The Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology is an interdepartmental Ph.D. training program. There are over 90 faculty members and between 80-90 students working in every basic science department in the School of Medicine as well as the Department of Biology in the College. While the research is diverse, a common theme is the use of molecular biology, genetics and genomics to address questions regarding the control of cellular processes. Examples include the generation of mouse models of human diseases like cancer, the characterization of molecular mechanisms of replication, recombination and gene expression, and the genetic basis of animal development.
Coursework
(Four didactic plus one seminar course are required.)
Required Courses:
Genetics 621 (Principles of Genetic Analysis)
Genetics 631 (Advanced Molecular Biology I) or Genetics 632 (Advanced Molecular Biology II)
Genetics 641 (Intro to Bioinformatics)
Elective Courses:
Choose one elective course in Genetics (GNET622), Molecular Biology (GNET631 or GNET632), Developmental Biology (GNET624), or one semester of modules from the Bioinformatics and Computation Biology Program (BCB711-717)
The seminar requirement is fulfilled by any course that includes a significant (1/3) class participation component (such as a journal article reading-based course).
Substitutions for course requirements (other than for Genetics 621) will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Director but will generally be lenient provided the course is consistent with appropriate training in Genetics or Molecular biology. (Follow the “1st year course list" link to the left to view courses available to first year students). Coursework requirements in the GMB program should be completed by the end of the second year of Graduate study.
Qualifying Exams
Written Exam:The written exam is taken after completion of the Core Curriculum (Genetics GNET 621,631, 641), usually at the end of the first academic or second academic year. The exam is administered by a committee of six faculty selected by the director of graduate studies. Students will be given specific information (usually assigned research papers) on specific topics (generally two topics) two weeks prior to the exam. Each student is expected to become thoroughly familiar with both of the topics and all the research papers assigned. The exam will be administered on two days. Students are notified of their performance approximately 1-2 months after the exam.
Committee Meetings and Oral Examination: Students choose a Research Topic and Dissertation committee by the end of their second year. Committees consist of at least five faculty members, chaired by the student’s preceptor/dissertation advisor. At majority (i.e. 3/5) members of the committee must be faculty members of the Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology. Each committee should meet at least every 8 months (3 times in 2 years) to monitor the student’s progress.
Additional Requirements
TA requirement: GMB students must TA an approved course for one semester.
Seminars: Second Year students, and students who have not yet completed their Oral Examination, are required to attend the weekly GMB student seminar (GNET 703) and the weekly faculty seminar (GNET701/702). Third Year students and above are required to present a talk in the GMB student seminar once per year (or at the annual retreat).
Travel: All students are required to attend and present a poster or a talk at the annual retreat.
Publication: All students must publish at least one first authored research paper in a peer reviewed journal.
