After the first year, doctoral programs are planned by the student, the thesis advisor and a guidance committee of 4 or 5 faculty members from any of the eleven participating administrative units. The principal thesis advisor and at least 2 of the committee members must be Genetics Program faculty. The guidance committee assists students in designing an appropriate program of course work and research, leading to the preparation of a Ph.D. thesis that presents a body of original research. Normally at the end of the second year, Genetics Program students take their oral and written comprehensive exams. The Genetics Program has a two semester teaching requirement that provides students with the intellectual and practical aspects of assembling and coordinating courses and in the problems and responsibilities of being an educator.
Teaching is considered an integral part of the graduate learning experience.
Typically, Genetics students serve as a teaching assistant for ZOL 341, the undergraduate genetics course, for one of their teaching requirements. In addition to laboratory research and formal course work, a broad spectrum of seminars and colloquia, offered by the Genetics Program and other departments, provides supplemental training. Moreover, Genetics Program students meet yearly for a weekend retreat to discuss their research and to organize their thoughts about the program, which serves as constructive feedback for the Genetics Program Director. The program components outlined above ensure that each Genetics Program student receives an individualized and well rounded graduate education and becomes an authority in a unique, self-selected area of Genetics. For details on the Genetics Program and its academic requirements, prospective students may view the Genetics Program Student Handbook.