A typical first year of graduate school in the Genetics Program:

Research rotations:

• Three 10-12-week research rotations in the laboratories of three Genetics Program Faculty.
• Students present a short oral presentation on one of their laboratory rotations to their classmates and research advisors.
• Students choose their laboratory, in consultation with the program, and begin their thesis research at the end of their third rotation.

Classes:

• Fall
  • Fundamentals series (Gene Expression, Protein Regulation, Cell Processes)
  • Genetic Analysis of Biological Systems (GABS)
  • Seminars in Genetics

• Spring
  • Evolution or Genes and Development or Human Molecular Genetics
  • Seminars in Genetics
  • Special Topics in Genetics
  • Electives

Seminars:

• Numerous departmental seminars

Other:

• Principles of Scholarly Integrity

A typical second year of graduate school in the Genetics Program:

Research:

• Thesis research
• Students, with their research advisors assistance, pick a comprehensive and thesis committee. The committee is composed of:
  • Four genetics faculty member
  • One faculty member outside of the genetics program (tenured or tenure-track faculty)
  • Their research advisor (not present for the comprehensive exam)
  • Students present their thesis research at their first thesis committee meeting
  • Comprehensive exam (see below)

Classes:

• Fall
  • Seminars in Genetics
  • Additional seminar courses
  • Electives

• Spring
  • Seminars in Genetics
  • Special Topics in Genetics
  • Electives

Seminars:

• Special Topics in Genetics Seminar Series
• Numerous departmental seminars

Other:

• Principles of Scholarly Integrity

Comprehensive exam – There are two parts to the comprehensive exam. The first is to prepare and present a research proposal based on the student’s thesis project. The second is writing two off-topic abstracts, where one is chosen by the student’s committee to be written in full and presented during their oral comprehensive exam.