The Department of Genetics is a large, interdisciplinary group of faculty performing basic laboratory research and clinical research, and providing clinical care. Several laboratories are actively engaged in human genetics, cloning genes linked with disease, developing DNA probes and other diagnostic techniques, or studying the epidemiology of inherited disorders. Other laboratories are applying molecular genetic techniques to model organisms to study basic biological processes. The Department has a graduate program leading to a Ph.D. in the areas of genetics, development and molecular biology. Admission to the Graduate Program is through the Combined Programs in Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS). The department also sponsors a Medical Genetics & Genetics Residency program leading to certification by the American Board of Medical Genetics. Admission to the Genetics residency is directly through the department. Finally, the department provides clinical genetics services that include inpatient, outpatient, and prenatal clinics, along with cytogenetic, DNA, and biochemical diagnostic laboratories.
The program of study leading to the Ph.D. degree emphasizes a broad approach to the fundamental principles of genetics, development and molecular biology combined with extensive research training. The program is designed to permit close interaction between graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty, while also encouraging full participation in the larger community of biological scientists at Yale.
The Ph.D. program in Genetics is designed to provide the student with a broad background in general genetics and the opportunity to conduct original research in a specific area of genetics. The Genetics student is expected to acquire a broad understanding of genetics, spanning knowledge of at least three basic areas of genetics, which include molecular, cellular, organismal, and population genetics. Normally this requirement is accomplished through the satisfactory completion of formal courses, many of which cover more than one of these areas. Students are required to pass at least six graduate level courses. Students enter the Genetic Graduate Program following the completion of their first year of studies within the BBS Program. Normally students entering the Genetics Graduate Program have selected a faculty thesis advisor with an appointment in the Department of Genetics. Advanced graduate study becomes increasingly focused on the successful completion of original research and the preparation of a written dissertation under the direct supervision of a faculty advisor along with the guidance of a thesis committee.
A qualifying examination is given during the second year of study. This examination consists of a period of directed reading with the faculty followed by the submission of two written proposals and an oral examination. Following the completion of course work and the qualifying examination, the student submits a dissertation prospectus (by the end of the sixth term) and is admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. There is no language requirement.
The completed research is presented in the form of a written dissertation and a formal seminar. Typically four to six years are required in total to complete work for the Ph.D. degree.
Department of Genetics
Yale University School of Medicine
333 Cedar Street
P.O. Box 208005
New Haven, CT 06520-8005
(203) 785-2649 Phone
(203) 785-7227 Fax
http://info.med.yale.edu/genetics/gp/gpIntro.php#
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