Department of Translational Genomics

Faculty

John D. Carpten, PhD, Professor and Chair, Director, Institute of Translational Genomics

David Wesley Craig, PhD, Professor and Vice Chair, Co-Director, Institute of Translational Genomics

Carol S. Lin, PhD, Associate Professor

Troy A. McEachron, PhD, Assistant Professor of Research

Bodour Salhia, PhD, Assistant Professor

The Department of Translational Genomics represents an academic department within the Keck School of Medicine of USC with a core mission of developing and driving genetic methodologies toward improvements in patient management and outcomes through translational research and training. 

Over the past decade, genomics has led to massive changes in biomedical research in which top medical schools lead in research and clinical trials by leveraging investments in genomics infrastructure coupled to strong bioinformatics. In particular, the emergence next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has changed how systems are being studied at the molecular, cellular and systems level through hundreds of novel assays. Even further, these assays on NGS platforms have been translated to the clinic, changing how clinical researchers approach patient-driven trials. This may never be more evident than through the recent signing of bi-partisan legislation, the 21st Century Cures Act, the Precision Medicine Initiative, the Cancer Moonshot and the BRAIN Initiative. Genomics represents a central and foundational discipline underpinning these programs; it represents the emerging standard for molecular research. To be competitive small and large universities are making massive investments to build NGS infrastructure, expertise and informatics.

The department is committed to excellence in translational genomics education and research, bringing to bear vast experience and expertise in molecular genetics, genome science, biomedical informatics, translational science, and molecular medicine. The ultimate goal is to serve the Keck community by bridging basic and clinical research through discovery and validation of novel diagnostics and therapeutics for earlier diagnosis and smarter treatments.

Programs

• Translational Biomedical Informatics (MS)
• Translational Biotechnology (MS)

Courses

• TRGN 510 Basic Foundations in Translational Biomedical Informatics
• TRGN 514 Introduction to Human Genomic Analysis Methods
• TRGN 515 Advanced Human Genomic Analysis Methods
• TRGN 516 Translational Genomics, Applied Databases and Datastructures
• TRGN 520 Translational Biomedical Informatics Capstone Portfolio
• TRGN 524 Applications of Genomic Technology in Biomedical Research I
• TRGN 525 Applications of Genomic Technology in Biomedical Research II
• TRGN 536 Biotechnology Primer
• TRGN 537 Pathway and Target Discovery
• TRGN 538 Seminar in Translational Biotechnology
• TRGN 539 Translational Biotechnology Practicum
• TRGN 540 Translational Biotechnology Capstone Preparation
• TRGN 541 Translational Biotechnology Capstone Defense
• TRGN 542 Biotechnology-based Therapeutics
• TRGN 543 Biotechnology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization I
• TRGN 544 Biotechnology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization II
• TRGN 545 Exploring Chemical and Biological Therapeutic Modalities
• TRGN 590 Directed Research