Ph.D. Curriculum

Students admitted into the DG track will participate in a DG curriculum that consists of core courses, a special 2-term course in developmental genetics (Foundations in Developmental Genetics I and II), an upper-level genetics course, laboratory rotations, seminars, student research symposia, journal clubs, and thesis-related research. The DG curriculum includes training in general concepts of developmental biology and the techniques and modes of inquiry of modern developmental genetics. Students in the DG track must fulfill the general requirements of the Sackler Institute or Department of Biology and the specific requirements of the DG track.

General requirements
General requirements of the Sackler Institute and the Department of Biology are similar and include the completion of 72 graduate credits, of which at least 36 must be in course work with additional credits coming from research, special topics courses and seminars, the successful completion of a preliminary examination(s) and University acceptance of a dissertation.

Specific requirements of the DG track
In the first year, students follow the normal requirements of their program (i.e. core requirements in biochemistry, genetics and cell biology) and the Foundations course. Laboratory rotations are also completed during the first year. In the Fall term of the second year, students will take the upper-level genetics course. Preliminary exams are taken at the end of the second year.