Integrative Genetics and Genomics Graduate Group Ph.D. Program

Program Overview

The Integrative Genetics and Genomics Graduate Group offers a Ph.D. and M.S. in genetics, providing comprehensive education in modern genetics, including molecular, quantitative, population, and cytogenetics, as well as genomics and bioinformatics. The Ph.D. program emphasizes research and prepares students for careers in research and teaching, while the M.S. program offers options for coursework or thesis-based degrees, preparing students for careers in scientific writing, genetic counseling, or combining genetics with other fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Integrative Genetics and Genomics Graduate Group (IGG) offers a Ph.D. and an M.S. degree in genetics.

Program Overview:

• Objectives: The program aims to provide a comprehensive education in modern genetics, covering molecular, quantitative, population, and cytogenetics, as well as genomics and bioinformatics.
• Description: Students spend their first two years taking core and specialized courses, assisting in teaching, and gaining research experience in the laboratory.
During the first two quarters, Ph.D. students are encouraged to rotate through three or four laboratories before choosing a research area and major professor.
• Qualifying Examination: A Ph.D. oral qualifying exam is administered at the beginning of the third year to assess a student's knowledge of genetics and their ability to defend a research proposal.
Successful completion leads to advancement to candidacy and dedicated research.

Program Overview:

• Objectives: The program offers a Master of Science degree in genetics for students preparing for scientific writing, genetic counseling, or combining genetics with other fields.
• Description: The M.S.
degree can be earned through coursework or by completing a research thesis in addition to coursework.
• Plan I (Thesis Option): This plan emphasizes original research and requires 30 units of coursework and a thesis.
• Plan II (Course Option): This plan focuses on coursework and requires 36 units, including 6 units of research with a required paper and a comprehensive examination.

Outline:

Program Outline:

• Core Courses (19 units):
• GGG 201A, Advanced Genetic Analysis (5 units)
• GGG 201B, Comparative and Functional Genomics (5 units)
• GGG 201D, Population and Quantitative Genetics (5 units)
• GGG 291, History of Genetics (2 units)
• GGG 296, Science Professionalism and Integrity (2 units)
• Additional Requirements:
• GGG 290A, Graduate Student Conference in Genetics (1 unit, S/U) for one quarter each year.
• One additional unit seminar from the following:
• GGG 290, Evolutionary, Developmental & Population Genetics
• GGG 292, Genomics & Epigenetics
• GGG 293, Animal Genetics
• GGG 294, Human Genetics
• GGG 295, Molecular Genetics
• GGG 297, Plant Genetics
• Electives: Two elective courses, at least one at the graduate level, are required to provide depth in the dissertation research area.
• Research Units:
• GGG 205, Molecular Genetics Laboratory (5 units, S/U) for laboratory rotations.
• GGG 299, Research.
• Typical Time Line and Sequence of Events:
• Year One:
GGG 201A, 201B, 201D, 205, 291, and electives.
• Year Two: GGG 296, electives, and GGG 299.
• Year Three: Qualifying Examination, GGG 299, and GGG 290A.
• Year Four-Six: Dissertation research and completion, including one quarter of GGG 290A.

Program Outline:

• Plan I (Thesis Option):
• Core Courses (19 units):
• GGG 201A – Advanced Genetic Analysis (5 units)
• GGG 201B – Comparative and Functional Genomics (5 units)
• GGG 201D – Transmission, Population, and Quantitative Genetics (5 units)
• GGG 296 – Scientific Professionalism & Integrity (2 units)
• GGG 290A – Graduate Student Conference (1 unit, S/U).
• One unit seminar from the following:
• GGG 290 – Evolutionary, Developmental, & Population Genetics
• GGG 292 – Genomics & Epigenetics
• GGG 293 – Animal Genetics
• GGG 294 – Human Genetics
• GGG 295 – Molecular Genetics
• GGG 297 – Plant Genetics
• Electives (11 units):
Chosen in consultation with the GGG advisor.
• Research Units: GGG 205 and GGG 299 are strongly recommended.
• Plan II (Course Option):
• Core Courses (18 units):
• GGG 201A – Advanced Genetic Analysis (5 units)
• GGG 201B – Comparative and Functional Genomics (5 units)
• GGG 201D – Transmission, Population, and Quantitative Genetics (5 units)
• GGG 296 – Scientific Professionalism & Integrity (2 units)
• GGG 290A – Graduate Student Conference (1 unit, S/U).
• One unit seminar from the following:
• GGG 290 – Evolutionary, Developmental, & Population Genetics
• GGG 292 – Genomics & Epigenetics
• GGG 293 – Animal Genetics
• GGG 294 – Human Genetics
• GGG 295 – Molecular Genetics
• GGG 297 – Plant Genetics
• Electives (11 units):
Chosen in consultation with the GGG advisor.
• Research (6 units): Required in the form of GGG 205, GGG 298 (Group Study), or GGG 299.
A 10-page research paper is also required.

Assessment:

Program Assessment:

• Qualifying Examination: An oral examination covering a student's knowledge of genetics and research proposal defense.
• Dissertation Research: Successful completion of a research project and the dissertation.

Program Assessment:

• Plan I (Thesis Option):
• Thesis:
A research project resulting in a written thesis, evaluated by the thesis committee.
• Plan II (Course Option):
• Comprehensive Examination:
An oral examination covering coursework material, followed by a 10-page research paper.

Teaching:

• Ph.D.
• Program:
• Teaching Assistant (TA) Requirement:
Students must serve as a TA for at least one genetics course before advancing to candidacy.
• M.S.
• Program:
• TA Requirement:
Serving as a TA is strongly encouraged but not mandatory.

Careers:

• Ph.D.
• Program:

Careers:

The program prepares students for careers in research, teaching, or other related fields.
• M.S.
• Program:

Careers:

The M.S. degree prepares students for careers in scientific writing, genetic counseling, or for combining genetics with other fields.

Other:

• Mentoring: Each student has two official faculty mentors: an academic advisor and a major professor (dissertation or thesis advisor).
• Advising: Regular meetings with advisors are essential for course planning, research progress, and navigating university procedures.
• Designated Emphases: The IGG offers designated emphases in Biotechnology and Translational Research.
• Laboratory Rotation Programs: Rotations are encouraged but not required for both Ph.D. and M.S.
students.
• First Quarter Guidance Committee Meeting: A meeting to identify prerequisites, discuss coursework, and research interests.
• Third Quarter Guidance Committee Meeting: A meeting to review progress, discuss elective courses, and prepare for the Qualifying Examination (Ph.D.) or thesis/comp.
exam (M.S.).
• Fifth Quarter Guidance Committee Meeting: A meeting to verify coursework completion and finalize plans for the Qualifying Examination (Ph.D.) or thesis/comp.
exam (M.S.).
• Advancement to Candidacy: Both Ph.D. and M.S.
students must file an application for candidacy after completing a certain number of coursework units.
• Annual Dissertation Committee Reports: Ph.D. students are required to meet with the Dissertation Committee at least once a year.
• Graduate Students Annual Progress Reports: These reports are due to the GGG office by the end of Spring Quarter.