Year 1

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.
  • Note: MSTP students typically do not complete rotations.

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:

  • Seminars in Genetics
  • Numerous departmental seminars

Year 2

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
    • Scholarly Integrity and Responsible Conduct of Research I (Note: MSTP completes in year 1)
    • Electives
  • Spring
    • Seminars in Genetics
    • Special Topics in Genetics
    • Scholarly Integrity and Responsible Conduct of Research II (Note: MSTP completes in year 1)
    • Electives

Seminars:

  • Special Topics in Genetics Seminar Series
  • Seminars in Genetics
  • Numerous departmental seminars

Comprehensive exam:

There are two parts to the comprehensive exam, a written document and an oral examination. The written document requires students to prepare two semi off-topic abstracts (differing from the thesis research), one of which is chosen by the student’s committee to be developed into a full proposal. Once accepted by the committee, the committee will conduct an oral comprehensive exam of the students knowledge of the subject matter. The comprehensive exam is completed during the spring semester of the second year.

Years 3

  • Teaching Assistantship requirement
  • Thesis research
  • Complete any elective credits or other course requirements not yet completed.

Year 4 - 5

  • Thesis research
  • Submitting first and middle author publications.
  • The goal of the student is to defend their dissertation and graduate by Spring of year 5.