Overview
Students in the Genetics Program complete required and elective didactic courses and participate in seminars and journal clubs that are designed to provide a strong knowledge base for their research and a deep understanding of genetics. They also complete four research rotations. Students typically select their research mentor at the end of May of the first year and begin dissertation research. They also take a qualifying examination in the first summer they are enrolled. Thereafter, emphasis is placed on dissertation research. When the aims of the research project have been achieved, students write and defend their dissertations.
Required Didactic Courses
A series of courses that are specifically designed to provide a broad, yet deep knowledge of genetics are offered. These courses include: Genetic Analysis (MBM 220), and Mammalian Genetics (GENE 205). Students also complete Graduate Biochemistry (BCHM 223), Biochemistry of Gene Expression (BCHM 230A) and take a course Applied Ethics for Scientists (SK 275). Students in the Mammalian Genetics Track must also complete Medical & Experimental Mammalian Genetics (GENE 208). Complete descriptions of these offerings can be found in the Sackler Catalog.
Elective Courses
Students complete two elective course that must be approved by their thesis committee and the Student Adviser. Typical choices include: Biochemistry of Signal Transduction (BCHM230B), Animal Virology (MBM 214), Host-Pathogen Interface (MBM210), Bacterial-Host Cell Interaction (MBM211). Complete descriptions of these and other offerings can be found in the Sackler Catalog.
Seminar Courses
All Genetics students participate in Research Presentation (GENE 289, 290), Graduate Seminar (GENE 291, 292) and Journal Club (GENE 295, 296).