University of San Francisco

What you'll study

This programme combines core genetics and molecular biology with focused study of mitochondrial form, function and inheritance. Teaching emphasises experimental approaches, genomics and bioinformatics applied to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and mitochondrial-nuclear interactions.

• Core modules: molecular genetics, advanced cell biology, and experimental design and statistics for the life sciences.
• Mitochondrial-specific modules: mitochondrial structure and bioenergetics, mtDNA replication and repair, mitochondrial dynamics and quality control, and mitochondrial genetics and disease mechanisms.
• Genomics and computational biology: next‑generation sequencing methods, mtDNA variant calling, population-level mtDNA analysis, and introduction to R and Python for biological data.
• Laboratory skills and techniques: tissue and cell culture, real‑time PCR, Southern and long‑range PCR for mtDNA, high‑throughput sequencing library preparation, imaging approaches for mitochondrial morphology, and biochemical assays of respiration.
• Research project or thesis: an extended independent laboratory research project supervised by faculty on a mitochondrial genetics topic, culminating in a written thesis and oral presentation.
• Electives and professional skills: bioethics of genetic testing, translational approaches to rare disease, statistics for clinical genetics, and science communication. Opportunities for internships or collaborative projects with local research labs and biotech employers are supported where available.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics or a closely related discipline. Strong applicants will have coursework in genetics, cell biology, molecular biology and quantitative methods, and demonstrable laboratory experience.

• Official transcripts from all post‑secondary institutions attended.
• A personal statement describing research interests and career goals specific to mitochondrial genetics.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé highlighting laboratory experience and technical skills.
• Letters of recommendation (usually two or three) from academic or research supervisors.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements.
• Research experience or publications are highly desirable; some applicants without extensive research background may be admitted conditional on completing specified preparatory coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a range of research and applied roles where specialised knowledge of mitochondrial genetics is valuable.

• Research and academia: PhD programmes in genetics, cell biology or mitochondrial biology and entry‑level positions in university or hospital research labs.
• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry: roles in assay development, genomic services, drug discovery and preclinical research focused on metabolic and mitochondrial targets.
• Clinical and diagnostic laboratories: positions in molecular diagnostics and clinical genomics laboratories working with mitochondrial disease testing (additional certification or clinical training may be required).
• Translational science and policy: roles in rare disease foundations, regulatory affairs, or clinical trial coordination for therapies targeting mitochondrial dysfunction.
• Further professional training: many graduates pursue doctoral research degrees or specialised clinical training such as genetic counselling (which typically requires separate accredited qualifications).

Why study at University of San Francisco

The University of San Francisco offers a small‑cohort, research‑focused environment with access to hands‑on laboratory training and close mentorship from faculty working across cellular and molecular biology. The campus’s location in the San Francisco Bay Area provides strong proximity to a dense network of academic hospitals, biotech firms and genomic service providers, creating opportunities for collaborative projects and industry internships.

Students benefit from modern teaching laboratories, bioinformatics resources and a curriculum that bridges fundamental genetics with translational perspectives on mitochondrial disease. The programme emphasises ethical considerations in genetic testing and prepares graduates to join research teams, industry groups or continue to doctoral and clinical training pathways.