildlife biologists can collect data on terrestrial wildlife populations that specifies identity of individuals, sex, diet, and demographic trends, without the need to lay hands on the animal in question—particularly important for rare or elusive species. In aquatic systems, genetic data has been used to monitor salmon harvests, including identifying the source populations of ocean-harvested fish.
- Forensics: Molecular methods also have utility in monitoring the food supply, in the realm of consumer protection. Quite aside from pathogen detection, provenance and authenticity of a food item can be ascertained. In one instance, researchers used DNA-based evidence to demonstrate that roe being sold as beluga caviar from Caspian sturgeon was either 1) not beluga caviar or 2) was genuine, but illegally harvested from protected species (Desalle and Birstein, 1996).
Our goal here is not to provide an exhaustive list of genetics applications; rather, these examples demonstrate how truly useful this technology is, and how these applications are proliferating. We intend that MSc students understand the utility of genetics-based technology. Whether or not they go on to use these skills in their subsequent careers, these students will be informed consumers of this technology–they will be better able to deploy the technology appropriately themselves, and evaluate information that has been generated by others using biotechnology. Through a combination of lectures, laboratory- and field-based training, students will learn not just concepts, but actual practice and procedures of applied genetics. The materials taught in this program will prepare students for careers in agricultural, industrial, or biomedical genetics applications, as well as molecular ecology and evolution.
Program duration: 4 semesters (120 ECTS)
Academic degree: Master in Public Health-MPH
Information
Faculty: Faculty of Natural Sciences and Medicine
Program: Applied Genetics
Academic Degree Acquired: Master of Applied Genetics
Program Duration/ECTS Credits: 4 Semesters, 120 ECTS
Language of instruction: English
Program Approval and Renewal
Program is approved by N3 (28.03.2017) Decree of Academic Council and can be subject to renewal by the start of each academic year.
Program objectives
The Master Program of Applied Genetics will train students in current biomolecular technology. Quite simply, use of biotechnology is now ubiquitous in commerce and research. DNA is a universal property of living organisms, and its use in investigating and manipulating biological systems is constantly expanding. The aim of this program is to equip the graduate with in-depth knowledge and skills in DNA-based technology and related sciences, including the ability to carry out independent research, understand and apply existing methods, and use experimental results to guide decisions based upon scientific findings. Through a combination of lectures, laboratory and field-based training, students will learn not just concepts, but actual practice and procedures of applied genetics—students will acquire a suite of laboratory and analytical skills that are currently used in diverse commercial and research environments. Students’ technical skills are reinforced by intensive, early participation in the design and execution of their own research projects, culminating in a master’s thesis.
The knowledge and skills acquired by the end of academic studies will prepare students for careers in agricultural, industrial, or biomedical genetics applications, or in research-applications for management of forest, fish, and other natural resources—the universality of the techniques for exploring and analyzing DNA enables students to apply these skills across a broad array of disciplines. In addition to required coursework that provides the necessary technical and analytical skills, the program has an expanded list of approved electives, allowing students some latitude to tailor their own study plan according to their individual professional or interests.
Admission Requirements to the Program
An applicant must hold a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent, preferably in the life sciences, or a comparable degree in medicine. Georgian citizens must pass the relevant Unified Post-graduate Exams. Foreign graduates who completed their higher education outside of Georgia will be able to enter the program pursuant to order №224/N of the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia (December 29, 2011).
The applicant should provide an internationally recognized and valid English language certificate (Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2 or higher). To demonstrate English proficiency, the applicant must submit one of the following
a) an official international language certificate (the main certificates and minimum scores accepted are given below;
b) an English Proficiency Statement from the university, high school or college, confirming that English was the language of instruction;
c) a certificate issued by a local or international English language instruction provider (e.g. language school), confirming the acquisition of B2 level as a result of a language course the applicant attended.
Alternatively, applicants may take Ilia State University’s institutional paper based or online language test, a passing score indicates English competency equivalent to CEFR level B2
Note: The English language requirement may be waived if the applicant is a native of or graduated from an English language high school or university in countries where English is the native language.
The following are the minimum English test scores for admission:
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) paper based test (PBT) 513
• TOEFL internet based test (iBT) 65 • TOEFL computer based test (CBT) 183
IELTS
• Academic; Band score 5.5
Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
• Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 160/Level B2 (also grades A/B/C) • First Certificate in English (FCE): 160/Grade C (also grades A/B • Business English Certificate (Higher BEC): 45/Level B2 (also grades A/B/C)
• Business English Certificate (Vantage BEC): 60/Grade C (also grades A/B) • Business Language Testing Service (BULATS): 60 overall • Pearson Test of English (PTE); General level 3) • Pearson Test of English-Academic; 59-75 points
TELC (The European Language Certificates)
• telc English B2;: Pass
Michigan (Cambridge Michigan)
• Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE): Low Pass • Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE): Pass • Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): B2
Overall, the applicant will be assessed during an admission interview (face-to-face or online for international applicants). Applicants are expected to demonstrate motivation, communication skills, as well as basic fieldspecific knowledge needed to succeed in the program. Detailed admissions requirements can be found online at www.iliauni.edu.ge
Teaching Methods
• Lecture
• Seminar
• Teamwork
• Case study
• Laboratory work
• Problem – based learning
• Field work
Specific teaching methods are identified for each individual program component and are listed in relevant syllabi.
Learning Outcomes
A program graduate:
1. Has thorough conceptual knowledge of contemporary molecular-genetic methods and techniques, understands how to use and access primary scientific literature and integrate technology into their technical skill set. Has ability to formulate testable hypotheses using molecular genetic methods; Uses creative approaches to resolve scientific questions, based upon solid theoretical understanding;
2. The graduate can independently design and implement research projects in various fields: agriculture, industry and/or biomedicine, molecular ecology and evolution. and is able to deploy appropriate genetic methods or develop new methods as needed.
3. Has systematic knowledge of analytical methods for genetic data collection and processing, including use of analytical softwares.
4. Applies and maintains ethical research standards; Is aware of intellectual property issues, and maintains ethical norms in citing and using other people’s ideas
5. Can safely use laboratory equipment to generate scientific data;
6. Has effective scientific reporting and presentation skills, uses modern information and communication technologies to communicate findings among colleagues and stakeholders.
7. Has ability to select research subject(s), formulate testable hypotheses using molecular genetic methods; Uses creative approaches to resolve scientific questions, based upon solid theoretical understanding.
Program Structure
A student is expected to accumulate 120 ECTS Credits by the end of his/her academic studies:
• Required courses – 54 credits
• Elective courses -36 credits
• Master Thesis -30 credits
Study Resources
- University library
- Teaching venues,
- Molecular Genetic Laboratory/ Core biodiversity research center of Ilia State University
- Computer labs and GIS resource centres,
- Institute of Ecology,
- Institue of Zoology,
- Institute of Botany,
- Tbilisi Zoo,
- Institute of Chemical Biology,
- Student Management System ARGUS
- Turnitin, Moodle;
Available software: SEQUENCE ANALYSIS, GENEMAPPER, BIOEDIT, MEGA, BEAST, NETWORK, ARLEQUIN, PLINK, STRUCTURE, ADMIXTURE, Programming in R. National Center For Biotechnology Information Analysis
Tools
Partner Organizations:
NCDC/Richard Lugar Center for Public Health Research.
Scientific staff from the NCDC provides instruction in several program courses, and may collaborate with MSc students on projects of joint interest.
Evaluation
Student assessment should be based on a 100-point grading scale:
(A) 91-100 Excellent
(B) 81-90 Very Good
(C) 71-80 Good
(D) 61-70 Satisfactory
(E) 51-60 Sufficient
(FX) 41-50 Unsatisfactory – meaning a student needs more effort to pass an examination and is given an extra chance to pass an additional examination through independent work.
(F) Failure – 40 and less of the maximum of grades, meaning the student’s effort is not enough and s/he has to take a course anew.
Assessment components and criteria are detailed in the respective course syllabi.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of Applied Genetics master program will be able to work in laboratories using biotechnology on problems in industry, medicine and agriculture; management positions in government or the private sector, where molecular genetics applications are being used, in forensics, food science, public health, or environmental science,
etc.; in industry, in laboratory and management positions in the biotechnology industry.