Training Program Requirements

Students in the program receive either Genetics or Developmental Biology Ph.D. degrees, depending on their particular area of research emphasis.   Specific degree requirements are listed below, with most requirements shared between students pursuing either degree.

Required Courses Genetics PhD DevBio PhD
Genetics & Developmental Training Camp (GENE 200/DBIO 200 Required Required
Research rotations (GENE399/DBIO399) 3 lab rotations in first year 3 lab rotations in first year
Foundations In Experimental Biology (BIOS 200) Required Required
Frontiers in Biological Research (DBIO215/GENE215 Required Required (2 quarters)
Genome Biology (GENE211) Required One required course in genomics or genetics
Advanced Genetics (GENE205) Required One required course in genomics or genetics
Developmental Biology (DB210) Optional Required
Advanced Cell Biology (MCP221) OR Biological Macromolecules (BIOC241) OR other related courses Optional One required course in biochemistry or cell biology
Introduction to Probability and Statistics (HRP258) OR  Biostatistics (STATS141) Required One required course in quantitative or computational biology
Responsible Conduct of Research (MED255) Required Required

Qualifying Exams:

A written and oral defense of a research proposal related to, but distinct from, students' main research. The specific topic is chosen by students, and prepared in the form of a postdoctoral fellowship application to provide additional training in proposal formulation, experimental design, and scientific writing. 

Completed by xxxx of 2nd year.  Completed by Jan 31 of 2nd year of study.

Additional Training (throughout graduate school)

  Genetics PhD DevBio PhD
Joint "Frontiers in Biology" Research Seminar Series Talks by outside speakers every Wednesday afternoon
Annual retreats of Genetics and Developmental Biology departments, held annually in September, with joint sessions highlighting research in both departments. Ph.D. students present posters or 10-15 minute talks on their thesis research.
"Current Issues in Genetics (CIG)": original research presentations by current students  Two in-house talks on Fridays   
"Discussing Developmental Data (3D)", original research presentations by current students and postdocs    Two in-house talks on Thursdays
Joint Genetics and Developmental Biology Journal Club Two student-led presentations every Monday over dinner
"Professional skills in graduate school and beyond" Monthly discussion meeting with faculty and students currently or previously supported by the training grant. See examples of recent topics & readings here.
Individual Development Plans (IDPs) Personalized goal setting and professional development discussions held annually between trainees and mentors
Thesis advisory committees Groups of 4 faculty meeting annually with students (yrs 2-4), and every 6 months yrs 5+