The training program leading to the Ph.D. degree in Genetics consists of required and elective courses, presentations in journal clubs and research forums, laboratory research rotations, and thesis research. During the first year, students will be introduced to research training in genetics by completing four eight-week laboratory research rotations in different laboratories. The rotations are designed to provide first-hand experience with the diverse research conducted in program laboratories and to teach students techniques in genetics, hypothesis development, and research design. The Graduate Program in Genetics is a member of the Coordinated Programs in Biomedical Science, so if a student wishes to explore laboratories in other graduate programs, she/he may perform rotations with mentors who are not members of the genetics program. The detailed plan for each student is developed in consultation with the first-year faculty advisor and the student advisory committee. In brief, the curriculum is as follows:

Curriculum for Ph.D. Students
(M.D./Ph.D. Students Click Here)

FIRST YEAR DIDACTIC COURSES (Required)

Biochm 223 Graduate Biochemistry: Brian Schaffhausen - fall semester
Gene 201 Introduction to Genetics: Carol Kumamoto - fall semester
Gene 205 Mammalian Genetics: Alexander Poltorak - spring semester
Gene 203 Cancer Genetics: Naomi Rosenberg (Given every other year, so some students may take this class in Year Two) - spring semester

LABORATORY ROTATIONS

Gene 215/216 Research Techniques Ananda Roy
Students choose rotations based on their interests and the willingness of the rotation mentor to accept a student. Students are strongly encouraged to choose rotations that expose them to areas of research with which they are not already familiar and to sample different aspects of genetics by electing varied rotation projects. To investigate possible rotations, students should contact the potential mentor and discuss the expectations and the available projects. Before making a choice, students must consult with the student advisor, who is responsible for approving rotations. The first two rotations must be done with a Genetics Program faculty member. Other rotations may be carried out with other members of the Sackler faculty. No more than one Genetics student can rotate in a lab during each rotation period.
During each of these rotations, students will work on a research project with the aim of learning laboratory skills and research approaches. Students are encouraged to use the rotations to acquire a variety of skills and to gain familiarity with a range of research areas.

YEAR TWO

If not completed in year 1: Cancer Genetics; one to two electives (see below)

YEAR TWO AND BEYOND

Ethics: Taken by students in years 3 or 4. Small group discussions of contemporary ethics issues as they appear in the context of science. Includes topics as diverse as fraud, plagiarism, animal experimentation, harassment and record keeping. At this time, Genetics does not offer its own ethics course. Students participate in a course offered by a graduate program of their choice. The student advisor should be notified as to which ethics course a student plans to take.

Electives: All courses offered by Sackler School graduate programs are available as potential electives. Students are required to take two electives, typically by the end of year two. These are chosen in consultation with the thesis mentor and discussed and approved by the thesis committee and the student advisor.

ALL YEARS - CONFERENCE BASED COURSES - OCTOBER-MAY

Student Workshop: Each year every student presents a seminar describing his/her research. These presentations are held on a weekly basis. The first presentation is usually in November. In late spring the first year students will present a report based on one rotation. These meetings are attended by students, faculty and other interested members of the Program. Participation of all students is required until such time as they are given permission to write their theses.

Journal Club: Students present current papers for discussion and critique. Members of the faculty participate on a rotating basis. This is a weekly meeting that is required of all students until such time as they are given permission to write their theses.

Seminars: Approximately once a month during the academic year, the Program invites a scientist from another institution to present a seminar about their current work. All students, except those given permission to write their theses, are required to attend.

There are also regularly scheduled Clinical Genetics Rounds at which genetic approaches to the diagnosis and or treatment of various diseases are discussed. Attendance for at least one year is highly recommended.

GENETICS PROGRAM RETREAT

In spring there is an overnight Program Retreat at a site other than the Boston Campus. All students are required to attend until they have permission to write their theses. The format includes scientific presentations by some faculty and postdoctoral fellows, poster presentations by all students in the research portion of their training, discussions and social activities. The retreats are considered to be very successful scientific and social events as they provide time for people to mix informally to talk about science and other aspects of life.
For more on the Genetics Retreat, Click Here.