All Genetics Program students complete a qualifying
examination during the summer of the first year. PhD students must pass
this examination to continue in the program.
The exam
requires the preparation and defense of an original research proposal
that is not related to future dissertation work or to prior research
experiences. The exam is designed to measure originality and
independence and requires that the student suggest a feasible research
project on a biologically significant problem, outline a potential
experimental approach to its solution, and discuss the likely data that
could be obtained. An oral defense of this proposal is designed to
probe the ability of the student to integrate and evaluate material
learned in more abstract settings.
Preparation for the examination is directed by an examining committee that is selected based on each student's topic.
Developmental Genetics
Developmental Genetics is for PhD students who want to integrate medical genetics and developmental genetics and address problems in human disease.
Health Science Campus
The Health Sciences Campus is home to Sackler, the Schools of Medicine, Dental Medicine, Nutrition, Tufts Medical Center and several research institutes.