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 (Emeritus), Shirleen Roeder (Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology), Margretta Seashore, Carolyn Slayman, Kay Tanaka (Emeritus), Peter Tattersall (Laboratory Medicine), Sherman Weissman
Associate Professors
Allen Bale, Susan Baserga (Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry), 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
Valerie Reinke, Matthew State (Child Study Center), Kevin White
Fields of Study
Molecular Genetics: chromosome structure and function, genetic recombination, viral genetics, DNA damage repair, ribosome biogenesis, protein folding, and the regulation of gene expression. Genomics: genome mapping, genome modification, high-throughput technology, evolutionary genetics and functional genomics. Cellular and Developmental Genetics: genetic control of the cytoskeleton, cell death, aging, cell fate determination, cell cycle progression, cell migration, cell signaling and growth control. Cancer Genetics: oncogenesis and tumor suppression. Medical Genetics: genetic basis of human disease, chromosome rearrangements, 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 Cell Biology, Genetics and Development (MCGD) track within the interdepartmental graduate program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS).
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.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the BBS web site (info.med.yale.edu/bbs), MCGD Track.
Courses
GENE 500b, Principles of Human Genetics. Allen Bale.
HTBA
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 603, Teaching in the Science Education Outreach Program (SEOP). Paula Kavathas.
Students teach seventh-graders in the New Haven schools as part of the Science Education Outreach Program (SEOP). In addition, they are required to take the course Science Teaching 101, which is offered by the McDougal Graduate Teaching Center. Additional possibilities include working with students on Science Fair projects, being a Science Fair judge, or developing a new project. Dates and times to be determined. Please contact the course director, Paula Kavathas, at 785.6223. Also IBIO 603.
GENE 625a, Basic Concepts of Genetic Analysis. Tian Xu, Michael Koelle, Richard Lifton, Michael Stern, Kevin White.
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. Also MB&B 625au, MCDB 625au.
GENE 642a, Roles of Microorganisms in the Living World. L. Nicholas Ornston, Diane McMahon-Pratt.
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, 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: introductory Genetics; BIS 505a and b, or equivalent; permission of instructor.
GENE 675, Graduate Student Seminar. Joann Sweasy and staff.
W 4–5
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. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
GENE 705a, Molecular Genetics of Prokaryotes. Nigel Grindley, Patrick Sung, 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 505a.
GENE 734a, Molecular Biology of Animal Viruses. Daniel DiMaio.
TTh 1.30–2.45
Lecture course with emphasis on mechanisms of viral replication, oncogenic transformation, and virus-host cell interactions. Also MBIO 734a.
GENE 743b, Advanced Eukaryotic Molecular Biology. Anthony Koleske, Mark Hochstrasser, Patrick Sung.
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 749a, Medical Impact of Basic Science. Joan Steitz, Enrique De La Cruz, Mark Hochstrasser, Andrew Miranker, Patrick Sung.
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.
M 9.45–11, F2–3.15
This is an advanced course on mechanisms of animal and plant 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 and a research proposal term paper. Also MCDB 677b.
[GENE 810a, Human Molecular Genetics.]
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, First-Year Introduction to Research. Frank Slack.
Lab rotations, grant writing, and ethics for Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development track students. Also CBIO 900a, MCDB 900a.
GENE 901b, First-Year Introduction to Research. Michael Stern, Carl Hashimoto.
Lab rotations, topic-based seminars for Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development track students. Also CBIO 901b, MCDB 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. Permission of Genetics DGS is required.
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