CURRICULUM

World Class Education

The GSAT program is a multidisciplinary graduate program focused on genomic research and advanced technology development, designed and taught by leading scientists in Vancouver, Canada. Generally, students complete their course work during the first nine months of study. Graduate students proceeding towards a Ph.D. are required to pass an oral Qualifying Examination within 36 months of beginning their graduate studies. 

M.Sc. Program

The mandatory courses for the M.Sc. program include the following:

  • Advanced Concepts in Genome Science & Technology (GSAT 502) – Terms 1 and 2: 3 credits 
  • M.Sc. thesis course (GSAT 559) – 18 credits 
  • Two professional development courses (non-credit) 
  • Three electives of 3 credits each
    • Guidance on elective courses: Electives requirements are left intentionally broad to enable students to tailor learning to their particular interests and the needs of their projects. It is recommended that all courses be graduate level courses, although some 300-level or 400-level courses may be taken with the approval of the program director. It is recommended that students discuss courses with their prospective supervisor and look in allied life science or quantitative graduate programs (i.e. MEDG, CELL, BMB, MICR, IOP, PATH, MATH, STAT, BIOF, and potentially other programs).

Ph.D. Program (entering from M.Sc.)

  • All Ph.D. students are recommended to take GSAT 502. No other formal courses are required, but other courses may be taken for interest or improving background knowledge. 
  • Students must also register for the Ph.D. thesis course (GSAT 699) – 0 credits 
  • A pass on the Ph.D. oral Qualifying Exam based on a research proposal (must be completed within 36 months of start date) 
  • Presentation of an exit seminar before Ph.D. defense

About GSAT 502 – Advanced Concepts in Genome Science and Technology

This literature-based course will expose students to the latest developments in genomic analysis, and development of techniques and technologies for high-throughput biology and their application to solve biological problems. It will involve an active discussion component facilitated by a faculty member and stimulated by provision of key papers to all students beforehand. This course will develop skills in literature searching, information assembly/integration and lecture preparation and delivery, as well as developing expanded knowledge of the field. 

Generally taking place on Thursday afternoons for 1.5 hours at the MSL, this course alternates between paper discussions and talks from UBC researchers on a range of subjects. The course is currently coordinated by Dr. Martin Hirst , and the full course schedule is shared with students closer to the start date.

About the Professional Development Courses

As part of the requirement for the GSAT program, students must take two professional development workshops by the end of their second year in the program.   Subjects of these workshops include things like interviewing skills, presentation skills, TA workshops, etc. The program will pay the cost of this if there is a fee associated with the course, though proof of enrollment is required. 

Courses/workshops can be found through the UBC Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology and through the Graduate Studies Pathways to Success programs.

Transferring from M.Sc. to Ph.D.

All students must complete 12 credits of course work and finish either a Master’s degree in year two/three, or transfer to the Ph.D. program (transfer must be initiated before 2 years of graduate studies is complete and can only be done at the beginning of a term). For either degree, a student completes a research-based thesis project in a participating program faculty’s laboratory. Students having transferred to a PhD program must also complete a comprehensive oral exam before 36 months total in the program. Full guidelines for transferring from M.Sc. to Ph.D. can be found under Documents.