Genetics
I-313 Sterling Hall of Medicine, 785.5846
M.S., M.Phil., Ph.D.
Chair
Richard Lifton, M.D., Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies
Michael Stern (I-352 SHM, 737.2283, michael.stern@yale.edu)
Professors
Edward Adelberg (Emeritus), Nancy Berliner (Internal Medicine; Hematology), Douglas Brash (Therapeutic Radiology), W. Roy Breg, Jr. (Emeritus), Lynn Cooley, Daniel DiMaio, Jerome Eisenstadt (Emeritus), Bernard Forget (Internal Medicine; Hematology), Peter Glazer (Therapeutic Radiology), Arthur Horwich, Kenneth Kidd, Richard Lifton (Internal Medicine; Nephrology; Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry), Maurice Mahoney, Charles Radding, Shirleen Roeder (Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology), Margretta Seashore, Carolyn Slayman, Kay Tanaka (Emeritus), Peter Tattersall (Laboratory Medicine), David Ward, Sherman Weissman
Associate Professors
Allen Bale, Susan Baserga (Therapeutic Radiology), Paula Kavathas (Laboratory Medicine), Barbara Pober, Mazin Qumsiyeh, Stefan Somlo (Internal Medicine; Nephrology), Michael Stern, Hong Sun, Joann Sweasy (Therapeutic Radiology), Tian Xu, Hui Zhang, Hongyu Zhao (Epidemiology & Public Health; Biostatistics)
Assistant Professors
Cheryl Garganta, Valerie Reinke, Kevin White
Fields of Study
Fields include molecular genetics, including studies of chromosome structure, genetic recombination, viral genetics, and the regulation of gene expression; genome mapping; cellular and developmental genetics, including organ and organelle biogenesis and the genetic control of membrane transport; oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, human genetics, especially the analysis of fundamental defects in heritable diseases; population and quantitative genetics.
Special Admissions Requirements
The department welcomes applicants who have a bachelor's or master's degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field, with experience (from course work and/or research) in the field of genetics. GRE General Test scores are required. A pertinent Subject Test in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biology, or Chemistry is recommended.
To enter the Ph.D. program, students apply to the Molecular & Cellular Biology, Genetics and Development (MCGD) track within the interdepartmental graduate program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences.
Special Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree
The Ph.D. program in Genetics is designed to provide the student with a broad background in general genetics and with the opportunity to explore a specific area of genetics and molecular biology in depth. To satisfy the breadth requirement, each student is expected to acquire knowledge of genetics at three of the following four levels: molecular, cellular, organismal, and populational. This will normally be accomplished through formal courses, although some students may wish to propose a program of guided reading, together with a term paper or examination, in satisfaction of one or more of the breadth requirements. Students are required to pass at least six graduate level courses. A qualifying examination, consisting of a reading period and written and oral portions, is given during the second year of study. Following successful completion of course work, the qualifying examination, and submission of a dissertation prospectus, the student is admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. Dissertation research in a specific area of genetics is carried out under the supervision of a faculty adviser with the guidance of a thesis committee. There is no language requirement.
An important aspect of graduate training in genetics is the acquisition of teaching skills through participation in courses appropriate for the student's scientific interests. These opportunities can be drawn from a diverse menu of lecture, laboratory, and seminar courses given at the undergraduate, graduate, and medical school level. Ph.D. students are expected to participate in two terms (or the equivalent) of teaching. Students are not expected to teach during their first year.
Honors Requirement
Students must meet the Graduate School's Honors requirement by the end of the fourth term of full-time study.
Master's Degrees
M.Phil. See Graduate School requirements.
M.S. Awarded only to students who are not continuing for the Ph.D. degree, but who have successfully completed one year of the doctoral program. Students are not admitted for this degree.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the BBS web page (info.med.yale.edu/bbs/), MCGD Track. Ph.D. degree program materials are available upon request to the Administrative Assistant, Graduate Program, Department of Genetics, Yale University, PO Box 208005, New Haven CT 06520-8005.
Courses
GENE 500a, Genetics in Health and Disease. Margretta Seashore.
A genetics course taught jointly for graduate students and medical students, covering current knowledge in human genetics as applied to the genetic foundations of health and disease.
GENE 520b, Scientific Integrity in Biomedical Research. Susan Baserga. W 12–1
Numerous issues that bear upon responsible research conduct are discussed, including record keeping, availability of research materials, student/mentor responsibilities, reproducibility of results, confidentiality, conflict of interest, authorship, and fraudulent behavior. Required for all first- and second-year Genetics graduate students and postdoctoral fellows/associates.
GENE 620, Topics in Medical Genetics. Barbara Pober. W 9–10
A variety of topics in the fields of biochemical genetics, DNA diagnostics, cytogenetics, prenatal genetics, and general clinical genetics. Of particular interest to graduate students and medical students who wish to broaden their background in the basic principles as well as the clinical applicability of medical genetics. Prerequisite: introductory course in human genetics (e.g., GENE 500a) or permission of instructor. Genetics graduate students cannot use this course to fulfill course requirements. Grade Sat./Unsat.
GENE 625a, Basic Concepts of Genetic Analysis. Richard Lifton, Tian Xu, Michael Koelle, Shirleen Roeder, Michael Stern. TTh 1.05–2.20
The universal principles of genetic analysis in eukaryotes are discussed in lectures. Students also read a small selection of primary papers illustrating the very best of genetic analysis and dissect them in detail in the discussion sections. While other Yale graduate molecular genetics courses emphasize molecular biology, this course focuses on the concepts and logic underlying modern genetic analysis. A brief review of undergraduate genetics is offered in two optional lectures at the beginning of the term. Also MB&B 625au, MCDB 625au.
GENE 642a, Roles of Microorganisms in the Living World. L. Nicholas Ornston, Diane McMahon-Pratt, Robert Macnab. TTh 11.30–12.45
A topical course exploring the biology of microorganisms. Emphasis on mechanisms underlying microbial adaptations and how they influence biological systems. Also EMD 642a, MB&B 642a, MBIO 642a, MCDB 642a.
[GENE 645a, Statistical Methods in Human Genetics.]
GENE 675, Graduate Student Seminar. Joann Sweasy and Staff. W 4.30–5.30
Covers a variety of topics in molecular, cellular, developmental, and population genetics. Students gain experience in preparing and delivering seminars and in discussing presentations by other students. Required for all first- and second-year students in Genetics.
GENE 705a, Molecular Genetics of Prokaryotes. Nigel Grindley, Charles Radding, Joann Sweasy. MW 11.30–12.45
Molecular aspects of the storage, replication, evolution, and expression of genetic material in prokaryotes. Required: previous or concurrent introductory courses in genetics and biochemistry. Also MB&B 705au, MCDB 505au.
GENE 734a, Molecular Biology of Animal Viruses. Daniel DiMaio, Peter Tattersall. WF 9.30–10.45
Lecture course with emphasis on mechanisms of viral replication, oncogenic transformation, and virus-host cell interactions. Also MBIO 734a.
GENE 743bu, Molecular Genetics of Eukaryotes. Mark Hochstrasser, Anthony Koleske. TTh 11.30–12.45
Selected topics in regulation of gene expression, genome structure and evolution, signal transduction, cellular physiology, development, and carcinogenesis. Prerequisite: biochemistry or permission of the instructor. Also MB&B 743bu.
GENE 749au, Medical Impact of Basic Science. Joan Steitz, Mark Hochstrasser, Andrew Miranker, and staff. TTh 1–2.30
Consideration of examples of recent discoveries in basic science that have elucidated the molecular origins of disease or that have suggested new therapies for disease. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental principles on which these advances rely. Reading is from the primary scientific and medical literature, with emphasis on developing the ability to read this literature critically. Aimed primarily at undergraduates. Prerequisite: MB&B 600au/601bu or permission of the instructor. Also MB&B 749au.
GENE 777b, Mechanisms of Development. Lynn Cooley, Valerie Reinke, Kevin White, Xing-Wang Deng, Frank Slack, W. Zhong. MF 9.45–11
This is an advanced course on mechanisms of animal development focusing on the genetic specification of cell organization and identity during embryogenesis and somatic differentiation. The use of evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways to carry out developmental decisions in a range of animals is highlighted. Course work includes student presentations and critical analysis of primary literature. Also MCDB 677b.
[GENE 810b, Human Molecular Genetics.]
GENE 840a and b, Medical Genetics. Margretta Seashore, Barbara Pober.
Clinical rotation offering medical and graduate students the opportunity to participate in the Genetic Consultation Clinic, genetic rounds, consultation rounds, and genetic analysis of clinical diagnostic problems.
GENE 900a and b, Introduction to Research for First-Year Students. Michael Stern and staff.
A required laboratory rotation course designed to give first-year students the opportunity to do research in several different laboratories and to learn a variety of methods now being used in genetic biochemical studies.
GENE 920a and b, Reading Course for Qualifying Examination. Michael Stern and staff.
Reading period for second-year Genetics students for qualifying examination.
GENE 921a and b, Reading Course in Genetics and Molecular Biology.
Michael Stern and staff.
Directed reading with faculty. Term paper required.
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