This interdisciplinary program includes both required and elective courses, presentations in journal clubs and research forums, research rotations, and thesis research in prokaryotic, simple eukaryotic, mammalian, and human genetics. The detailed study plan for each student is developed in consultation with the faculty. The required courses include biochemistry, molecular biology of gene expression, and three courses in genetics. At least two additional elective courses in the Program in Genetics or other Sackler graduate programs must be completed by the end of the second year. Short courses in statistical analysis, quantitative genetics, and ethics in genetics are required by the end of the second year.
All students attend a weekly journal club and weekly genetics seminars.
To introduce students to the ongoing research in program laboratories and teach them techniques in genetics, hypothesis development, and research design, students complete four laboratory research rotations during the first year. At the beginning of the second year, students begin thesis work. At the end of the second year, students take a qualifying examination. Students who pass the qualifying examination and successfully complete all of the course requirements are considered doctoral candidates. The Ph.D. program typically requires four to five years of full-time study.