School of Medicine
Department Office: 2100 Eccles Institute of Human Genetics
Department Phone: 801-581-4422
Graduate Program Phone: 801-585-0462
Website: www.genetics.utah.edu

Department Chair: Aaron Quinlan, Ph.D.

The Department of Human Genetics is dedicated to studying the genetic control of development and disease. Research interests of our faculty are wide-ranging and include the identification of genes implicated in human disease using the major model systems for genetic research: C. elegans, Drosophila, mice, and zebrafish. Our research interests include bioinformatics, genomics, statistical genetics, population genetics, clinical genetics, and evolution. Evolutionarily-conserved genetic pathways important for development, growth, and physiology are a major focus of study as well as the genetics underlying disease risk and complex disease traits. Researchers in the Department collaborate widely with both basic science and clinical labs on campus. Our faculty also participate actively in graduate education. The Eccles Institute of Human Genetics houses graduate programs in Genetic Counseling and Molecular Biology as well as the Genetic Science Learning Center, which develops science and health education materials for the public and public educators.

Graduate Program

Areas of Specialization
The department is renowned for studies of genes including their function, regulation, and expression. Current interests include developmental genetics, genetics of human disease, population genetics, molecular genetics of gene regulation, and human genome science.

Special Admission Requirements
Applicants interested in molecular genetics should apply to the interdepartmental program in Molecular Biology.