About The Program - Graduate Program - BCM Department of Molecular and Human Genetics

About The Program

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Demographics

Current students = 77
33% male
67% female

52% domestic
48% international

8% MD/PhD

Gad Shaulsky, Ph.D. with graduate students.

The Graduate Program in Molecular and Human Genetics provides outstanding educational opportunities for students who wish to pursue a career in research, education, and service in this field. Students in the program obtain rigorous training in modern biology with a special emphasis on genetics. They also participate in cutting edge research on a variety of topics and publish their work in some of the best peer-reviewed journals in the world. The unique environment of a large medical center provides students with an opportunity to obtain education and practical experience in both basic and applied research.

The program in Molecular and Human Genetics requires a full-time commitment to graduate studies and research. In order to encourage our students to fulfill their potential and to excel in their work, we provide one of the most competitive stipends in the country. Students enrolled in 2008-2009 will receive $26,000 per year. We also cover the cost of tuition, medical insurance, and after-hours parking fees for all of our students. Students who obtain funding through personal fellowships receive an additional bonus from the Dean of the Graduate School.

The requirements for graduation include the successful completion of 30 credit hours of required courses and electives, the successful completion of the Qualifying Examination, the conduct of an original research project, and the submission and defense of a doctoral dissertation.

Graduate students in Dr. Beaudet's Laboratory.

For the didactic phase of graduate training, students participate in a set of core courses developed as a joint graduate school effort during the first three terms. Through these courses the students obtain a broad, coherent background in basic aspects of genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology. This material is supplemented with journal clubs and more advanced courses in molecular and classical genetics and modern applications, including genomics and gene therapy during the later terms. Click here for a example of a typical program in Molecular and Human Genetics.

Further information about many of these courses can be found at: http://www.bcm.edu/gradschool/currschedule.html.

Students may also take relevant elective courses offered by other programs at Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University, The University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston, or the University of Houston at any time during their graduate school tenure.

The concentration of the course work in the first year enables the student to progress relatively rapidly to full-time laboratory research efforts. During the first year students also participate in a minimum of four laboratory rotations. Through these rotations, students obtain valuable hands-on experience in laboratory techniques and become acquainted with a variety of research topics before selecting a major thesis advisor. The research interests of the Department span a very broad range. We are studying the basic principles of DNA replication and repair, DNA recombination, cell cycle control, aging, differentiation, and development in a variety of model organisms from E. coli through yeast and Dictyostelium to flies and mice. Studies in model organisms are tightly integrated with studies on the genetic basis of the human condition. We have an extensive program that addresses a variety of genetic diseases. Students who participate in the program can obtain experience in both the basic and the applied aspects of the research. Detailed information and additional topics are provided in the Faculty research pages.

In the first term of the second year of study, the students write a detailed research proposal on a topic of their choice. They defend the proposal to a qualifying examination committee composed of faculty from the department. Upon successful completion of the examination and course work, the student is admitted to candidacy to pursue a thesis research project under the direction of the major advisor and a thesis advisory committee. Following admission to candidacy, students receive a $1,000 travel grant from the department to initiate their participation in national meetings. Students are strongly encouraged to publish their work in international, peer-reviewed journals and to participate in national and international meetings. Publications by our students are often in the top ranked journals in the world, and many of our students have been the recipients of prestigious awards for their work. The final step to completion of the Ph.D. is the preparation of a thesis and presentation of the thesis research work at a formal seminar, followed by a dissertation defense to the thesis committee.

Throughout the tenure of the graduate students at Baylor College of Medicine, attendance at departmental seminars and journal clubs is strongly encouraged. Several excellent seminar programs exist in the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, as well as in the other departments. The department also sponsors an annual two-day research retreat where faculty, students, and postdoctoral trainees present and discuss their research in an informal interactive atmosphere.