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, Paula
Kavathas (Laboratory Medicine), 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, Hongyu
Zhao (Epidemiology & Public Health; Biostatistics)
Assistant Professors
Valerie Reinke, Kevin White, Hui Zhang
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 genetics
and development 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
the opportunity to conduct original research in a specific
area of genetics. The 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. 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 adviser 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 and is admitted to candidacy
for the Ph.D. degree. There is no language requirement. An
important aspect of graduate training in genetics is the acquisition
of communication and teaching skills. Students participate
in presentation seminars and two terms (or the equivalent)
of teaching. Teaching activities are drawn from a diverse
menu of lecture, laboratory, and seminar courses given at
the undergraduate, graduate, and medical school level. 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.
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. Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the department Web page (info.med.yale.edu/genetics/) or the BBS Web page (info.med.yale.edu/bbs/), Genetics & Development Track.
Courses
GENE 500b, Principles of Human Genetics. Allen
Bale.
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.]
GENE 625a, Basic Concepts of Genetic Analysis. Tian
Xu, Richard Lifton, Shirleen Roeder, Michael Stern.
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. 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. Hongyu
Zhao, Kenneth Kidd. Th 10-11.50
Probability modeling and statistical methodology for
the analysis arising from human genetics studies are presented.
Topics include: population genetics, single locus and polygenic
inheritance, linkage analysis using parametric models and
allele-sharing methods, population- based and family-based
disease-marker associations, genetic risk prediction models,
sequence analysis, microarray data analysis. Prerequisites:
Genetics; BIS 505a and b, or equivalent; permission of instructor.
GENE 675, Graduate Student Seminar. Joann
Sweasy and staff. W 4.30–5.30
Students gain experience in preparing and delivering
seminars and in discussing presentations by other students.
A variety of topics in molecular, cellular, developmental,
and population genetics are covered. Required for all 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 743b, Molecular Genetics of Eukaryotes.]
GENE 749a, Medical Impact of Basic Science. Joan
Steitz 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, Xing-Wang Deng, Scott Holley, Valerie Reinke, Frank
Slack, Michael Stern, Kevin White. M 9.45–11, F 1.30–3
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 810a, Human Molecular Genetics. Allen
Bale, Cheryl Garganta. WF 12–1
This course focuses on molecular genetics of single gene
and multifactorial human traits. About one-half of the lectures
covers strategies and methodologies for human genetics research
as well as resources developed by the Human Genome Project.
The remainder of the course gives examples of applications
of molecular genetics in medicine and industry. Seminars devoted
to reviews of primary literature and workshops lead to rigorous
treatment of a limited set of topics and emphasis on a “how-to”
approach. This course is intended for students with a good
background in genetics and a strong interest in research.
Clinical genetics is not the main emphasis of the course.
General format: two 1-hour sessions per week—one didactic,
one practical (i.e., workshop or review of methods in primary
literature).
GENE 840a and b, Medical Genetics. Margretta
Seashore.
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 901b, First-Year Introduction to Research. Susan
Ferro-Novick, Ronald Breaker, Michael Stern.
Lab rotations, grant writing, and ethics for Molecular
Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development track students. Also
CBIO 900a and 901b; MCDB 900a and 901b.
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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