Program Overview

Introduction to the Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics and Genomics

The Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics and Genomics is a research-intensive graduate program designed to prepare students for careers in academia or industry. This program provides broad training in genetics, molecular and cellular biology, genomics, functional genomics, systems biology, bioinformatics, and computational and statistical methods.

Overview of the Program

The program is structured to enable students to conduct dissertation research in one of the focus areas of the Center faculty. Doctoral candidates receive intensive laboratory training, working closely with faculty on projects at the forefront of biomedical genetics and genomics research. Students can apply to the Ph.D. program or to the combined MD-PhD program, with a focus on Computational Biology also offered within the Ph.D. program.

Admission Standards

Applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree with major preparation in the sciences. The admission criteria include:

• A minimum grade point average of 3.0, majoring in biological or chemical sciences.
• Experience in a working laboratory environment is preferred.
• Strong enthusiasm and aptitude for scientific research, and evidence of ability.

Application Process

Admissions are granted for Fall term starts only, with the application deadline generally being the first of the previous December. Applicants must provide:

• A statement describing their motivation for pursuing a Ph.D., research experience, interest in genetics and genomics, any specific interests in Center research, and future and career plans.
• Official academic transcripts.
• Three letters of recommendation sent from faculty who can evaluate the research and academic potential of the student. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English and meet specific requirements on the TOEFL English proficiency examination.

Financial Support

All Ph.D. students are funded by a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) that includes a competitive stipend, paid tuition, and subsidized medical insurance. No separate application for financial support is required.

Program Requirements

Ph.D. students enroll in the School of Medicine's Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (IBS) curriculum during their first year. The required courses include:

• IBS 7015: Interdisciplinary Cell and Molecular Biology (6 credits)
• GS 0900: Essential Research Practices: Responsible Conduct of Research (0 credits)
• FPH 7015: Biostatistics I (3 credits)
• MGG 7015: Introduction to Genetics (2 credits)
• MGG/IBS 7030: Functional Genomics and Systems Biology (2 credits)
• MGG 7050: Bioinformatics: theory and practice (3 credits)
• MGG 7091: Scientific Communication (2 credits)
• MGG 7460: Research Training in Molecular Biology and Genetics (1-8 credits)
• MGG 7600: Advanced Human Genetics (3 credits)

Elective courses in Molecular Genetics and Genomics include:

• MGG 7020: Metabolism and Disease (2 credits)
• MGG 7400: Molecular Biology of Cellular Signalling (2 credits)
• MGG 8010: Quantitative Data Analysis for Biological and Medical Sciences (2 credits)
• MGG 8680: Advanced Topics in Molecular Genetics and Genomics (1-3 credits)
• MGG 8770: Molecular Biology of Mitochondrial Disease (2 credits)

Dissertation

Thirty credits in dissertation research are required in the Ph.D. program, fulfilled by registering for the courses MGG 9991, MGG 9992, MGG 9993, and MGG 9994 (Doctoral Dissertation Research and Direction I, II, III, and IV, respectively). Students must write an original research dissertation, have it approved by a dissertation committee, and present it in a public defense.

Academic Scholarship

All coursework must be completed in accordance with the regulations of the Graduate School and the School of Medicine governing graduate scholarship and degrees.