Genetics and Genomics Program Description

Introduction

The last several years have seen tremendous advances both in terms of our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying biological functions and in the genetic approaches and technologies that are now available in the laboratory to investigate these functions. While classical methods are still central to genetic studies, newer approaches, particularly in the realm of genomics, have also been developed and are now widely-used, opening up entire new areas of research. As these advances have occurred, they have led to expansion of the number of laboratories at HMS and our affiliated hospitals that pursue rigorous genetic studies. Labs at HMS now study genetics in a wide range of fields using state of the art technologies, including host-pathogen interactions, development, gene expression, chromosome segregation, chromatin function, cell division, systems and networks, population genetics, human diseases, and more. In turn, this expansion has led to an increase in the number of graduate students who are interested in training in the fields of genetics and genomics.

In order to more formally provide this training and to solidify a research community around the fields of genetics and genomics, we are pleased to announce the formation of a graduate training program in Genetics and Genomics within the BBS program. The program in Genetics and Genomics will fall under the administrative auspices of the BBS program and will begin programmatic activities in the Fall 2009 semester.

The goal of the program in Genetics and Genomics is to provide graduate students a cohesive experience towards gaining a broad and deep understanding of genetics and genomics, including a rigorous curriculum, programmatic activities, and dissertation research. Students who are interested in pursuing coursework and dissertation research in genetics and genomics, and who would like to be part of a community of like-minded graduate students, fellows, and faculty are encouraged to consider involvement in this program.

How to apply

There is no separate application process for the program in Genetics and Genomics. Students interested in the program should apply to the BBS program and indicate their interest in Genetics and Genomics on their BBS application. Entering BBS students who expressed their interest in Genetics and Genomics will be assigned an appropriate first-year advisor who will encourage them to pursue the recommended curriculum and programmatic activities.

Any BBS student interested in the fields of genetics and genomics may become a member of the program; there is no formalized application process prior to arrival at graduate school. Any current students interested in participating in the program should contact the program director, Fred Winston, at winston@genetics.med.harvard.edu.

Because Genetics and Genomics is a program within BBS, there are no restrictions or requirements in selecting a program-affiliated dissertation lab. Students in labs not affiliated with Genetics and Genomics will still be able to participate in the Genetics and Genomics curriculum and certain programmatic activities.

Curriculum

Students are encouraged to take all BBS core courses necessary to provide a broad foundation in genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry. In addition to the BBS requirement of Micro 230, students are also required to take Genetics 201. For those students with an exceptionally strong background in genetics, an exemption for this requirement may be obtained after conferring with the Program director. Students will also be required to take one course in statistics/quantitative biology, and at least two advanced seminar courses in genetics.

Link for course listings and sample course plan

Rotations and Dissertation Lab

Students should follow regular BBS guidelines when selecting rotations and dissertation labs. There are no restrictions or requirements to choose a program-affiliated dissertation lab.

Teaching

All BBS students are required to participate for one semester as an unpaid teaching assistant. Students in the program in Genetics and Genomics will be required to serve as a teaching assistant for either Genetics 201 or Genetics 202.

Programmatic Activities

The program in Genetics and Genomics will commence with the launch of our first annual Fall Genetics Symposium to be held on Monday, December 14 starting at 1:00pm in the NRB Rotunda Room. Our invited speakers are prominent geneticists who are also alumni of HMS: Terry Orr-Weaver, Lenny Guarente, and David Bartel. Additional programmatic activities, such as a student-hosted seminar series and monthly data clubs, will be added as we recruit a critical mass of students into the program.

Contact Us

For more information or questions about the program, please contact the program Director, Fred Winston, at winston@genetics.med.harvard.edu.